Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is a protected area in north-west Victoria, Australia, preserving wetland and mallee habitats on the Murray River floodplain. It is notable for a series of shallow ephemeral lakes and associated river red gum wetlands that support wetland wildlife.

The park contains the Hattah Lakes - a string of shallow, intermittently filled lakes - and expanses of mallee woodland and dunes. These wetlands are important habitat for waterbirds and waders; recreational opportunities include birdwatching, walking on marked tracks and simple camping.

The area was set aside as a conservation reserve by the state of Victoria to protect the floodplain wetland and mallee ecosystems. Management focuses on maintaining wetland function and supporting native vegetation and wildlife.

The park lies in north-west Victoria on the Murray River floodplain, within the broader Murray-Darling Basin and in the rural region served by the regional centre at Mildura.

• Flood-driven ecology: Lake levels and bird numbers rise after Murray River floods, making the weeks and months after inflows the best time for large waterbird congregations.
• Visitor facilities: Basic campgrounds and walking trails exist inside the park, with limited services so visitors should bring supplies and be prepared for remote conditions.

What to See #

• Hattah Lakes: A chain of shallow, intermittently filled lakes and adjoining wetland that form the park's primary wetland habitat; these fill after flows in the Murray River and are key for waterbird feeding and breeding.
• Kulkyne area: Area of mallee woodland and sandy lunettes forming the drier western section of the park, with walking tracks and basic camping areas.