Big Bend Boat Ramp, Swan Reach

Positioned around 6km south of Swan Reach or 17km north of Nildottie, access is via Old Loxton Road, located on Riverside Drive beside the campground of the same name, the Big Bend Boat Ramp provides direct access to the Murray River in a peaceful and scenic setting. The site features a single-lane concrete ramp that’s suitable for smaller boating trips, although care is needed when launching, as the surface can become slippery and there’s a noticeable drop-off at the end of the concrete. Taking it slow while reversing in is recommended.

There is a large, well-packed dirt area available for parking your vehicle. The area is also well known as a relaxed riverside camping spot, offering plenty of room to set up and unwind among the natural surroundings. The campground is quiet, secluded, and suitable for all vehicle types, making it popular with campers travelling in caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes.

Big Bend is an unpowered, self-contained camping area with a maximum stay of 48 hours. Facilities are minimal, with rubbish bins provided but no toilets or showers, so visitors should come prepared. The final stretch into the campground includes a few kilometres of slightly corrugated dirt road, best tackled at a steady pace.

The location is a favourite among anglers targeting Murray cod and yellowbelly, while the calm waters also make it ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Wildlife is part of the experience too, especially the local kookaburras, which are known for swooping in and stealing food if given the chance.

One of the standout features of Big Bend is its natural beauty. The riverfront setting, peaceful atmosphere, and clear night skies make it a fantastic place to relax and disconnect. A nearby cliff-top walking track offers sweeping views over the Murray, particularly at sunset when the limestone cliffs glow orange and reflect across the water.