Broken Hill, Outback New South Wales

Mungo National Park



The Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, with Mungo National Park at its centre, maintains a continuous record of human occupation stretching back well over 40,000 years. Rain and wind has uncovered ancient fireplaces and hearths, as well as calcified plant matter, artefacts, stone tools and animal bones. At the 33 kilometre long crescent of the Walls of China, erosion has sculpted the sand and clay into dramatic formations.

Prior to 1922, the area now covered by Mungo National Park (formerly the Mungo and Zanci stations) formed part of the original Gol Gol station. At its peak, 18 hand-shearers were employed in the Mungo Woolshed on Gol Gol to shear up to 50,000 sheep. Over time, the combined effects of sheep, rabbits and feral goats seriously reduced the carrying capacity of the land.

In 1922, Gol Gol station was divided into a number of smaller blocks for the settlement of soldiers returning from the First World War. Mungo and Zanci were two 16,000 hectare soldier settlement blocks. The break up of Gol Gol station increased the pressure on the habitat because the smaller area could only carry 3500 to 4000 sheep. The wool store, adjacent to the woolshed, was dismantled and used in the construction of the Zanci shearing shed. In 1934 Albert Barnes purchased the lease, which he held until 1978, when the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service acquired it.



Getting There

From Broken Hill, follow the signs to Menindee and then to Pooncarie. Travel through Pooncarie and 20 kilometres south you'll see Top Hut Road with a sign indicating Mungo National Park. Follow this road to its end and turn right at the T-junction. Road quality: unpaved sections

From Mildura, cross the bridge to Buronga and follow the Silver City Highway towards Broken Hill. As you leave Buronga you'll see Arumpo Road with a sign indicating Mungo National Park. Follow this road to its end. Road quality: unpaved sections

From Balranald, follow the signs to Ivanhoe (Ivanhoe Road) for 53 kilometres. Turn left 3 kilometres after Box Creek Bridge (signposted), and follow the road until you get to the park. Road quality: unpaved sections

From Wentworth, cross the bridge and turn left, following signage to Pooncarie. 20 kilometres before Pooncarie you'll see Top Hut Road with a sign indicating Mungo National Park. Follow this road to its end and turn right at the T-junction. Road quality: unpaved sections