Good to know
- Walk-in only (1 km)
- No facilities available
- Portable toilet required
- Campfires not permitted
- No dogs allowed
- Mobile phone coverage is available
Activities
- Dispersed camping
- Day recreation
- Walking
- Birdwatching
Camping area description
The Richardson River - Marnoo West Camping area 1 provides walk-in camping and day recreation on the banks of the Richardson River, approximately 4.5 km south-east of Marnoo West, with pedestrian access along the banks of the river off Donald-Stawell Road (refer to the map below).
The camping area is mostly flat with limited access to the river. It is important that campers take care to use the map and instructions below to safely access the area and avoid trespassing on private property.
Camping is only permitted in the designated area on this frontage (see map below). Visitors may use other areas of Crown water frontage for recreational activities other than camping such as fishing, walking, and picnicking.
Safety
Crown water frontages are rough and rugged bush camp areas. Before you go, it is important to consider all potential risks and hazards when accessing and camping at this location. Campers are responsible for their own safety and the safety of those in their care.
Tree hazard
- Trees and limbs may fall unexpectedly. Avoid camping under trees.
- Stormy and windy weather increases the risk that trees and limbs may fall.
Livestock
- This site may be part of a working farm
- Cattle may be present on this water frontage and access the river.
- If cattle approach you, avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
- Farm animals are not pets. They can be large and unpredictable and should not be approached.
- Store your food in a secure container to avoid attracting livestock and other animals.
- Leave all gates as you find them.
Water and flood safety
- Play it safe by the water.
- Hidden dangers may include submerged objects and debris and strong currents. A storm well upstream from you could cause flash flooding.
- Check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and flood warnings, or visit Play it Safe by the Water for more information.
Bushfires
- Be aware of dangerous weather and bushfire conditions.
- Check VicEmergency for information about current fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans.
Other risks that may be present include dangerous terrain, animals and adjoining farming operations.
How to get there
- Marnoo West is located 35km north of Stawell
- Access to the camping area is located 4.5km south east of Marnoo West.
- From Marnoo West travel south along soldiers road
- Turn east onto Donald-Stawell Road
- Parking may be limited on Donald Stawell road just west of the Richardson River bridge
- Enter Crown land on the banks of the Richardson River adjacent to the bridge
- Walk 1 kilometre to the camping area, along the river banks
Get directions to the camping area access point
Map - camping area
Resources
- Camping on licensed Crown river frontage (PDF, 174.0 KB)
- Guide to site assessments - Camping on licensed Crown river frontage (PDF, 155.4 KB)
- Crown water frontage: A guide to public access and recreational use (PDF, 200.0 KB)
- Land (Regulated Watercourse Land) Regulations 2021
Further information
- Water frontage licensing
- Summer safety information
- MapshareVic - licensed and unlicensed Crown water frontages and access points can be explored here using the 'Public Land' theme
Page last updated: 09/11/22