Murray-Sunset National Park Visitor Guide...
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park notes For more information call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit our website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Pink Lakes Murray-Sunset National Park Visitor Guide A rich human history The beginning of commercial salt mining in 1916 brought families to the shores of the lakes where a small town and school were established. The work was tough on both men and machines and for many years camels provided the most reliable means of transporting the salt. Salt mining continued until 1979 when the area was declared a state park. This 50,700ha state park was incorporated into Murray-Sunset National Park in 1991, making it Victoria's second largest national park (633,000ha). Caring for Country Indigenous Australians have been connected to this landscape for tens of thousands of years. As custodians of the land, ancestors lived in harmony with the environment and nurtured a deep and abiding respect for Country. Caring for Country continues to be an integral part of present day Indigenous social, spiritual, economical and physical life. All Australians share a responsibility to create a community that shares and values this respect for our land. Why are the lakes pink? Actually the water is crystal clear and very salty. The bed of the lakes is solid salt and a species of red algae (Dunaliella salina) gives the lakes their characteristic pink colouring. The intensity of colour varies throughout the year and is strongest after rains wash in fresh nutrients, triggering increased growth of the algae. Enjoying the park Walking Some suggested walks are; Kline Nature Walk (approx 1.5 hours) Lake Becking Nature Walk (approx 45 mins) Lake Hardy Nature Walk (approx 1.5 hours). A separate parknote is available for Sunset Remote Walking Track. It is essential to contact a ranger before attempting an extended walk in the more remote areas of the park. Cycling Pioneer Drive offers good cycling, other tracks are too sandy. Photography The Pink Lakes are outstanding subjects for photography, the colour is most intense on overcast days. Driving For those with limited time to spend in the park a drive around Pioneer Drive is recommended. Camping The main campground at Lake Crosbie is a great place for an overnight or longer stay. Camping facilities are also provided at Mt Crozier (4WD), Mopoke Hut (4WD) and Lake Becking (2WD). Day visits Enjoy a day out at Lake Crosbie or Lake Becking. Facilities include toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables. How to get there Pink Lakes are 60km west of Ouyen, along the Mallee Highway. Turn onto an all-weather gravel road for 13km to the main camping areas. Access further north into the park is recommended for 4WD only. November 2010 Printed on Australian-made 100% recycled paper "Changing in colour from a glistening white to a deep pink, the Pink Lakes are a pretty sight at most times of the year. They are just as picturesque on bright moon-lit nights as they are in daylight." Jim Kline, a local born and raised at Pink Lakes Watch closely for the Bearded Dragon basking in the sun.
Transcript of Murray-Sunset National Park Visitor Guide...
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For more information call the Parks Victoria Information Centre
on 13 1963 or visit our website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Healthy Parks Healthy People
Visiting a park can improve your health, mind, body and
soul. So, with over four million hectares of parkland available to Victorians, why not escape
to a park today!
Pink Lakes Murray-Sunset National Park
Visitor Guide
A rich human history The beginning of commercial salt mining in 1916 brought families to the shores of the lakes where a small town and school were established. The work was tough on both men and machines and for many years camels provided the most reliable means of transporting the salt. Salt mining continued until 1979 when the area was declared a state park. This 50,700ha state park was incorporated into Murray-Sunset National Park in 1991, making it Victoria's second largest national park (633,000ha).
Caring for Country Indigenous Australians have been connected to this landscape for tens of thousands of years. As custodians of the land, ancestors lived in harmony with the environment and nurtured a deep and abiding respect for Country. Caring for Country continues to be an integral part of present day Indigenous social, spiritual, economical and physical life. All Australians share a responsibility to create a community that shares and values this respect for our land.
Why are the lakes pink? Actually the water is crystal clear and very salty. The bed of the lakes is solid salt and a species of red algae (Dunaliella salina) gives the lakes their characteristic pink colouring. The intensity of colour varies throughout the year and is strongest after rains wash in fresh nutrients, triggering increased growth of the algae.
Enjoying the park
Walking Some suggested walks are; Kline Nature Walk (approx 1.5 hours) Lake Becking Nature Walk (approx 45 mins) Lake Hardy Nature Walk (approx 1.5 hours). A separate parknote is available for Sunset Remote Walking Track. It is essential to contact a ranger before attempting an extended walk in the more remote areas of the park.
Cycling Pioneer Drive offers good cycling, other tracks are too sandy.
Photography The Pink Lakes are outstanding subjects for photography, the colour is most intense on overcast days.
Driving For those with limited time to spend in the park a drive around Pioneer Drive is recommended.
Camping The main campground at Lake Crosbie is a great place for an overnight or longer stay. Camping facilities are also provided at Mt Crozier (4WD), Mopoke Hut (4WD) and Lake Becking (2WD).
Day visits Enjoy a day out at Lake Crosbie or Lake Becking. Facilities include toilets, gas barbecues and picnic tables.
How to get there Pink Lakes are 60km west of Ouyen, along the Mallee Highway. Turn onto an all-weather gravel road for 13km to the main camping areas. Access further north into the park is recommended for 4WD only.
November 2010 Printed on Australian-made 100% recycled paper
"Changing in colour from a glistening white to a deep pink, the Pink Lakes are a pretty
sight at most times of the year. They are just as picturesque on bright moon-lit nights
as they are in daylight." Jim Kline, a local born and raised at Pink Lakes
Watch closely for the Bearded Dragon basking in the sun.
Lake Becking Nature Walk
Sunset Remote Walking Track
Kline Nature Walk
Caring for theenvironment
Help us look after your parks by following these guidelines:
Camp only in designated areasPlease take rubbish home with you for recycling and disposal
All plants, animals, archaeological sites and geographic features are protected by law and must not be
disturbed or removedDogs and other pets are not
permitted in the parkFirearms, generators and chainsaws are prohibited
Reduce trampling by keeping to the walking tracks
Vehicles, including motorcycles, must not be driven off open
formed roadsAll vehicles must be registered
and drivers licensedFire
Pink Lakes is in theMallee
Total Fire Ban DistrictIt is your responsibility to
know if it is a day of Total Fire Ban
If in doubt call theVictorian
Bushfire Information Line: 1800 240 667
Fires may only be lit in fireplaces provided
No fires/flames,(including gas or fuel
stoves/lanterns in tents) may be lit on days of
Total Fire BanPark closures
Be prepared to leave early as extreme weather may cause the
closure of some park areas for public safety
Mobile phones:You may not be in network range
in some park areas. To be connected to emergency services
when you are not in range dial 112 then press the ‘Yes’ key
www.parks.vic.gov.au
