Things To Do In Tocumwal: Big Cod, Aviation Museum, Town Beach And Pubs

Where Tocumwal Is And How Long It Takes From Ulupna

Tocumwal is on the New South Wales side of the Murray River, in Berrigan Shire. Berrigan Shire Council places it about 270 km north of Melbourne, and Visit NSW describes it as a town surrounded by red gum forest, known for fishing, camping, gliding and slow days by the river. Unlike Cobram and Barooga, it has no twin town on the Victorian bank.

Ulupna is on the Victorian side, downstream, in Moira Shire. From Bob's River House, the listing gives these drive times:

That makes Tocumwal a half-day or full-day outing rather than a shop run. Strathmerton is the closer stop for bread and fuel, and Cobram (about 20 minutes) for a big supermarket. Choose Tocumwal for a town beach, a museum and a pub lunch in one trip.

The name has a story too. Visit Melbourne says it comes from an Aboriginal word, "Tocumival", meaning "deep hole", linked to a waterhole of significance to local Aboriginal people.

Drive times are from the Bob's River House listing and vary with traffic, roadworks and where in town you park.

What's On In Tocumwal: November 2026 To January 2027

Many websites still call the Tocumwal Foreshore Market "monthly". The 2026 and 2027 calendar published by Tocumwal Lifestyle and Tourism shows it now runs on selected long weekends, so check the dates below if a market is part of your plan.

When we checked Visit NSW's Tocumwal events page on 26 October 2026, it did not list Christmas carols or a New Year's Eve event for Tocumwal. Local groups often confirm these late, so ask the Tocumwal Visitor Information Centre (Shop 3, 2 Deniliquin Road, 0447 333 114) closer to the date.

Tocumwal Foreshore And The Big Murray Cod

Start at the foreshore. Berrigan Shire Council describes the Tocumwal Foreshore Park as running along the river on Deniliquin Road and Anzac Avenue, from the Newell Highway and Deniliquin Road intersection north to Murray Street and south to the boat ramp car park. It lists barbecues, picnic tables, a playground, a rotunda, shade, toilets, paved walking trails, phone charging pads and the splash park, with the boat ramp beside the park.

The Big Murray Cod

The town's famous photo stop sits in Tocumwal Foreshore Park on Deniliquin Road. Visit NSW calls it the "World's Biggest Codfish", says it was originally put up at the old swimming pool in 1968 and later moved to the foreshore, and notes that locals call it the "Big Fish". Visit Melbourne gives its length as seven metres. Visit NSW also shares the Aboriginal name for the Murray cod: Goodoo.

From the park you can see the old and new bridges between NSW and Victoria.

Ice cream with a river view

Tocumwal Ice Creamery, at 1-3 Deniliquin Street, sells ice cream, smoothies, shakes, sundaes, cold brew and acai, with garden seating looking over the Murray. Visit NSW notes it posts trading hours on Google, Facebook and Instagram, so check there before you promise the kids a cone.

Tocumwal Town Beach And Murray River Swimming Safety

Tocumwal Town Beach is the easiest river swim of the day trip. It is a sandy bend of the Murray a short walk from the foreshore, used for swimming, fishing, picnics and camping. Visit NSW says there are 24 riverside beaches close to town, and the council counts 25 beach sites for camping, so if Town Beach is busy there is plenty of sand nearby.

The Murray is a river, not a pool, and it changes with releases, weather and season. Royal Life Saving's Respect the River program lists the main risks as "currents and fast-flowing water" and "submerged objects such as rocks, and tree branches". Its advice is short and worth reading to the group in the car:

Royal Life Saving also reports that rivers and creeks account for 26% of drowning deaths in Australia and that alcohol was involved in 37% of river and creek drownings, which is why the "no drinks before a swim" rule is worth keeping on a hot pub day.

Council notes stand-up paddleboards and canoes can be hired near the foreshore. If you would rather paddle from home, the riverbank at Bob's River House and Labbets Beach, about a 5-minute walk away, are covered in our Murray River fishing and boating guide from Ulupna.

Tocumwal Splashpark: Free Water Play Until April

For families, the Tocumwal Splashpark is the easy win. Berrigan Shire Council says it runs "from October to April (and possibly longer dependent on demand)", open daily from 9am to 9pm "regardless of the weather", though it may close for maintenance. It is on the foreshore by Anzac Avenue, with the address given as Deniliquin Road.

