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Going Bush in Northwest Victoria
Murray Sunset National Park, the state's second-largest, is a semi-arid area that offers vast open spaces, a plenitude of wildlife and an array of colourful wildflowers in spring.
The Pink Lakes to the south are a highlight. The colouration of these saline lakes is particularly clear on overcast days. It is caused by carotene from a type of algae. In winter the lake accumulates saline run-off and fills up with water from subterranean springs while, in summer, the water evaporates to leave a pinkish salt crust. The lakes are conjoined by a ring road and each can be circled on foot.
Salt-tolerant vegetation such as nitrebush and salt paperback predominates around the lake. Elsewhere there are native pine woodlands, mallee-covered dunes, grasslands and, near the Murray River, floodplains and billabongs. Waterbirds, emus and mallee fowl are plentiful.
Lake Crosbie , Murray-Sunset National Park
An unsealed road heads north from Linga which is a small town 59 km west of Ouyen on the Mallee Highway. This 12-km road leads to the Pink Lakes campground at the south-eastern corner of the park where there are pit toilets, picnic and barbecue facilities and limited water (best to bring your own water and firewood). The Lake Becking Nature Walk incorporates sites associated with the salt and gypsum mining that occurred here in the early days of European settlement. It is currently being revamped so interpretive signs is temporarily unavailable. A driving tour is also being prepared.
Beyond Pink Lakes you will need a 4WD. There is basic accommodation at the old shearer's quarters in the park's north-west if you book (tel: 03 5028 1218). Very crude facilities also exist at Mopoke Hut, Rocket Lake and Mt Crozier.
Take care as, if you get lost or your vehicle breaks down, there is no water, no passing traffic and few distinguishing features in the landscape. Temperatures can be extreme in summer and there is the risk of wildfires. Take a map, compass and water, tell someone you are going and check on road conditions before you set off.
For further information on the park ring (03) 5028 1212 or 131 963.
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
The Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is based around the Hattah Lakes system which is filled by Chalka Creek, an anabranch of the Murray River.
The information centre at Hattah Lake provides orientation and identifies some of the park's fauna, flora and archaeological sites. Middens, canoe trees and shield trees are evidence of Aboriginal occupation. There are kangaroos, goannas and over 200 species of birds, particularly pelicans, ibis and other waterbirds on the lakes. Emus, mallee fowl, miners and white-winged choughs can be found away from the lakes. River red gums are plentiful around the waterways while black box woodlands predominate on drier land. Cypress pine and buloke inhabit the sandy plains while mallee eucalypts flourish on the higher sandy ridges.
The park is best in spring and winter as it can be too hot in summer. Access is via the township of Hattah on the Calder Highway, 34 km north of Ouyen. From Hattah, head east on the Hattah-Robinvale Rd. After 4 km there is a signposted left turn onto the 2WD gravel track which leads to the Lake Hattah campground then further north to Lake Mournpall campsite. Both have toilets, fireplaces and picnic areas. A limited amount of drinking water is available from the visitor centre and at Mournpall campground but supplies of drinking water are limited so it is advisable to bring your own.
The Hattah Nature Walk starts from the roadside (clearly marked) about 200 metres inside the park (notify a ranger if you intend a longer hike as temperatures in the park can be extreme and be sure you have a map and compass).
Motorists will enjoy the self-guided Hattah Nature Drive (near Lake Hattah). Most tracks in the park are 2WD-friendly but they may become impassable after rain (check track conditions at the visitor centre). The park is also ideal for swimming, canoeing and kayaking (when water levels are sufficient), fishing for golden perch, English perch, European carp and yabbies, cycling along the river tracks, nature studies and photography.
For further information ring (03) 5029 3253 or 131 963.
Murray-Kulkyne Park
The Murray-Kulkyne is a small park of 1690 ha which adjoins the Hattah-Kulkyne Park. It lies on the western bank of a stretch of the Murray River and access is via the River Track (manageable in a 2WD unless very wet) which heads north off the Hattah-Robinvale Rd. The start of the road is signposted underneath the power lines, about 23 km west of Hattah and 13 km east of Wemen.
The Murray-Kulkyne is a popular area for fishing, swimming, bushwalking and boating. As this is not a national park, generators and pets are allowed. Camping is permitted along the river. For further information ring (03) 5029 3253 or 131 963.
Wyperfeld National Park
Wyperfeld National Park, one of Victoria's largest national parks, is accessible (to those with a 4WD) from Underbool, a small town 50 km west of Ouyen on the Mallee Highway which has camping, barbecue and caravan facilities at the Recreation Reserve, as well as an hotel and general store.
Gunners Track heads south from Underbool to Pine Plains, a section of freehold land taken up in 1847. There are opportunities aplenty for bushwalkers, 4WD exploration, an enormous sandhill called The Snowdrift, O'Sullivan Lookout and several accommodation possibilities. For those seeking comfort, private accommodation with hospitality is available by ringing (03) 5084 1216. Alternatively, if you head west towards Patchewollock, a departure road heads 3 km south to Casuarina Campground, a secluded and sheltered campsite with toilets, drinking water, fireplaces and picnic-barbecue facilities.
Those with a 4WD can also make their way south to Wonga, the park's main campground (see entry on Hopetoun for further details on the southern section of the park).
Kangaroos, emus and birds inhabit the semi-arid landscapes of sand dunes and spinifex, mallee scrub, heathlands and native pine woodlands. For further information ring (03) 5395 7221 or 131 963.
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