Nearby Destinations

Visit Mungo

The Willandra-Mildura region is a great place to explore Australia's rich heritage of national parks. At least 14 major conservation reserves lie within 4 hours' drive of Mildura. They extend across three states and take in more than 1.6 million hectares, ranging from the grasslands of Willandra to Pink Lakes and vast stretches of mallee. The main parks are described below, with links for more information.

And then there's all the attractions of the Murray, Darling and Murrumbidgee rivers, big skies and the gourmet produce of the riverlands. Visit visitmildura.com.au and www.visitnsw.com.au for more information on regional attractions and travel.

Kinchega National Park

NSW 44,260 hectares www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0017

Floodplains and sand dunes join the Darling River to several large overflow lakes that have a similar history to Willandra Lakes. From a base in the shearers quartes or a quiet riverside or lakeside camp you can explore the famous historic woolshed and learn about the ancient Aboriginal heritage. Located near Menindee, 111 km east of Broken Hill and 211 km from Lake Mungo via Pooncarie.

Willandra National Park

NSW 19,386 ha www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0037

Willandra Station was once famous for its wool, and these days it offers an insight into the pastoral history of the region. The homestead, on the Willandra Creek that once fed Willandra Lakes, has been restored to its former glory. The grasslands and coolibah-lined creek beds to the west of the homestead are home to kangaroos, Emus and ground-nesting birds. The park is 70 km from the nearest town of Hillston and 240 km east of Lake Mungo via backroads.

Yanga National Park

NSW 76,000 ha www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N1119

This new park was established on an historic pastoral property in 2009 to protect 170 km of Murrumbidgee River frontage, floodplain wetlands, saltbush expanses and majestic River Red Gum forests, all home to a huge diversity of wildlife. You can visit the grand old 1870s homestead and huge woolshed, view historic displays or just relax at one of the many picnic and camping areas. The village of Balranald on the Murrumbidgee River is the gateway to the park, and is 150 km from Lake Mungo.

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Victoria 48,000 ha www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=111

A series of overflow lakes off the Murray River and extensive mallee woodlands are the order of the day here. Popular activities include canoeing, walking, bicycling and scenic driving. You can picnic and camp in the park, and nearby towns including Mildura, which is just 40 km to the north.

Murray-Sunset National Park

Victoria 142,300 ha www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=161

Murray-Sunset takes in much of the mallee country south-west of Mildura. The colourful salt beds of Pink Lakes are a special attraction, with their excellent walking tracks. A network of 4WD tracks explore remote parts of the park, and there are several camping areas. From Mildura, the park can be reached from the north by the Sturt Highway, from the east by the Calder Highway or from the south on the Mallee Highway.

Wyperfeld National Park

Victoria 356,800 ha www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=222

As the largest park in this semi-arid region, Wyperfeld encompasses a chain of mostly dry lakebeds, riverine forests of Black Box and River Red Gum, cypress pine woodlands, mallee lands and vast area of sand dunes and heath that come alive with wildflowers in the spring. Facilities include a visitor centre and camping areas. The park is about 180 km south of Mildura off the Calder Highway.

Big Desert Wilderness

Victoria 113,500 ha www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=68

This park was created to preserve the largest area of intact mallee in Victoria. As an undeveloped park it is ideal for experienced bushwalkers, birdwatchers and naturalists. The wilderness joins large conservation reserves across the border in South Australia. It lies about 250 km from Mildura via the Calder Highway and Ouyen, and campsites are available along the Nhill-Murrayville Road.

Chowilla Regional Reserve and Game Reserve

South Australia 92,618 ha (combined) www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/chowillarr/index.html

Straddling the Murray River, these parks feature floodplain and wetland environments, with mallee woodlands and bluebush stretching north to Danggali Conservation Park. Camping, picnicking, fishing and boating are popular activities. The reserves are 152 km west of Mildura along Wentworth Road.

Danggali Conservation Park and Wilderness Protection Area

South Australia 252,079 ha www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/danggali/index.html

As the largest of South Australia's riverland parks, Danggali is known for its vast mallee scrublands and wilderness appeal. You can camp in remote locations, birdwatch and explore relics of pastoral history. The park lies north of Chowilla Regional Reserve, about 220 km from Mildura.

Murray River National Park

South Australia 13,023 ha www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/murrayrivernpk/index.html

Three sections of park lie along the Murray River floodplains between Renmark and Loxton. Renmark is 146 km west of Mildura on the Sturt Highway.

Cooltong Conservation Park

South Australia 3,681 ha www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/cooltong/index.html

This mallee park is of particular importance to the rare Malleefowl. You can picnic and walk, but there is no camping within the park. It is just west of Renmark, which is 146 km west of Mildura on the Sturt Highway.

Ngarkat Conservation Park

South Australia 270,000 ha www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/ngarkatgroup/index.html

This large area joins Big Desert Wilderness in Victoria to create a massive protected area of mallee. The park offers 4WD touring, campsites and walking tracks, along with a rich variety of birds and mammals of semi-arid environments. It lies south of the Mallee Highway, about 280 km from Mildura.