Thomspon's Beach is a popular spot. in Cobram. PIC: Visit Victoria
The small Victorian town of Cobram has many things going for it, but it is its location right on the Mighty Murray which most excites the majority of grey nomads.
The iconic river separates Cobram from its smaller New South Wales sister city, Barooga, and offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as providing a stunning backdrop for bushwalking. There are also many great camping opportunities along the river.
The small section of land between the town and the river has forest and wetland areas, and numerous unsealed tracks take visitors off from the town’s roads to beaches to the north of town.
The sandy beaches and towering river red gums which line the riverside make it simply a wonderful place to spend time relaxing.
Among the most popular nearby beaches are Thompson’s on the north-eastern edge of town, Dead River Beach, Big Tom’s and Little Tom’s Beaches, Scotts Beach, Horseshoe Lagoon and Twin Knobs Beach. On the way to Scott’s Beach is Quinn Island, a 40-hectare waterbird haven.
Extensive irrigation systems introduced after World War II facilitated the development of many fruit and dairy farms in the area and it is often referred to as ‘Peaches and Cream Country’. The Peaches & Cream Festival is held biennially around the Australia Day weekend in January.
Cobram boasts a population of about 6,000 and sits on the Murray Valley Highway about 250 kilometres north of Melbourne.
The bridge over the Mighty Murray at Cobram. PIC: Visit Victoria
Although small landowners started arriving here in the early 1870s, it was the arrival of the railway in 1888 which really triggered significant growth. Evidence of this booms period can be seen in the town’s many historical buildings.
These include the log cabin, a preserved settler house dating back to 1874 which was made from large box wood trees covered with a bark roof and with earthen floors. It was moved to its current location at Federation Park in 1977. The Masonic lodge was built in 1888, the Cobram Hotel in 1892, the station in 1907, and the courthouse in 1912. Another major landmark is the Cobram Bridge, a De Burgh truss lift bridge, which was built across the Murray in 1902.
The region is also littered with some excellent wineries which happily welcome visitors. Another popular attraction is the Big Strawberry, just 10 kilometres or so from Cobram at Koonoomoo.
Similarly, the Cactus Country attraction 13 kilometres west of town boasts 10 acres filled with 4,000 species of cacti and succulents, is well worth a visit. There’s also a cracking golf course, and anglers will relish the opportunity to fish for Murray cod, trout cod, golden perch and freshwater catfish.
As well as riverside camping, the area boasts an excellent collection of caravan parks, including the well-appointed RACV Cobram Resort which is just three kilometres or so from Scott’s Beach. And, with so much to do, it might pay to book in for a night or two … or more!
