Victoria - Australia 2004 - page 583

National Park, which has some gorgeous river plains, Murray River lakes, pine
forests, and more mallee scrub. The Mungo trip leaves every Wednesday and Sat-
urday, and the Hattah National Park trip every Friday. All trips cost A$55 (US$36)
for adults, A$33 (US$21) for children, and A$132 (US$86) for a family of five.
You can get to these two national parks on your own, but it's best to have a
four-wheel-drive vehicle—even better if you go with an experienced guide.
Mungo National Park is a unique, arid region 110km (68 miles) northeast of
Mildura, off the Sturt Highway. People come here to see the Walls of China, a
moonscape of intricately weathered red sand. The walls edge onto Lake Mungo,
once a huge freshwater lake during the last Ice Age, now dry. A 60km (37-mile)
driving tour starting at the visitor center at the park's entrance takes you across
the lake bed to the Walls of China. There are several short walks leading off from
the campsites at the park entrance. Call the National Parks & Wildlife Service
NSW ( & 1300/361 967 in Australia) for more information on Mungo. Just
outside the park, the Mungo Lodge ( & 03/5029 7297; www.mungolodge.com.
au) offers affordable motel accommodations and a casual restaurant.
WHERE TO STAY
IN MILDURA
Mildura Grand Hotel This huge 19th-century hotel is right in the cen-
ter of Mildura, overlooking the Murray River. Double rooms are comfortable, and
many have been recently refurbished. Suites are bigger, and some have balconies
and garden views. State suites are plush and come with a king-size bed. The Pres-
idential suite (the most expensive) is Art Deco inspired, with a large marble bath-
room and Jacuzzi. This place is now very famous for Stefano's, the restaurant of
celeb chef Stefano di Pietri. Voted best restaurant in 2002, the place offers a set
menu of five to six courses for $66 (US$43), featuring the best local produce.
Seventh St., Mildura, VIC 3500. & 1800/034 228 in Australia, or 03/5023 0511. Fax [phone]. www.
milduragrand.com. 102 units. A$110-A$143 (US$72-US$93) grand room double; A$176-A$462
(US$114-US$300) suite. Rates include breakfast. Additional person A$22 (US$14). Ask about packages.
AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; large heated outdoor pool; golf course nearby; access to
nearby health club, Jacuzzi, sauna; 24-hr. concierge; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage;
laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; executive rooms. In room:A/C, TV w/pay movies, minibar,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
IN ECHUCA
Echuca Gardens B&B and YHA There are evening gatherings around the
piano at this popular two-story log cabin B&B, as well as a pretty neat Jacuzzi in
the front yard surrounded by murals and landscaped water gardens. Rooms are
decorated in native flower themes, and all have balconies. Two rooms have show-
ers in the bathroom, and another has a shower on the second floor. It's a short
stroll from the B&B to either the river or a state forest. The YHA has a basic twin
room inside and three tentlike cabins outside, one with a double bed and the
other with two singles. There are also three basic dorm rooms with beds going
for A$18 (US$12) for YHA members and A$22 (US$14) for nonmembers.
103 Mitchell St., Echuca, VIC 3564. & 03/5480 6522, or 0419 881 054 mobile. Fax [phone]. www.
echucagardens.com. 6 units (3 in B&B and 3 in hostel). B&B room A$150 (US$98) weekends, A$120 (US$78)
weekdays. Rates include breakfast. MC, V. Amenities: Jacuzzi; sauna; bike rental; tour desk; massage; coin-
operated laundry services; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, hair dryer.
IN ALBURY
Hume Country Golf Club Motor Inn This is a good place to stop if you're
making the trip north to Sydney. Just on the New South Wales side of the border,