Murray Sunset National Park

In the far north-western corner of Victoria, Murray Sunset National Park sprawls across a mesmerising landscape of red sand dunes, salt lakes, and ancient mallee scrub. This is one of Australia’s most remote and least-visited parks, offering a raw, silent immersion in the outback. The vast, star-filled skies and the haunting beauty of Pink Lakes (actually salt lakes tinged pink by algae) are the main draw. It’s a place for self-sufficient travellers with a high-clearance 4WD, as there are no sealed roads and few services. Come here to disconnect completely, explore Aboriginal heritage, and witness wildlife like emus, kangaroos, and the rare Malleefowl.

Highlights & What to See

• Pink Lakes: Drive to Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking, and Lake Kenyon for spectacular pink-hued salt flats – best seen in late afternoon light.
• Mallee Cliffs & Sand Dunes: Climb the massive sand dunes at Big Desert Wilderness Park for sweeping views over the mallee plains.
• Aboriginal Rock Art: Explore the Bitterang and Morton Plains areas for scar trees and grinding grooves, evidence of long Indigenous occupation.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for Malleefowl, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos, and the elusive southern ningaui – a tiny marsupial.
• Stargazing: With virtually no light pollution, the park is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary – camp overnight for an unforgettable celestial show.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 days exploring the park, ideally with a 4WD and camping gear. A minimum of one full day is needed to drive the main loop from the park entrance to Pink Lakes and back, but you’ll want extra time for walks and photography. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Mildura (2 hours away) can cover the highlights, but you’ll miss the dawn and dusk magic. Plan your visit between March and November to avoid extreme summer heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hattah-Kulkyne National Park – A lush contrast with river red gums and abundant birdlife, about 1.5 hours east.
• Mildura – The gateway town on the Murray River, offering wineries, paddle steamers, and the historic Psyche Bend Pump Station.
• Wyperfeld National Park – Another mallee park with wildflowers in spring, located south of Murray Sunset.
• Lake Mungo National Park – World Heritage–listed lunette dunes and ancient human remains, a 3-hour drive north (requires 4WD).
• Ouyen – A small service town with the iconic ‘Big Silo’ art and a good spot to refuel before entering the park.

Please check official sources for current details.