The water starts when you press any of the three buttons around the pad and runs for a set time, so a quick press keeps it going. Visit NSW describes an interactive stream with irrigation gates for younger children and big water dumps and spray circles for older ones, and Visit the Murray says the park is themed on local aviation and agricultural history.

Next to the pad, council lists barbecues, picnic tables, a playground, shade, showers, change rooms and a solar-powered amenities block with six unisex toilets, an accessible toilet and a baby change room. Pack towels, hats, sunscreen and a picnic, and you have a full family morning with no entry fee listed.

We covered splash parks and other kid stops across the district in our Cobram kids activities guide, if your group wants more ideas for younger children.

Tocumwal Aviation Museum: Prices, Hours And What's Inside

The surprise of Tocumwal is in the sky. Berrigan Shire Council says the town was home to "the largest military aerodrome in the Southern Hemisphere during WW2", and the Tocumwal Aviation Museum tells that story at the Tocumwal Historic Aerodrome, 205 Burma Road. The museum's own site traces local aviation from the first aeroplane landing in September 1919 to the large aerodrome built in 1942.

What you will see

The 'Drome Lounge serves hot and cold drinks with house-made cakes and slices, which makes the museum a good mid-morning stop before lunch in town. Visit NSW notes the museum allows a person's carer free entry.

For the wider story of the airfield, the river port and the bridges, our Ulupna history guide covers Tocumwal's past alongside Cobram, Strathmerton and Yorta Yorta Country.

Is There A Tocumwal Airshow? Warbirds Over The Murray 2027

"Tocumwal airshow" is searched hundreds of times a month, so here is the short answer: there is no airshow at Tocumwal in the rest of 2026. The next one announced is Warbirds Over the Murray, a two-day warbird airshow at the Tocumwal Historic Aerodrome on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September 2027.

The event website says it is presented by Paul Bennet Airshows in partnership with the Tocumwal Aviation Museum, with warbirds, aerobatics and formation flying across the weekend. It also says one of the original 1942 hangars is still standing at the airfield.

The site says early-bird pricing ends on 31 May 2027 and that adult prices include the booking fee. One-day adult tickets are listed at $43.35 early bird or $60 at the gate. If a September 2027 trip appeals, plan ahead: the event website advises booking accommodation early because "a town this size fills up".

Gliding Over Tocumwal

Visit NSW calls Tocumwal "a renowned destination for gliding" and says scenic glider flights are offered by Sport Aviation (Sportavia) and the Tocumwal Soaring Centre, and describes the Tocumwal Soaring Centre as offering "Joy flights in gliders", training to fly solo, and gliders for hire for pilots from new solo flyers to competitive pilots. It calls Tocumwal "an excellent area for cross country flying".

We could not confirm current joy-flight prices or weight and age limits from the operators' own pages on 26 October 2026, so contact them directly before you plan the day around a flight. A few practical points:

The Blowhole And The Rocks: A Cultural Site To Visit Respectfully

The Tocumwal Blowhole is on Rocks Road, about 11 km north of Tocumwal, according to Visit NSW. It is a granite outcrop, and Visit NSW says it "is said to be an important site to the Ulupna and Bangarang Aboriginal people". The blowhole itself flows and bubbles only "when the Murray River is low".

This is not a coastal blowhole that shoots water into the air, so set expectations with children: most of the time you will see rocks, grassland and big sky. What makes it worth the short drive is the quiet and the sense of place. Visit as you would any cultural site: stay on formed paths, do not climb on or move rocks, take your rubbish with you and keep voices low.

Visit NSW notes the site suits people who can manage a few steps. With an extra 11 km each way from town, pair it with a morning drive before the heat, then come back to the foreshore for lunch.

Tocumwal Foreshore Markets: 2026 And 2027 Dates

Tocumwal Lifestyle and Tourism lists the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets on the riverbank "where New South Wales meets Victoria", from 8.30am to 1pm. Their published dates are:

That leaves a 63-day gap between the October and January markets, with nothing on the foreshore in November or December 2026. If you are staying in that window and want a market, the Cobram Lions Club Log Cabin Community Market is the closer alternative; Visit NSW lists it from 31 October through to 27 February. There is also a Tocumwal Lions Made, Baked and Grown Market held indoors at the Lions Function Rooms, 5 Adams Street, on several dates through 2026, but we could not find its next date, so check with the Lions Club first.

