The first three sites that Australia added to the World Heritage list were Kakadu National Park, The Great Barrier Reef, and Mungo National Park. So, this is an important site, but outside Australia, it’s less well known than the other two iconic locations. This site is technically known as the Willandra Lakes Region, it covers more territory than the national park, but if you visit it’s the Mungo National Park camping that will be the focus of your trip for some very good reasons.
The Willandra Lakes Region, with its interconnected lakes, including Lake Mungo, Lake Leaghur, and Lake Garnpung, once held water during various periods in the past. The presence of water in these lakes, supported by evidence from geological and environmental studies, dates back to tens of thousands of years ago.
What Caused the Transformation of Willandra Lakes
The region’s transformation from a system of interconnected lakes to the dry landscape we see today can be attributed to a combination of natural and climatic factors. The key factor was a long-term shift towards a drier and more arid climate, influenced by a variety of climatic cycles and events. This transition to aridity is believed to have occurred over tens of thousands of years, gradually causing the lakes to dry up.
One significant factor contributing to this shift was the changing position and intensity of climate systems, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Over time, the region experienced a decrease in rainfall, along with rising temperatures, which led to increased evaporation rates. These environmental changes ultimately led to the desiccation of the lakes.
The evidence of these environmental changes, are preserved in the layered sediments of the Mungo Lunette and other geological formations, which provides valuable insights into the dynamic history of the region.
The drying of the Willandra Lakes played a crucial role in shaping the unique landscape and, in turn, influenced the movement, settlement, and lifestyles of the Indigenous people who called this region home for millennia.
Where is Mungo Lake?
The Willandra Lakes Region, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in New South Wales, Australia, is an exceptional natural and cultural treasure. This region comprises a series of ancient, now-dry lake beds, including Lake Mungo, Lake Leaghur, and Lake Garnpung, which were once interconnected by watercourses. Its significance lies in the remarkable insights it provides into the continent’s history and the ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to their land.
One of the most captivating features of the Willandra Lakes Region is the presence of the Mungo Lunette, often referred to as the “Walls of China” due to its resemblance to an ancient city wall. This unique landscape is a geologic wonder, with its layered sediments preserving the history of environmental and climatic changes over hundreds of thousands of years. The Lunette is not just a natural curiosity; it also reveals the rich archaeological history of the area.
The Willandra Lakes Region is famous for its ancient human remains, most notably “Mungo Man” and “Mungo Lady,” discovered in the late 20th century. These findings challenge our understanding of human migration patterns, providing evidence that Indigenous people have inhabited this region for over 40,000 years.
The discovery of cremated remains, ochre burials, and stone tools further underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the area to Aboriginal communities.
Getting to Mungo From Mildura
Any visit to this region will pass through the town of Wentworth in the southwest corner of New South Wales. The driving distance between Wentworth and Lake Mungo will vary depending on the specific route you choose.
But, the approximate driving distance is 150-180 km (93-112 miles). It typically takes 2½ – 3½ hours to make the trip. The weather and road conditions can have a huge impact on travel times and it’s a good idea to check up-to-date information before you set off. Many parts of the road are unsealed and you need to have a vehicle that’s suitable for the sometimes rough corrugated road.
Is Mungo Lake a Lake?
No, there is no water at Lake Mungo and like every other “lake” in this region, it dried up around 14,000 years ago when the last ice age ended. This gradual drying process revealed layers of sand and sediment that can tell us a lot about the history of this region. As an added bonus, every visitor to the Mungo National Park camping areas is stunned by the beauty of the landscape.
Mungo Lunette Formation
The formation of the Mungo Lunette is a fascinating geological story that spans thousands of years. The Mungo Lunette, often called the “Walls of China” due to its appearance, is a prominent feature of the Willandra Lakes Region, specifically Lake Mungo in New South Wales, Australia.
This unique landscape was created by a combination of geological, climatic, and environmental processes. It primarily consists of layers of windblown sand and sediment, known as aeolian deposits, and clay soils.
The Lunette’s formation can be broken down into several key stages:
- Lake Formation: The Willandra Lakes Region once contained a system of interconnected lakes. Lake Mungo was part of this system, and the surrounding area was much wetter than it is today.
- Sediment Deposition: Over thousands of years, sediment from the lake beds, as well as windblown sands and dust from the surrounding arid landscape, began to accumulate along the shores of Lake Mungo.
- Wind Erosion and Deposition: The Lunette began to take shape as strong prevailing winds, primarily from the northwest, eroded loose sands and sediments from the lake bed and deposited them on the downwind side, creating the distinctive crescent-shaped dunes of the Lunette.
- Layered Sediments: As these winds continued to shape the landscape, they created layers of sediment that preserved a record of environmental and climatic changes over time. These layers offer valuable insights into the region’s history, including past water levels, vegetation changes, and climate variations.
The Lunette’s striking appearance, with its layered sediments and exposed cliffs, provides a visual timeline of the region’s environmental history. It is not only a testament to the power of natural processes but also a valuable resource for scientists and researchers studying the complex history of the Willandra Lakes Region, including its ancient human inhabitants.
