Lake Mungo Lake

Address: Mungo National Park (Lake Mungo), near Mildura / Willandra Lakes region, New South Wales, Australia

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks/mungo-national-park

Hours: Open year-round (unsealed roads may be impassable after heavy rain)

Admission: Park entry/camping/vehicle fees may apply - see NSW National Parks for current rates

Lake Mungo is an ancient dry lake bed within Mungo National Park in far western New South Wales, Australia, and forms part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area. It is internationally known for its archaeological and geological significance.

The site contains the eroded sandy lunettes called the ‘Walls of China’ and has produced important archaeological finds, including human remains and cultural material identified as Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. The landscape and archaeological deposits have been central to research on early human occupation of Australia.

Scientific excavations and research conducted from the late 20th century onward uncovered evidence of very early Aboriginal occupation and burial practices; the area remains significant to Indigenous communities.

Lake Mungo sits in semi-arid country of far western New South Wales, within Mungo National Park, and is accessed via park roads from nearby regional centres.

• World Heritage and viewing: Part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area; the lunette known as the ‘Walls of China’ provides the most accessible and distinctive viewing and photographic opportunities at sunrise and sunset.

• Time your visit for sunrise or sunset to see the Walls of China lunette in the best light - these fragile lunettes are the park's highlight and glow dramatically at those hours.
• Check road conditions and park access with the NSW National Parks office before you go; access roads within Mungo are unsealed and guided tours are recommended for first‑time visitors and to learn about the site's Indigenous heritage.
• Start at the Mungo Visitor Centre and join a ranger or Aboriginal‑led tour if possible - guided walks visit sensitive cultural areas visitors must not enter unaccompanied and provide context most self‑guided visitors miss.