⚠️ Cave warning: Punyelroo Cave entrance is worth visiting from the water, but exploration beyond the first section is not advised without caving experience and equipment. The cave narrows significantly and extends approximately 3 km.
📌 GPS Waypoints
Launch
Punyelroo Boat Ramp
34.6038 S 139.6032 E
Point A
Punyelroo Cave
34.5943 S 139.6112 E
Point B
Swan Reach
34.5730 S 139.5940 E
Point C
Big Bend
34.6463 S 139.6233 E
🛥 Route Summary
- Loop 1 — Cave & Swan Reach (~8 km): Enter Punyelroo Lagoon (opposite Caravan Park). Upstream to Point A — Punyelroo Cave (34.5943 S; 139.6112 E), then to Point B — Swan Reach (34.5730 S; 139.5940 E). Town is 400 m walk — hotel and store available. Return downstream to launch.
- Loop 2 — Big Bend (~10–12 km): From launch, paddle downstream to Point C — Big Bend (34.6463 S; 139.6233 E) — the tallest cliffs on the Murray River. Return upstream to launch.
⚠️ Key Cautions
- Punyelroo Cave: View the entrance only. Do not explore beyond the first section without caving experience and proper equipment. Cave extends ~3 km and narrows significantly.
- Weather: Always check BOM Swan Reach before launching. Summers are very hot — carry ample water, start early.
- Parking: Limited at the public boat ramp. Punyelroo Caravan Park has facilities and an additional ramp.