Casuarina Sands
Naked flames are banned across all Parks and Conservation Service managed estate (excluding Cotter Campground) until the end of March 2020. View the map of affected areas (PDF 540KB).
About
Casuarina Sands, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River is an ideal location for picnics, river swimming and fishing or to launch your kayak or canoe. It has shady riverside beaches, a playground, free barbecues and toilet facilities. It is also a popular fishing destination and you'll often see fisherman walking along the river to try their luck. With 360 degree views of the surrounding hills, Casuarina Sands is perfect to take in the best of the Cotter Precinct.
Casuarina Sands is the beginning of the 27 kilometre Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. You can walk this entire track, and from Kambah Pool south to Point Hut Crossing it is also mountain bike friendly.
No bins are provided - please take your rubbish home with you.
No dogs allowed.
For dog friendly recreation along the Murrumbidgee River you can go to Uriarra Crossing, Murrays Corner or Point Hut Crossing.
Located close by:
- Cotter Campground
- Grasstree Lookout
Map
This map shows the location of Cotter Catchment Lookout, Cotter Avenue, Cotter Bend, Cotter Campground, Cotter Caves, Moores Hill, Grasstree Lookout and Casuarina Sands.
Note: If you have difficulty accessing the information in this map please contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Facilities and activities
- Wheelchair access
- Toilets
- Electric barbecues
- Playground
- Shelter
- Drinking water
- Picnic tables
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Canoe entry point
- Walking trail
Walking trails
Murrumbidgee Discovery Track
The 27 kilometre Murrumbidgee Discovery Track makes it possible to walk the length of the river between Point Hut Crossing in the south, pass through Pine Island and Kambah Pool and finish up at Casuarina Sands to the north. Whether you explore just a small section of the track or walk its entire length, you'll discover many animals plus large areas of natural riverine and gorge vegetation, including several rare plant species. Magnificent rock formations, gorges and cascading waters welcome everyone from casual swimmers to hardened trekkers.
Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool
Distance: 14km one-way
Time suggested: 8 hours
Difficulty: hard
This section of the track begins at the western end of the Casuarina Sands car park where it hugs the river and passes river oaks, red stringy barks and scribbly gums on the drier slopes. Sometimes moving away from the river across open grazing country, the track climbs high above the river as it nears Kambah Pool. There are great views of the river and surrounding countryside all the way. The distance and relative difficulty makes this walk suitable only as a one-way excursion, so plan transport at both ends.
Directions
Casuarina Sands is located off Cotter Road, 25 minutes west of Canberra city centre.
Please remember the following
- There are no bins provided, please take your rubbish home and recycle.
- Bring your firewood with you. Collection of standing or fallen timber from all public lands, including roadsides, is illegal and environmentally damaging, as it removes important habitat.
- Be aware that phone reception is not reliable throughout the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. Do not depend on your phone for safety or directions
- Please check the water quality conditions before you go swimming
More information and feedback
For more information or to provide feedback, contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or complete an online feedback form.