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Visitor GuideVictoria’s own ‘outback’, Murray-Sunset National Park is the largest national park in

Victoria, stretching from the Murray River at Lindsay Island in the north to Pink Lakes

near Underbool in the south. The 677,000 hectare park has a fascinating history,

abundant wildlife and beautiful spring wildflowers. It protects 183 species of

threatened plants and animals.

Emus may be seen feeding at dusk and dawn

Enjoying the park

Touring for cars and 4WDUnsealed roads from the Mallee or Sturt Highways are suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for most tracks and especially for the more interior tracks in this remote park.

Warning - Tracks in the park require vehicles with good ground clearance. Most tracks have areas of deep sand with wide wheel ruts. Some tracks become impassable in wet weather and others are recommended only for 4WD.It is important to check current road conditions with park staff before visiting.Pink Lakes – Changing in colour from glistening white to deep pink, the lakes are spectacular. Access by 2WD vehicles via a gravel road from Linga. For those with limited time, a drive around Pioneer Drive is a must.Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands - all tracks are dry weather only. See separate park notes.

Walking and wildflowersThere are short walking tracks in the Pink Lakes area. The wildflower display during spring is impressive.

Remote areas offer good bushwalking for people who are experienced, well prepared and self-reliant.

CampingCamping areas in the park have basic facilities. There are no designated camping areas on the islands. Practise minimal impact camping and observe relevant fire regulations. Beware of falling River Red Gum limbs when camping along the river.

The Shearers’ QuartersThis historic building was once the home of the lessee of Sunset Pastoral Co and today offers hostel-style accommodation.To book the Shearers’ Quarters go to www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay or contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Remnants of the pastoral era, the Shearers’ Quarters

Be fire ready and stay safeOn days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger this park will be closed for public safety. If you are already in the park you should leave the night before or early in the morning for your own safety.Closure signs will be erected and rangers will patrol when possible, however you may not receive a personal warning that the park is closed so check the latest conditions by calling 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au.For up to date information on fires in Victoria or general fire safety advice call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au.

For more information call Parks Victoria on 13 1963or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au

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For further informationCall Parks Victoria on 13 1963or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au

Mildura Visitor Information

(Alfred Deakin Centre)180-190 Deakin Avenue

Mildura Vic 3500Tel: (03) 5021 4424

tourism@mildura.vic.gov.au

Caring for the

environmentHelp us look after your park

by following theseguidelines:

Please take rubbish with you for recycling or

disposal

All plants, animals, historical and archaeological

sites and geographic features are

protected by law

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the

park

Firearms are prohibited

Campfires – light fires only in fire pits provided. Collect

only dead wood from the ground at least one kilometre

from the campground. Extinguish fires with water

before leaving

No fires are permitted on a day of Total Fire Ban. Built in

and portable gas or electric barbecues may be used

provided:

• a 3 metre area is cleared of anything

flammable• at least 10 litres of water

is available for immediate

use• an adult is in attendance

at all times

It is your responsibility to know if it is a day of Total Fire Ban.

Murray- Sunset National Park is in the Mallee Total Fire Ban

District

Toilets - Chemical toilets are preferred. Pit toilets must

be at least 100m from the water’s edge. Bury toilet paper

and waste appropriately

Vehicles, including motor bikes, may only be

used on formed open roads. Drivers must be licensed and

vehicles registered and roadworthy

Warning – Feral bees may be present and persistent around any source of moisture during

dry, hot weather

Exploring Murray-Sunset National ParkThis large, diverse park was declared in 1991, and plays a unique role in protecting Australia’s biodiversity.A further 44,000 hectares was added to the park in 2012, making it the largest national park in Victoria.Wilderness Areas were established to protect large areas with relatively undisturbed vegetation. Mallee vegetation dominates the sandy loam soils with pockets of Native Cypress-pine and Belah woodlands scattered throughout.Victoria’s largest flower the Murray Lily, the restricted Silvery Emu-bush and the rare Blue-leafed Mallee all grow within the park.Apart from the more conspicuous mammals such as Western Grey and Red kangaroos, the park is home to a number of rare and threatened species. These include the Paucident Planigale (a small carnivorous mouse-sized marsupial), the Regent Parrot and the Millewa Skink. Other notable birdlife includes Malleefowl, Mallee Emu-wren, the Pink Cockatoo and Black-eared Miner.

Lace monitors wait for small prey in tree branches

A rich human historyIndigenous people have lived in the area for thousands of years. Shell middens, hearths and scar trees found throughout the park reveal much about the lifestyle and rich culture of the people. They not only occupied the watercourses but also travelled throughout the drier Mallee.They led a semi-nomadic lifestyle, travelling within their region in search of food. Local food resources included fish, freshwater mussels, reptiles, kangaroos, Quandongs and Nardoo (a freshwater fern).

Stock grazing in the ‘Sunset Country’ dates back as far as the 1860s. Fascinating remnants of the pastoral era such as the Shearers’ Quarters and Mopoke Hut can be discovered. Pest plant and animal eradication and revegetation works strive to restore areas affected by grazing from stock and rabbits.

Impressive wildflower displays including this

Austral bugle can be seen in spring

Exploring the Mallee regionThe Victorian Mallee parks cover over one million hectares and are extremely important for nature conservation because of their relatively undisturbed state.They protect a range of plant and animal species adapted to the dry Mallee environment and contribute significantly to Australia’s biodiversity.Autumn, winter and spring are the best times to visit.

Environmental Watering Environmental regulators have been installed at Lindsay and Mulcra Island to return morenatural flooding patterns to nearby waterbodies and floodplains. When inundated, these areas provide important refuge and resources for threatened species including habitats for waterbirds and the iconic Murray Cod.

Location and accessMurray-Sunset National Park is in northwest Victoria, between Ouyen and Mildura and the South Australian border. It is about 550km from Melbourne and 400km from Adelaide.Access to the park from Melbourne is via the Calder Highway, and from South Australia via the Sturt Highway.

June 2014Printed on Australian-made 100% recycled paper