Murray-Sunset National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file
• A look at the past
• Natural features and wildlife


Introduction

Declared in 1991, Victoria’s second-largest national park is a landscape of wide Mallee country, rolling sand dunes, magnificent river red gums and shimmering pink salt lakes. Tucked into the far north-west of the state, Murray–Sunset National Park is Victoria’s own outback, a land of magical desert sunsets and star-filled nights.

Fact file

Access

From Melbourne via Calder Hwy then Mallee Hwy and turn north at Linga (to Pink Lakes); 173 km south of Mildura (to Pink Lakes via Linga)

Best Season

Autumn to early summer

Location

550 km north-west of Melbourne; 10 km north of Linga

Park Information

PV 13 1963

Size

633 000 ha

Where to Stay

Mildura (03) 5021 4424
Ouyen (03) 5092 100

A look at the past

Shell middens, scarred trees and ancient hearths on Lindsay Island reveal a history of Aboriginal occupation over thousands of years. Pastoralists moved into the district in the mid-1800s and there are timeworn remains. The landscape has also been scarred by salt and gypsum mining.

Natural features and wildlife

A variety of stunted mallee eucalypts, salt-tolerant plants, grasslands and native pine are the main species, with shrubs and native orchids blooming in spring. The intriguing Pink Lakes are coloured by carotene, a red pigment secreted by an alga in the water. The highly saline water evaporates over summer leaving a crystallised surface, most markedly pink on an overcast day. Red kangaroos roam the scrub, while less visible is the mouse-sized planigale and the regent parrot (both endangered). Brilliant rainbow bee-eaters can often be seen darting for insects. Reptiles are common.


This content is from the publication:
Explore Australia’s National Parks
RRP $49.95
Buy now



Featured Activities in the National Park

• SEE the shimmering pale crimson hues of the Pink Lake saltpans
• VISIT in spring to see desert wildflowers in bloom
• ENJOY the star-filled skies of desert nights
• FISH for Murray cod from Lindsay Island

Introduction

Parts of this park are extremely isolated and summer conditions can be dangerous. Feral bees are a problem during dry, hot weather. Though a high-clearance 4WD is the most appropriate, 2WD vehicles can use some routes, including the Pink Lakes track from Linga. There is good fishing from Lindsay Island. There are short walks around the Pink Lakes area. Longer walks are for experienced, well-prepared walkers (advise the ranger beforehand and carry water, compass and topographic map). There are great opportunities to explore the park by 4WD, with tracks from Pink Lakes to Clay Lake, Honeymoon Hut Dam and Mount Crozier.

• Campsites

Campsites

The Shearers Quarters (hut accommodation)

This iron-hut hostel, originally built as sleeping quarters during the region’s pastoral days, has over a dozen bunks, cooking equipment, and that wilderness luxury – a hot shower. The Shearers Quarters can... Find out more

---

Cattleyards camping area

The Cattleyards camping area is situated at the intersection of Underbool and Grub tracks at the southern edge of Murray–Sunset National Park. You can also get here via Sunset Rd from Cowangie on the Mallee Hwy,... Find out more

---

Lake Becking camping area

Lake Becking is one of the captivating Pink Lakes. These dazzling salt lakes are a favourite of photographers visiting Murray–Sunset National Park, as are the wildflowers that break out in vivid colours here in the... Find out more

---

Lake Crosbie camping area

The national park’s main campground is on the southern shore of Lake Crosbie, the biggest of the 4 Pink Lakes that comprise one of the highlights of Murray–Sunset. The best way to see these colourful salt... Find out more

---

Large Tank camping area

Ten km west of Mt Crozier is Large Tank, a small bush camping site where you can admire the big open skies of north-western Victoria with few distractions. It’s accessed via Mt Crozier Track, a trip that involves... Find out more

---

Lindsay Island camping areas

Up in the park’s far north, near where the NSW and SA borders meet, is Lindsay Island. Its flood plains, fed by Murray River overflow waters carried here along numerous creeks, sustain diverse birdlife and a mammal... Find out more

---

Mopoke Hut camping area

Lying just off the Mopoke Track, which runs along the western edge of the Mt Cowra Wilderness Zone, is Mopoke Hut. It was originally built as grazier’s quarters and, like the Shearers Quarters located across the... Find out more

---

Mount Crozier camping area

There’s a fine view from atop Mt Crozier of the surrounding plains. The camping area sticks to the basics: toilets, a fireplace and picnic table. To get here, steer your 4WD or off-road camper trailer along the... Find out more

---

Pheenys Track camping area

This campground is located in the remote far west of the national park and is a good spot from which to watch the hues of the surrounding landscape deepen during one of the park’s famous desert sunsets. Needless to... Find out more

---

Rocket Lake camping area

Rocket Lake is a salt lake situated in the north-eastern corner of the national park. You can get here from Nowingi on the Calder Hwy via the Nowingi Line Track, which crosses the Raak Plain. Alternatively, take a look... Find out more

---

Wallpolla Island camping area (bush camping)

Overnight visitors to Wallpolla Island take advantage of the dispersed bush camping on offer to spread themselves out. You may see whistling kites on the hunt around the river. If you’re interested in fishing here,... Find out more

---

comments powered by Disqus