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.

View larger map

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.