Market contact: market@tocumwallifestyle.com.au.

Tocumwal Pubs, Brewery And Restaurants

For a town its size, Tocumwal has a lot of places to eat and drink, and several are a short walk from the foreshore. Here is what each venue's own site or official tourism listing says, checked 26 October 2026.

Terminus Hotel

88 Deniliquin Road · 03 5874 2015

A classic country hotel with a "Classic 1908 Atmosphere", dining rooms, a bar and frequent live music. Its website lists opening hours of 11am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 11am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 10pm on Sunday, with lunch, dinner and breakfast menus. Website

Farmers Arms Hotel (Kellys)

58-60 Hennessy Street · 03 5809 0463

Built in 1890 on Hennessy Street near the Murray, the pub says it hosted thousands of American and Australian servicemen and women during the Second World War. It is known locally as Kellys, after the Kelly family's 60-year link with the venue, and its bistro is Kellys Bistro. Listed hours are 7 days, 11am till late. Website

Tocumwal Brewing Co.

31-35 Murray Street · 0425 735 535

A microbrewery and taproom in a converted mechanics garage, a few steps from the river, with a beer garden. Visit the Murray says it brews small-batch beer onsite with local grain and hops, pours local wines and spirits, and hosts food trucks, smokers and vendors in the beer garden. Opening hours are not listed on the tourism pages, so check its social media before you go.

Club Tocumwal

Barooga Road · 03 5874 9111

The golf and bowls club's bistro is open seven days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a kids' menu, a new indoor playroom, and Café 37 open daily. The club also runs a courtesy bus. It has 36 holes across its North and South courses; golfers will find more in our Cobram Barooga golf weekend guide. Website

The Old Bank Tocumwal

2 Murray Street · (03) 5874 3291

A cafe and restaurant in a restored historic bank building, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visit NSW lists pizza, pasta, steaks, curries, cafe favourites and coffee, with indoor and outdoor dining.

The Bend Restaurant

Shop 1, 1 Deniliquin Road

A riverside restaurant with Murray River views and a menu built on local produce, according to Visit NSW. Good for a dinner with a river view.

The town also has the Tocumwal Hotel Motel (The Palms). Hours and menus change, especially around public holidays, so confirm with each venue before driving over with a big group.

Museums, Chocolate And Walks: Railway, Chrysties And The WAAAF Creek Walk

Tocumwal Railway Heritage Museum

In the historic railway station on Tuppal Road, the museum covers the "two-state railway development of this break-of-gauge town" across three areas of the station, according to Visit NSW. It is a Lions Club of Tocumwal and District project. Opening hours are not listed, so ring 0417 868 498 before you go.

Chrysties Classics and Collectibles Museum

At 139 Thorburns Road, this private collection is spread over 1.8 hectares: classic cars, trucks, caravans, tractors, farm equipment and an old logging truck, according to Visit NSW. Contact 0427 791 202 to check it is open on your day.

Tocumwal Chocolate School

At 5 La Belle Court beside Whites Lagoon, the school was founded by chocolatier Wendy Alford. Visit NSW lists beginner tempering, chocolate bonbon making and one-day immersive workshops, plus seasonal pop-up classes. Classes are small, so book ahead (0425 780 392).

National Memorial WAAAF Creek Walk

Starting at Hennessy Street, this creekside walk has interpretive signs honouring the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force, with an art installation at the trailhead. Visit NSW lists step-free outdoor paths, so it suits prams and wheelchairs. It makes a good short leg-stretch between lunch and the drive home, best done early or late on a hot day.

Murray Cod Season At Tocumwal: What Opens On 1 December

Two NSW rules shape fishing at Tocumwal this spring and summer. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's closures summary says Murray cod are closed in all waters from 1 September to 30 November (except Blowering and Copeton dams). It also says all fishing is prohibited in the Murray River and its tributaries between Yarrawonga Weir and the Tocumwal Road Bridge from September to November, to protect breeding trout cod.

That means the stretch upstream of the Tocumwal Road Bridge is closed to all fishing until the end of November, and Murray cod become fair game again from Tuesday 1 December 2026. The Murray is NSW water, and the Victorian Fisheries Authority puts it plainly: "A NSW fishing licence is required when fishing in the river, even if the angler is standing on the Victorian bank." Size and bag limits apply, so check the NSW DPIRD rules before you keep a fish.

