Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the southern park entrance near Yaapeet leads to the visitor centre at
Wonga Campground
(camp sites $25.20)
with pit toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces.
Casuarina Campground
(sites free)
,
in the north, is reached via a gravel road off the Patchewollock-Baring Rd.
To the west, along the South Australian border, is the
Big Desert Wilderness Park
, which has
no roads, facilities or water. Walking and camping are permitted but only for the experien-
ced and totally self-sufficient.
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Murray-Sunset
National Park
If you've packed your hat and filled your water bottle, you're ready to enjoy the stunning
6330 sq km of mallee woodland in the Murray-Sunset National Park, reaching from the
river red gums of Lindsay Island down to Underbool. Most of the park is remote 4WD-
only territory.
The
Pink Lakes
, near Underbool, get their colour from the millions of microscopic organ-
isms in the lake, which concentrate an orange pigment in their bodies. From
Linga
, on the
Mallee Hwy, there's a signed, unsealed road that was built when salt was harvested from
the lakes. Nearby is a basic camping ground, but beyond that you need a 4WD.
It you go for walks along the tracks, leave before dawn and be out of the sun before
noon. As the wide sky turns pink at dusk, venture out again to watch the bird life and the
magic of the night sky.
On the western side of the park, the
Shearer's Quarters
( 03-5028 1218; dm $61)
has hostel-
type accommodation. It's pretty basic (hot and cold water and a fridge are supplied) and is
accessible only by 4WD.
For more information, and to let someone know your whereabouts, contact the rangers
of
Parks Victoria
( 13 19 63, Underbool 03-5094 6267, Werrimull 03-5028 1218;
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
)
in
Underbool on the Mallee Hwy (B12), or north at Werrimull.
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