Guide to Murray Sunset National Park and the Pink Lakes

Victoria is home to some incredibly diverse landscapes, but few places capture the raw, untouched beauty of the Australian outback quite like Murray Sunset National Park. Located in the far north-west corner of the state, this massive park spans over 630,000 hectares, making it the second-largest national park in Victoria. For over 25 years, our team at Wildside Outdoors has been helping adventurers explore the unique environments of the Mallee and the Murray River. Whether you are a keen bushwalker, a four-wheel-drive enthusiast, or a family looking to experience the wilderness, this park offers an unforgettable escape from the modern world.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Murray-Sunset is remote. The northern entrance is about 100 kilometres south-west of Mildura, easily reached via the Sturt Highway. If you are heading straight for the famous pink lakes, the easiest access point is from the small town of Underbool on the Mallee Highway, turning north onto the Pink Lakes Road.

While some of the main campgrounds and the Pink Lakes themselves are accessible via conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles, especially during dry weather, much of the park is strictly four-wheel-drive territory. The sandy tracks can become incredibly soft in dry weather and muddy or impassable after rain. If you plan to head deep into the park to places like Mount Crozier or the historical Shearers Quarters, you must have a high-clearance 4WD, recovery gear, and plenty of desert driving experience.

The Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything when visiting the Mallee. The absolute best months to explore are from April to October. During autumn, winter, and spring, daytime temperatures are comfortable, usually ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

Summer, from November to March, in the park can be extreme. Temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and the risk of bushfires is high. Remote travel during these months is not recommended, as the heat can be dangerous and water sources are non-existent.

Exploring the Pink Lakes of Murray Sunset National Park

The most famous attraction within the park is the spectacular group of salt lakes known as the Pink Lakes. Consisting of Lake Crosby, Lake Becking, Lake Kenyon, and Lake Hardie, these lakes are famous for changing colour from a glistening white to deep, pastel pink.

The science behind the pink hue is fascinating. The colour is caused by a salt-loving algae called Dunaliella salina, which produces a red pigment, beta-carotene, to protect itself from the intense sun. When the water level evaporates in late summer and autumn, the salt concentration rises, and the pink intensity increases.

To see the lakes at their most vibrant, aim to visit on an overcast or cloudy day, or during the early morning and late afternoon. The flat, bright midday sun can wash out the pink tones, whereas soft light brings out the deep rose and lilac hues.

There are several walking trails around the lakes that allow you to explore without damaging the fragile salt crust:

• Kline Loop Nature Trail: A gentle 4.8-kilometre walk starting at the Lake Crosby campground. It winds through salt paperbark woodlands and provides excellent views across the lake bed.
• Lake Becking Trail: A shorter 1.4-kilometre loop that takes you to an old salt-mining relic, showcasing the harsh pioneering history of the area where salt was harvested and transported under brutal conditions.

Bushwalking and Wildlife

Beyond the pink lakes, the park features a diverse range of ecosystems, from pine-oak woodlands to vast rolling sand dunes and native grasslands. It is a haven for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for western grey kangaroos, emus, and an incredible variety of birdlife, including the rare Regent Parrot and the Malleefowl, which builds massive incubation mounds out of leaves and soil.

For those who love exploring on two wheels, the hard-packed dirt tracks around the periphery of the park offer excellent riding. While we do not operate guided tours inside this specific park, we can assist you with quality kayak, canoe and mountain bike hire from our base in Mildura if you want to explore the surrounding river tracks or transport bikes to the Mallee.

Wilderness Camping in the Mallee

Camping in Murray-Sunset is a true bush experience. There are no caravan parks or luxury glamping setups here, just quiet, starry nights and the sound of the wind through the belah trees.

The primary camping areas include:

• Lake Crosby Campground: The most popular spot, equipped with basic pit toilets, picnic tables, and fireplaces. It is accessible by 2WD.
• Mount Crozier Campground: Located deeper in the park, this site sits at the base of a high sand dune. A short, steep walk to the top of Mount Crozier offers panoramic 360-degree views of the vast wilderness. 4WD is highly recommended.
• Mopoke Hut: A historic mustering hut that offers a great camping spot under the stars. It provides a real sense of the region's pastoral history.

Please note that all campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You must bring all of your own drinking water, as there is absolutely no potable water available in the park. Firewood must also be brought with you, as collecting firewood within the national park is strictly prohibited to protect local habitats.

Preparation and Safety in a Remote Park

Because Murray-Sunset is so remote, self-sufficiency is non-negotiable. Before you go:

• Water: Pack at least 6 to 8 litres of water per person, per day, especially if you plan on walking.
• Fuel: Fill up your tank at Mildura, Ouyen, or Underbool before entering. There are no fuel stations inside the park.
• Navigation: Mobile phone reception is extremely limited or non-existent once you leave the main roads. Do not rely on smartphone maps. Download offline maps, carry a physical topographic map, and consider bringing a satellite communicator or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) if you are heading into the remote 4WD zones.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. There are no rubbish bins in the park.

Connecting with the Wider Sunraysia Region

At Wildside Outdoors, we have spent decades guiding school groups, corporate teams, and families through the natural wonders of north-west Victoria. If you are looking to build outdoor skills before tackling remote desert environments, our customized outdoor education for schools programs and active team building and leadership programs are designed to teach self-reliance, campcraft, and navigation.

Many visitors like to combine a trip to Murray-Sunset with a stay closer to the water. Our base at Lake Cullulleraine camp is a fantastic, family-friendly location to relax, swim, and paddle after a dusty desert adventure. We also run regular kids school holiday programs to get the younger generation excited about the great outdoors.

If you are planning an expedition to the Sunraysia region and want local advice on gear, safety, or route planning, we are always happy to chat.

Contact Thomas and the team via our contact us page, or email us at thomas@wildsideoutdoors.com.au to discuss how we can help make your next Mallee adventure a success.