Our Murray River fishing and boating guide covers licences, ramps and spots close to Ulupna in detail, so this guide keeps to the Tocumwal dates.

Strawberry Fields Weekend: What It Means For A Day Trip

The Strawberry Fields Festival runs from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November 2026 at 467 Tuppal Road, Tocumwal, according to the NSW Government's events listing, with music, art, workshops and wellness sessions in bushland by the Murray. Sessions are listed from 12pm each day.

Even if you are not going, expect a busier town that weekend, more traffic around Tuppal Road (also home to the railway museum) and fuller pubs. For a quiet Tocumwal day, pick the weekends either side, or book lunch ahead.

Why Bob's River House Suits A Tocumwal Day Trip

Tocumwal is a great day out, but the evenings are better back on your own stretch of river. Bob's River House has absolute Murray River frontage with direct river access on about 6.5 hectares at Ulupna, so after a hot day in town you can be sitting on a river-facing verandah within half an hour of leaving the pub.

The listing shows why it works for a big group heading to Tocumwal. It sleeps 14 across a main house and a separate unit, with 4 bedrooms, 7 beds and 3 bathrooms. There is parking for up to 12 cars, which matters when half the group goes to the museum and the other half goes gliding or to the golf club. The main house has a 9kW split system and the unit a 7kW split system for heating and cooling, which helps on hot summer afternoons.

Outside, the BBQ sits in the outdoor entertaining area, there is waterside picnic table seating for 8 and fire pit seating for 14, and a decent amount of firewood is included. Labbets Beach is about a 5-minute walk (roughly 500m) for a sunset swim. Check CFA fire restrictions before lighting the fire pit, because summer brings Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban days.

How A Group Of 14 Can Split A Tocumwal Day

Big groups rarely want the same day. The advantage of a house with a main home and a separate unit is that everyone can set their own pace and still meet for dinner. Here is how a group of 14 might split it:

With the main house kitchen (oven, cooktop, microwave, fridge, freezer and coffee machine) and a second dining area for 4 in the unit, it is easy to have one group cook while the others are still out. Linen and towels are supplied, and both the main house and the unit have their own laundry, which helps after a day of river swims.

A One-Day Tocumwal Itinerary From Ulupna

8.00am: Leave Bob's River House

Grab bread and coffee at Strathmerton (about 12 minutes) on the way, then continue to Tocumwal. If you want to see the Blowhole and the Rocks, go there first, about 11 km north of town, before the day heats up.

10.00am: Tocumwal Aviation Museum

Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the gallery, hangar, cinema and memorial hall, with morning tea in the 'Drome Lounge.

11.45am: The foreshore

The Big Murray Cod, the bridges view, the playground and the splash park for the kids.

12.30pm: Lunch

Choose a pub (Terminus or Farmers Arms), The Old Bank or the brewery's beer garden. Book ahead for a group.

2.30pm: Town Beach

A swim or paddle once lunch has settled. No alcohol before swimming, and keep children close.

4.00pm: WAAAF Creek Walk and ice cream

A short walk with the interpretive signs, then an ice cream on the river before the drive home.

5.00pm: Back at the river house

Fire up the BBQ, set the waterside table for 8 and settle in by the fire pit if conditions allow.

Tocumwal Day Trip Checklist

Plan Your Stay Near Tocumwal

If a Tocumwal day trip is on your summer list, check dates and book Bob's River House direct for a riverfront base that sleeps 14 at Ulupna. You can browse every WTP home at WTP Holiday Homes, and find more local ideas, from Barmah National Park to the Cobram kids' spots, in our Ulupna guides, including the Barmah National Park guide.

Sources checked 26 October 2026: Tocumwal Aviation Museum (tocumwalaviationmuseum.com.au); Berrigan Shire Council (Discover Tocumwal, Tocumwal Foreshore, Tocumwal Splashpark); Tocumwal Lifestyle and Tourism Foreshore Markets page; Visit NSW Tocumwal pages; Visit the Murray; Visit Melbourne; NSW Government events listing for Strawberry Fields; Warbirds Over the Murray; NSW DPIRD freshwater closures summary; Royal Life Saving Respect the River; Terminus Hotel, Farmers Arms Hotel and Club Tocumwal websites; Bureau of Meteorology climate statistics for Tocumwal Airport, 1970 to 2022. Prices, hours and dates can change, so confirm with each operator before you go. This guide is general information only.