The Ultimate Travel Guide To Mungo National Park

The World Heritage-listed site must be seen to be believed.

I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say I’ve always wondered what it would be like to visit the moon. Seeing it in the evening sky always conjures up feelings of whimsy and wonder in me – a mystic, dreamy place just begging to be explored. Unfortunately, also like the majority of us, I can’t afford to just jump in a rocket and zoom on up there.

But what if I told you there’s a place right here on Earth that effortlessly encapsulates this ethereal atmosphere? I didn’t believe it either, until I visited Mungo National Park myself, one of Australia’s most underrated national parks.

Where is Mungo National Park?

Mungo National Park is in Ouback NSW, just over 200 kilometres from the Victorian border town of Mildura or a 10-hour drive from Sydney. The World Heritage-listed site spans 240,000 hectares across the picturesque Riverina Murray region.

Mungo National Park in NSW — Mungo National Park spans 240,000 hectares. (Image: Destination NSW)

For those in the know, Mungo is definitely worth the road trip, with many people travelling to the region purely to witness its lunar-like landscapes. But this ancient, Ancestral place flies relatively under the radar in the grand scheme of things, often overlooked in favour of its Aussie counterparts.

Don’t believe me? Well, while places like Kakadu National Park, Blue Mountains National Park and Daintree National Park see from 200,000 to 6 million visitors a year, just 37,000 people visit Mungo annually. But for what it lacks in numbers, Mungo more than makes up for in beauty, history and cultural significance.

Why visit Mungo National Park?

While the topography of Mungo National Park alone is reason enough to visit, its history is equally as staggering. This is a place where megafauna once roamed, a land that lays claim to the oldest collection of fossilised human footprints ever uncovered – dating back to the Ice Age.

The archaeological discoveries of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady also rewrote history. Discovered in 1968 and 1974 respectively by geologist Jim Bowler, the remains are the oldest known examples of ritual burials in the world, dating back over 40,000 years.

The findings also scientifically proved that Aboriginal culture has existed here since time immemorial. Mungo National Park is on the Traditional Lands of the Paakantji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people and remains a culturally and spiritually significant site for Traditional Owners. It is symbolic of Australian history, representing the timeless connection First Nations people have with Country.

Must-see sights in Mungo National Park

Mungo can be experienced in a variety of ways, with many visitors opting to explore the national park on their own. I recommend joining at least one of the Indigenous-led guided tours with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service . It’s a great way to learn about the land’s history and culture, as well as get the most out of your time at Mungo. Here are a few highlights.

Lake Mungo

Middens found in Mungo National Park in NSW — Ancient middens can still be found within the sand dunes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Lake Mungo is one of 17 arid lake beds within the region. It held a vast amount of water and marine life around 50,000 years ago, but has long since dried and fossilised. The now eroded sand dunes that tower around the park’s circumference continuously reveal evidence of an area once thriving with prehistoric life.

Mungo Woolshed

Built in 1869 using an ingenious drop-log cypress pine construction, this historic woolshed harks back to when Gol Gol pastoral station brought thousands of sheep to the region. The farming activity on this dramatic but delicate land helped archaeologists discover the secrets buried beneath its red-ochre surface.

Walls of China

Arcing around the eastern edge of the lake, the Walls of China is Mungo’s star attraction, where visitors most often describe a lunar-like appearance. Its low curve of sandy hills, or lunette, rises up out of the Earth like pinnacles, sculpted by millennia of sand-soaked winds.

Red Top Lookout

Head to Red Top Lookout in time for sunset for unparalleled views over Mungo. The fading light renders its tapestry of deep ravines and rising hills in all shades of orange, pink and purple, mirroring the magic of the moon.

Mungo Loop Track

Get acquainted with this awe-inspiring desert landscape by driving, or better yet, cycling the 70-kilometre Mungo Loop Track. Cross the ancient lakebed to the Walls of China before tracing its shores, taking in the iconic dunes and mallee trees of Outback NSW.

The Meeting Place

Head to the Meeting Place at Mungo Visitor Centre to learn about Mungo Man and Mungo Lady. While the remains are kept private for cultural reasons, the lunette-shaped viewpoint here commemorates their resting place and that of countless Aboriginal Ancestors. You’ll also see casts of the park’s ancient fossilised human footprints.

Mungo wildlife

Many species call Mungo home, and spotting them is like a game of wildlife bingo. There are over 100 species of bird here, from mulga parrots to pink cockatoos. It’s also a prime place to see red kangaroos and emus. If you’re lucky, you may also spot short-beaked echidnas, fat-tailed dunnarts, pygmy possums, carpet pythons, mallee dragons and more.

How to get to Mungo National Park

The closest major city centre to Mungo National Park is Mildura in Victoria, around a 2.5-hour drive away. You will inevitably encounter unsealed roads that are usually in good condition, but always check traffic updates and carry adequate food and water.

A small plane in Mungo National Park in NSW — Take a scenic flight to see Mungo from above. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you’re coming from Sydney, it’ll take you up to 11 hours to reach Mungo. You can stop in trending detour destinations like Goulburn and Wagga Wagga to rest and refuel. I’d also highly recommend flying with Murray Darling Scenic Flights from either Echuca or Swan Hill. You’ll see Mungo in all its glory from above, as well as nearby natural landmarks like Lake Tyrrell, one of Australia’s most mesmerising pink lakes.

Where to stay at Mungo National Park

Mungo Lodge is a 10-minute drive from the Mungo Visitor Centre. The sprawling 77-hectare property is well-appointed with large family rooms, deluxe cabins and glamping tents, as well as an onsite restaurant and bar.

Mungo Lodge in Mungo National Park in NSW — Book a stay in one of Mungo Lodge’s cosy cabins. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Mungo Shearers’ Quarters offer rustic accommodation in the heart of the park. Stay in a cosy cabin with access to communal kitchens and bathrooms. BYO bedding.

Two kilometres out of Mungo National Park is Main Camp . Located off Arumpo Road, the campground boasts plenty of unpowered sites and includes picnic tables, barbecues and non-flush toilets. Pre-booking is not available.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

This lunar-like national park is hiding in plain sight