Edi Cutting Reserve
Edi Cutting Reserve is a beautiful riverside recreation and camping area beside the King River in Victoria's King Valley, approximately 37 km south of Wangaratta.
The reserve stretches for approximately 2 km along the river, with extensive grassy camping areas, magnificent gum trees, swimming spots, fishing opportunities and picturesque views of the surrounding bushland.
It is particularly popular with families looking for somewhere to swim, paddle, picnic or spend a few days camping beside the water.
One of the major attractions is that both camping and day visits are FREE, with no advance bookings required.
Swimming in the King River:
The King River is the main attraction at Edi Cutting Reserve, with clear water flowing over a rocky riverbed and several accessible stretches suitable for swimming and paddling when conditions are safe.
The river passes through shady bushland, with grassy areas and rocky banks providing places to relax beside the water.
Some sections are relatively shallow, making them attractive for paddling and cooling off during hot weather.
There is also a popular river beach area that has been retained for public day use.
However, the King River is a natural waterway with changing depths, currents, submerged rocks and slippery surfaces.
Swimming is not supervised by lifesavers, and the water can become dangerous following heavy rainfall or when river levels rise.
Families should inspect the water carefully before entering, avoid fast-flowing sections and supervise children closely.
Water shoes can be useful because the riverbed contains rocks and stones.
Free Riverside Camping:
Edi Cutting Reserve is a large, informal bush camping area extending for approximately 2 km along the King River.
The camping areas are shaded by tall gum trees, with grassy clearings providing space for tents, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes.
There are drive-through camping areas and several places where visitors can camp reasonably close to the river.
The reserve is divided into sections, with unsealed access tracks connecting the camping areas.
Camping is free, and sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Advance bookings are not available.
The reserve is particularly popular during summer, Easter and long weekends, when the most desirable riverside sites can fill quickly.
Visitors planning to camp during busy periods should arrive early and have an alternative location in mind if the reserve is full.
This is basic bush camping rather than a fully serviced caravan park.
There are no powered sites, showers, rubbish bins or drinking water facilities.
Campers need to bring their own drinking water, camping equipment and supplies, and take all rubbish home.
Camping and Day Visitor Areas:
Forest Fire Management Victoria introduced changes to the reserve in 2025 to improve safety and protect public access.
Large boulders were installed along parts of the access track to prevent vehicles from occupying track shoulders and some sections of the river frontage.
The changes were designed to keep vehicle access clear, protect the King River environment and ensure day visitors can continue to use the popular swimming beach.
Visitors should use designated camping and parking areas, respect any barriers and follow the information displayed on signs throughout the reserve.
Do not drive around boulders or set up camp in areas reserved for day visitors.
These arrangements help ensure that families visiting for a picnic or swim can enjoy the river even when the campground is busy.
Fishing:
The King River is popular with recreational anglers, with opportunities to fish from the riverbank at suitable locations throughout Edi Cutting Reserve.
Trout are among the fish found in this part of the King River.
The river has a mixture of shallow rocky stretches and deeper sections, providing different fishing opportunities depending on water levels and seasonal conditions.
Some riverbanks have relatively easy access, while other sections are steep, rocky or slippery.
Visitors should choose a safe fishing location and supervise children near the water.
Victorian recreational fishing licence requirements, seasonal closures and bag limits apply.
For current regulations, see Victorian Recreational Fishing Information.
Kayaking and River Activities:
The King River also provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and other non-motorised water activities when conditions are suitable.
The river winds through attractive bushland, with clear water, rocky sections and views of the surrounding countryside.
However, parts of the river have shallow water, rocks, submerged timber and flowing currents.
Water levels can change substantially following rainfall.
Visitors should assess conditions carefully before launching, use appropriate safety equipment and avoid sections beyond their paddling experience.
The reserve is also an attractive place for birdwatching, photography and short walks along the riverbanks and camping areas.
Picnics and Day Visits:
Visitors do not need to camp overnight to enjoy Edi Cutting Reserve.
The grassy river flats, shady gum trees and attractive riverside setting make it a lovely destination for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
Families can bring chairs, picnic rugs and refreshments and find a suitable place to sit beside the river.