Mungo Man and Mungo Lady
In 1968, Jim Bowler, a geologist investigating the shores of Lake Mungo discovered human bone fragments. These bones were part of an intentional cremation ritual and they had been buried. The most significant discovery is that the bones were dated at around 40,000 years old. The initial bones were determined to be female and she was named Mungo Lady after the location where she was found. At this time, this is still the oldest known evidence of ritual cremation that has ever been discovered.
Jim Bowler was not finished, in 1974 his continued investigations into the area discovered male bone fragments, and in an accurate, but unoriginal twist, they were named as Mungo Man.
This person had not been cremated, but he was buried with crossed hands on his lap and red ochre had been sprinkled across his body. This was more evidence of an advanced culture dating back 40,000 years.
The Significance of Finding Mungo Man and Mungo Lady
This was significant because, up to that point, the accepted mainstream scientific theory was that indigenous Australians had been living in the area for around 20,000 years. To discover they had been here for at least 40,000 years and probably longer than that was an astonishing revelation.
When you visit Mungo National Park, you cannot see Mungo Lady or Mungo Man in person. Mungo Lady has been kept in a locked vault since 1992 and Mungo Man was returned to the area where he was found and both were reburied back in 2017. This area clearly has cultural significance for Indigenous Australians and artifacts are often uncovered due to natural erosion. Parts of weapons and tools are found on a fairly frequent basis and studied to learn more about the area.
Mungo Visitor Centre
This is the focus of the park, this is where you will pay the entrance fee and learn more about the area. There is a great exhibition in the centre with plenty of information about the geology, culture and local flora and fauna.
As you would expect, there are plenty of details on Mungo Lady and Mungo Man and their links to the Aboriginal heritage in this region. There may be some indigenous rangers that can give you more insights. The Meeting Place is located behind the visitor centre, it’s an outdoor area designed for events and meetings. There are recreations of 20,000 year old footprints.
Where to Stay in Mungo National Park?
If you’re camping with a caravan or camper van, there are two main options. First, you can use the main campsite which is only a short drive away. Here you can find 33 sites, but you need to book well in advance to secure your pitch.
The second option is the Belah campground which can be found on the Mungo Track with 12 sites and basic facilities. If you really want to experience outback camping this is the best option for an authentic experience. At the visitor centre, you can find an amenities block with modern flushing toilets and hot showers.
There is a third option for visitors who want an extended stay after they make the lengthy trip to the area. The Mungo National Park Lodge has 20 cabins for rent in four distinctive styles: King Deluxe, King Twin, Self Contained Deluxe, and King Deluxe Accessibility cabins.
The cabins are tastefully decorated in natural vanilla and brown tones with contemporary bedrooms and examples of local art. Every cabin has an uninterrupted view of the outback landscape and a private rear deck to appreciate it. There are also standard and family bunkhouses and glamping options.
Mungo National Park Walls of China
The Mungo National Park Walls of China is on the lake shore opposite the Visitor Centre. The sandy bank of this ancient shoreline has been eroded by rain and wind for millennia. What has been left behind looks like a series of sand sculptures that resemble podiums, ravines, mountains, and cliff tops.
This is the area where Mungo Lady and later Mungo Man were found and it’s the source of many ancient artifacts. This area is known as a “lunette” because it has a crescent shape like the moon. This is an appropriate name because you may feel like you’re walking on the moon’s surface surrounded by alien formations when you tour the area.
A convenient boardwalk starts at the lunette, visitors can take in the views and read the information panels to learn more. You cannot venture beyond this point on your own because there is a risk that damage could be caused. But, there is a guided tour that you can take that will allow you to walk directly on the sand.
Mungo National Park Tours
It takes a long time to reach Mungo National Park and if you’re not planning to stay overnight, you need to be well prepared for the tours that you may want to take. There are three options to consider: the Mungo Lodge Sunset Tour, the Walls of China Morning Guide Tour, and the Mungo National Park Guided Day Tour. Let’s take a look at all three in more detail:
The Mungo Lodge Sunset Tour
This is an evening tour that departs 1½ hours before sunset from the Mungo Lodge. At the reception, you will meet your experienced guide and visit the Wall of China for sunset when the sands change colour.
This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers and you get to visit the top of the wall to get even better 360º sunset views. The ancient historical home of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man can be explored at a closer distance.
The tour is conducted in an AC equipped minivan, pick up and return occurs at the lodge and visitors get a full guided tour of the Walls of China. You are likely to encounter emus, kangaroos, and local birds during your journey and the tour duration is around 2 hours.
The Walls of China Morning Guide Tour
If you’ve stayed overnight to experience Mungo National Park camping, this is a great way to start the day! This tour departs from the Mungo Lodge reception on every weekday at 10 am. A local experienced guide will take you on a tour of the restricted areas to give you a better understanding of the home of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. This is an easy two hour tour that includes the Visitor Centre, the Walls of China, and the historic Mungo Woolshed.
The Mungo National Park Guided Day Tour
This tour departs every weekday, pick up is at Buronga and Mildura with transfers to and from the park included in the trip. This is an excellent tour because you get to see everything in a single trip and it’s the best way to explore the area if you have limited time.
Visitors get an authentic outback experience when they visit inaccessible areas of the Mungo National Park. Touring can wet the appetite, so visitors get morning tea with scones, jam, and cream upon arrival and they can enjoy a delicious lunch at the Mungo Lodge restaurant. This comprehensive tour takes around 6 hours to complete.