A farming service town on the northern bank of the Murray River. Its location has made it an increasingly popular tourist destination of late.

Where is it?: Riverina. Tocumwal is 694 km south-west of Sydney via the Hume, Sturt and Newell Highways; 112 m above sea-level.

Events: Tocumwal Foreshore Market is held once a month at the Foreshore Park.

Things To See and Do

According to Aboriginal legend a giant Murray Cod lived in the waterhole, and was prone to eat young children who fell in, hence the giant fibreglass Murray cod in the town square at Tocumwal. Furthermore it is said that a young boy, who presumably escaped the clutches of the rapacious cod, was chased into the crevice and emerged in the Murray where the old bridge now stands. Both legends point to an underground stream connecting the two. Whether this is true or not water has been known to flow from the Blowhole in times of drought.

The River Foreshore Park by the Newell Highway in the centre of town is a fine spot for swimming, fishing and boating. The sandy town beach is one of 24 along the Murray where river red gums provide a pleasant backdrop. The area is well suited to those interested in camping, canoeing, waterskiing, swimming, river cruises, fishing, horseriding, four-wheel drive trips, bushwalking and golfing. Downstream from Tocumwal is Ulupna Island Flora and Fauna Reserve, home to koalas, kangaroos and birdlife.


Tocumwal bridge: The bridge over the Murray River at Tocumwal was opened in 1895 and was constructed by the NSW Public Works Department. It has three spans, the centre one having an opening lift span for navigation. Initially provided for road traffic only, in 1908 it was strengthened for rail traffic, and was used for both road and rail traffic until 1987. A concrete road bridge was provided for road traffic a short distance upstream, with the old bridge used for rail only since that time. The last lift of the opening span for river traffic was in 1933. The mechanism to open the bridge was removed in September 1977.