Pepes Bridge picnic area is in the Moira Precinct of Murray Valley National Park. To get there from Mathoura:

• Follow the Cobb Highway south, then turn left onto Jones Street.
• Cross Poleys Bridge and continue along Picnic Point Road towards Picnic Point.
• Continue along until you come to the sign (on your left) to turn off right to Pepes Bridge picnic area.

Road quality

• Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

• 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

Weather restrictions

• Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Pepes Bridge picnic area. It’s a short walk to the picnic area.

• There is no drinking water at this picnic area, so you’ll need to bring your own.
• There are no toilets at the picnic area. The nearest toilets are at Reed Beds Bird Hide.

Picnic tables

There is a picnic table near Pepes Bridge.

Step-free access

There are step-free outdoor pathways that are a mixture of gravel and natural surface. There is a walking track from the picnic area to the old waterbird observatory, with wooden stairs up to the observatory.

• Step-free outdoor pathways

• Pepes Bridge picnic area factsheet
• Pepes Bridge picnic area map (1.8MB pdf)

Disability access level - hard

• To get to the picnic area you'll have to move across a rough surface with obstacles such as potholes, tree roots, and rocks. Wheelchair-users can access this area with assistance.
• Pepes Bridge is made of wooden planks. There are slopes on both sides of the bridge and the gradient is steeper than 1:14, making it hard for wheelchair-users to access.

• Moira Drive The scenic Moira drive takes you through the gorgeous river red gum forest around the mighty Murray River. Walk to the water bird observatory and stop for a picnic lunch.
• Murray River canoe trails These 4 canoe trails in Murray Valley National Park and Victoria’s Barmah National Park offer something for every paddler. Canoe the flowing Murray River, secluded creeks or Barmah Lake.
• Personalised birding tours around Deniliquin Keen birders will love these tailored outings by Australian Ornithological Services. They're a great way see rare and endemic birds, including plains wanderers, in the unique ecosystems near the outback town of Deniliquin.
• Reed Beds Bird Hide boardwalk It’s an easy walk along the boardwalk to Reed Beds Bird Hide, with fun things to do along the way. Listen to see how many different bird calls you can hear on the way.

• Moira Drive The scenic Moira drive takes you through the gorgeous river red gum forest around the mighty Murray River. Walk to the water bird observatory and stop for a picnic lunch.
• Personalised birding tours around Deniliquin Keen birders will love these tailored outings by Australian Ornithological Services. They're a great way see rare and endemic birds, including plains wanderers, in the unique ecosystems near the outback town of Deniliquin.

• Pepes Bridge picnic area Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch at Pepes Bridge picnic area in Murray Valley National Park, near Mathoura. While you’re there, take a walk over heritage-listed Pepes Bridge or to the southern edge of Reed Beds Swamp.

Animals

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  Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

  The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.

• 

  Eastern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis)

  Found across most of NSW, the eastern snake-necked turtle, also known as the eastern long-necked turtle, can be found in swamps, lakes and inland waterways. This freshwater turtle is carnivorous and lives most of its life submerged on the water’s edge, searching for worms and snails.

• 

  Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

  Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

• 

  Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

  One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.

Plants

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  River red gum (Eucalpytus camaldulensis)

  Australian native plants, majestic river red gum trees are widespread across Australian inland river systems. The river red gum is a dominant tree species of the Murray-Darling basin which spans NSW, Queensland and Victoria. This iconic native eucalypt grows to a height of 30m and is thought to have a lifespan up to 500-1000 years.