Mungo National Park
A dry lake bed and wind-sculpted dunes in Australia's far west, where human remains more than 40,000 years old reveal one of the longest records of continuous Aboriginal culture.
- Region
- Far west New South Wales
- State
- New South Wales
- UNESCO
- Willandra Lakes Region, World Heritage
- Nearest town
- Mildura, about 110 km
- Best season
- Autumn to spring
Before you go
- The Walls of China are a 33 km crescent of dunes; sunrise and sunset give the best colour and cooler walking.
- Roads inside the park are unsealed and become impassable when wet, so check conditions before leaving Mildura.
- Bring all fuel, food and water; the park has camping but no shops, and summer heat is extreme.
A landscape of deep time
Lake Mungo last held water about 16,000 years ago. The lunette on its eastern side preserves the remains known as Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, found in 1969 and 1974, which are among the oldest in Australia. The area is cared for by the Mutthi Mutthi, Paakantyi and Ngiyampaa peoples.
Driving and visiting
A self-drive loop of about 70 km crosses the lake floor and returns along the dunes, with signposted stops. Entry requires a park pass. The nearby Mungo Visitor Centre explains the geology and culture; guided tours can add Aboriginal perspectives.
Nearby: Kinchega and Menindee
Combine Mungo with Kinchega National Park on the Darling River, about 250 km away by road, for river red gums, birdlife and a historic woolshed. Broken Hill is a further 110 km north and the base for Silverton and the Barrier Ranges.
FAQs
Can I reach Mungo in a normal car?
Usually yes in dry weather, as the unsealed roads are graded, but they close or become dangerous after rain. Check conditions with park authorities and carry spare water and a spare tyre.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn to spring, roughly April to October, brings mild days and cool nights. Summer can exceed 40 degrees, and walking the dunes is best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Places to see
Walls of China, Mungo
A 33 km crescent of wind-sculpted sand dunes on the eastern side of the dry Lake Mungo, part of the…
Mungo lake bed and self-drive tour
The dry lake where remains of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, more than 40,000 years old, were found. A…
Kinchega National Park and Menindee Lakes
A park on the Darling River and Menindee Lakes with big red gums, historic woolshed and exceptional…