There is plenty of space to enjoy the surroundings, although popular areas can become crowded during holidays.
The designated day-use area provides access to the popular river beach without requiring visitors to occupy a campsite.
There are no shops or cafés within the reserve, so bring food, drinks and other supplies.
Campfires:
Several established fire pits are provided within the camping areas.
Campfires are subject to Victorian state forest regulations, seasonal restrictions and any additional local rules displayed on signs.
Campfires must not be lit on Total Fire Ban days.
When fires are permitted, visitors should use an appropriate fireplace, keep fires small and under constant supervision, and extinguish them completely with water before leaving or going to sleep.
Campers should bring suitable firewood rather than collecting timber from the surrounding forest.
For current regulations, see Campfires, Stoves and BBQs in Victoria.
Facilities:
- Approximately 2 km of King River frontage
- Several natural swimming and paddling locations
- Popular river beach area for day visitors
- Free bush camping
- Grassy camping areas beneath large gum trees
- Sites suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes
- Drive-through camping areas
- Two pit toilets, one at each end of the reserve
- Established fire pits
- Picnic and day-use areas
- Car parking
- Fishing opportunities
- Kayaking and canoeing opportunities when river conditions are suitable
- Birdwatching and wildlife viewing
- No drinking water
- No showers
- No powered campsites
- No rubbish bins
Getting There:
Edi Cutting Reserve is located on Wangaratta-Whitfield Road at Edi, approximately 37 km south of Wangaratta.
From Wangaratta, follow the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road south through Moyhu towards Whitfield.
The camping area is accessed by unsealed tracks leading from the main road towards the King River.
There are multiple access points along the reserve, so visitors should look for the appropriate entrance and follow any directional signs.
The main road is suitable for conventional vehicles, but conditions on the unsealed camping tracks can vary.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles can access the reserve in suitable conditions, although some sections may become slippery or unsuitable after heavy rain.
Large vehicles and caravans should take care when entering and manoeuvring through the camping areas.
Some riverside areas are protected by boulders and are no longer accessible by vehicle.
Important Information:
- Camping is free and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Advance campsite bookings are not available.
- Bring sufficient drinking water, as there is no potable water supply.
- Take all rubbish home because bins are not provided.
- Use the pit toilets provided and do not empty chemical toilets into them.
- Swimming is unpatrolled, and river currents, depths and water quality can change.
- Watch children closely around the river.
- Wear suitable footwear around slippery rocks.
- Keep camping equipment and vehicles out of designated day-use areas and access tracks.
- Check local signage for pet access conditions and keep dogs under control.
- Check fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban declarations before lighting a campfire.
- Be aware of falling branches when camping beneath large trees, especially during windy weather.
- Avoid camping in flood-prone areas when heavy rainfall or rising river levels are forecast.
- Check weather conditions, fire danger and access restrictions before travelling.
Opening Hours:
Visitor Information and Access
Cost:
Camping and Visitor Information
Review:
Edi Cutting Reserve is an appealing destination for families wanting to enjoy the beautiful King River in a natural bushland setting.
The combination of shady grassy areas, clear river water and extensive camping opportunities makes it suitable for both day visits and longer camping trips.
The swimming and paddling opportunities are a major attraction, particularly during warmer weather when families are looking for somewhere to cool off.
Another highlight is the large camping area, which provides plenty of room for tents, caravans and camper trailers without the expense of a commercial campground.
The tall gum trees create an attractive environment, while the nearby river provides opportunities for fishing and simply relaxing beside the water.
The designated day-use area is an important feature because it ensures visitors can still access the popular river beach without staying overnight.
The main limitations are the basic facilities, the lack of drinking water and showers, and the potential for large crowds during summer and holiday periods.
Families also need to be cautious around the river because swimming is unsupervised and water conditions can change quickly.
For visitors exploring the King Valley, Edi Cutting Reserve is an excellent place to combine a picnic, a swim and a relaxing day beside the King River, or enjoy a free bush camping holiday surrounded by the scenery of North East Victoria.
Location
3741 Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, Edi 3678 View Map
