Mungo National Park

Uncover a starkly beautiful landscape of ancient dry lake basins and sand formations in Mungo National Park. Home to Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, this area of NSW is rich with Aboriginal history and is of great significance to the local indigenous people.

Mungo Woman & Mungo Man

In the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, the archaeological discoveries of the bones of Mungo Woman and ochred skeleton of Mungo Man reveal early evidence of developing spiritual belief. Explore at your own pace or with an organised tour such as Tri State Safaris or Outback Geo Adventures.

Along the eastern side of the lakes, there are towering dunes formed from quartz and clay. The most famous of these formations is the colossal Walls of China. You can take a tour of this magical landmark with an Aboriginal ranger, and learn about the cultural history of Lake Mungo.

The 70km Mungo Self-Guided Drive Tour is a brilliant introduction to this unbelievable desert landscape. Starting at the Mungo Visitor Centre, the loop track takes in all the main attractions of the park including the Walls of China boardwalk, Red Top lookout and Rosewood picnic area. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.

Birds & wildlife

The fish and waterbirds may be long gone, but keep an eye out for mobs of prancing emus, screeching cockatoos and giant red kangaroos. Drop into the Mungo Visitor Centre for tourist information, and to learn about the park’s megafauna and the formation of its unique landscape.

You can cycle or drive the 10km historic Zanci Pastoral Loop to see wildlife, birdlife and the ruins of Zanci Homestead. For many years this region was a grazing property. Built in 1869, Mungo Woolshed is a well preserved and vivid reminder of those times.

Getting there & where to stay

Mungo National Park is a 10hr 30min drive from Sydney, 6hr 30min drive from Melbourne and just under seven hours’ drive from Adelaide. Mildura is a 1hr 30min drive from the national park via unsealed roads. There are direct flights from Mildura to Melbourne.

If you want to stay overnight, there are campgrounds as well as budget accommodation in the historic Mungo Shearers’ Quarters or modern cabins at Mungo Lodge. Check for road closures before you travel at the NSW National Parks website and download the National Parks app for maps and information.