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Good to know

Dogs allowed
No booking required
No fees payable
Fishing
Paddling
Suitable for 2WD vehicles
No toilets

There are no toilets available at this site. You must bury your waste and toilet paper in the ground into a 20 cm deep hole and more than 100 metres away from any waterways.

Gunbower Island can be subject to environmental watering during the months of August to November. During this period access to the island may be limited, however it's still a great time to visit the forest for bird-watching and canoeing.

Suitable for

Intermediate (some experience recommended)

About this site

Horse Shoe Lagoon is one of several campgrounds situated on the banks of Gunbower Creek in the Gunbower State Forest.

This natural retreat offer a range of outdoor activities, including birdwatching, camping, bushwalking and fishing. Paddling is a fantastic way to explore this area and there's a canoe launcher to make it easy to enter the water.

Gunbower State Forest is home to the second largest river red gum forest in Australia. It holds great significance to the Barapa Barapa people. The forest contains many cultural sites and has a rich post-settlement history.

An important ecosystem

This campground is located on Gunbower Island, a 26,400ha flood plain located between the banks of the Murray River and Gunbower Creek. This island is a Ramsar listed Wetland of International Importance and play a critical role in supporting the breeding of birds, mammals and amphibians.

To fish in the Murray River, a NSW freshwater recreation fishing licence is required. For waters south of the river, a Victorian recreational fishing licence is required.

Camping

Horse Shoe Lagoon offers family-friendly free camping. Set yourself up and explore the many natural, cultural and historic attractions in this area. You’ll find dispersed campsites in the area, suitable for large groups.

Picnicking

If you’re just passing through or planning a day trip, this is a serene spot to stop for a picnic. Make use of the BBQs and picnic tables provided.

Photo gallery

A view form above of a camp set up by a river surrounded by tall trees

- Horse Shoe Lagoon is part of the stunning wetland at Gunbower Creek

Two people camp by a river with a tent on the roof of their 4WD

- This is a great spot for riverside camping

How to get there

Page last updated: 31/07/24