Murray-Sunset National Park

Murray-Sunset National Park, in Victoria's far north-west corner, is the State's second largest national park. It is in one of the few remaining semi-arid regions in the world where the environment is relatively untouched. With its wide open landscapes, breathtaking sunsets and starry nights, its vastness and isolation, the park is not the place for a day trip - longer stays are recommended. Things to Do: All of the tracks within the park are best suited for four-wheel drive, although conventional vehicles can use the Pink Lakes track from Linga, Settlement Track (the northern boundary) and Wallewa or Berribee tracks to Lindsay Island and the Murray River. All tracks are subject to seasonal conditions and up-to-date information should be sought from the ranger. There are excellent walking tracks in the Pink Lakes area. However, it is recommended that walkers seek ranger advice before starting longer walks. The Pink Lakes are so named because of their colour during late summer. A red pigment, carotene, is secreted from the alga - best seen early or late in the day or when it is cloudy. The lakes evaporate over summer leaving concentrated salt crusts over black mud. Fauna: Murray-Sunset National Park is one of the few regions in Victoria where the red kangaroos can be seen in their numbers. The park is home to a number of threatened species - they include the Paucident Planigale, a small carnivorous marsupial, the slender yellow and green Regent Parrot, and the Millewa Skink. Other notable birdlife include Mallee Fowl, Pink Cockatoos and White-browed Tree creepers. On a warm afternoon Bearded and Mallee Dragons may also be seen. Vegetation: There are more than seventy significant plant species including Victoria's largest flower, the Murray Lily, the restricted Silvery Emu-bush and the Blue-leafed Mallee. Grasslands, saltbush, buloke, porcupine grass and mallee eucalypts dominate the flat, expansive landscape with pockets of native cypress-pine and Belah woodlands scattered throughout.On Lindsay Island, River Red Gums line the creeks, and Black Box woodlands surround the floodplain. Salt tolerant plants favour the low lying dry lake bed areas. Looking After the Park: All plants, animals, archaeological and historic sites are protected. Dogs, cats and firearms are prohibited. Light fires only in the fireplaces provided; BYO firewood or use of fuel stoves preferred. Keep to designated tracks. Please take your rubbish with you. Precautions: Summer temperatures are very high and it is necessary to carry adequate water. A compass and topographic map are essential for travelling in isolated areas. For users of remote campgrounds, it is recommended that visitors carry a gas or fuel stove or BYO firewood, and adequate drinking water. Beware of falling River Red Gum limbs along the river. It is important to check current road conditions with park staff before visiting - tracks become impassable in wet weather, whilst others are suitable for four wheel drive vehicles only. All tracks on Lindsay Island are dry weather only. Vehicles are prohibited in 'wilderness' zones and 'remote' and 'natural' areas. Activities: Four Wheel Driving, Scenic Drives, Walking Guided Activities: 1. Birdwatching 2. Bushwalking 3. Coach/Bus Tours 4. Four Wheel Drive Tours 5. Mountain Bike Riding 6. Spotlight Tours / Nightwalks 7. Trail Bike Tours