In theory it is nothing more than the remnants of an ancient lake (completely dry and with ancient sand dunes running 20+ km along one side) in the middle of the New South Wales outback.
In reality it is one of the most significant anthropological and archaeological sites in the world.
Lake Mungo, located in Mungo National Park, is one of 17 dry lakes which constitute the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area (1981).
The Lake last experienced permanent water over 10,000 years ago and has recorded continuous indigenous habitation for 40,000+ years – making it the site of the oldest known human occupation in Australia. From the lake, Aboriginal people gathered mussels, fished for Murray cod & golden perch, hunted wallabies & rat kangaroos and collected Emu eggs.
Over time, prevailing winds that blow across the dry lake bed collected sediment and deposited it on the western shore forming an elevated bank that extends almost 20km's along the side of the lake. The transposed lake bed layers of sedimentary sands and clays that form the ridge, known as ‘The Walls of China’, have in turn then been then been eroded by wind and rain to form the spectacular Lunette.
As the lunette erodes, it reveals the secrets of the past; ancient fireplaces, indigenous burial sites, fossilized remnants of extinct species like Thylocene and short-faced kangaroo as well as wonderful specimens of contemporary species.
Mungo National Park also affords the visitor a glimpse into the European past of the area as it was an operational sheep station prior to becoming a National Park and many buildings from the era remain.
Lake Mungo (and Mungo National Park) is a jewel of Outback NSW and is located about 1 hours drive from Wentworth and Mildura.
Staying with the Outback Beds network allows you to experience working sheep and cattle stations, bush pubs, log cabins, living underground, Bed and Breakfasts, a little luxury and tranquil river campsites.... even camel campouts. It's a true-blue outback adventure.
Outback NSW have some of the most majestic parks in Australia all of which a carefully managed by the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service to allow for the best management of these natural and cultural wonders.
Harry Nanya Tours specialises in Aboriginal guided tours to World Heritage Listed Mungo National Park. Graham Clarke from the Paakantyi tribe has been conducting tours in the Mildura/ Wentworth region for 15 years. Fully aboriginal owned and operated, Harry Nanya Tours has been a multi award winning Tour Company.
Turlee Station is a working sheep and wheat station located adjacent to Mungo National Park in outback NSW. Situated within the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, Turlee is a great place to experience outback station culture whilst exploring the national park. Accommodation options include camping, shearer’s quarters as well as a self contained cottage. Tag-along tours, sheep shearing and sheep dog working demonstrations as well as a self guided drive tour are all available at Turlee. We pride ourselves in our one-on-one interaction with guests and aim to provide our guests with a memorable experience of outback Australia!
Wentworth Shire surrounds the confluence of the Darling and Murray Rivers. Discover vivid contrasts, exciting landscapes, great rivers, lush farmland; cultural experiences and vast tracts of red desert. Wentworth district has natural history and archaeological treasures (Perry Sandhills and World Heritage listed Mungo National Park); classified buildings; river cruising; semi-arid botanic gardens; water activities; wonderful weather; clear skies and myriads of stars; facilities for entertainment, dining, golf, bowls and tennis; drive & walk trails; accommodation to suit all budgets; a 'paradise' for food and wine buffs - all creating a unique holiday adventure.
