Main campground

Mungo National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

With its caravan, trailer and tent sites, the well-equipped Main Camp is the ideal place to base yourself and soak up Willandra Lakes’ rich Aboriginal history.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 33
Camping type Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water, firewood
Entry fees

Park entry fees are not included in your camping fees.

Group bookings Bookings for up to 9 sites and 40 people can be made online. School groups and commercial tour operators can submit a group booking enquiry form.
Please note
  • This is a remote campground, make sure you arrive well prepared
  • The route to the campground includes unpaved roads, generally suitable for 2WD cars, though roads may become impassable in wet weather.

Who said outback camping has to mean roughing it? At Main Camp, you'll find good basic facilities, including an amenities block, barbecues and picnic tables. Plus, it's just a short drive to Mungo Visitor Centre, where you can access hot showers and flush toilets, so all the creature comforts are within easy reach.

With its 33 roomy sites, there's plenty of space for your caravan, as well as for those with camping trailers and tents. The campground's location close to the park's entry and several attractions makes it a convenient place to base yourself and soak up this fascinating ancient landscape.

Spot kangaroos, fire up the barbecue and have an old-fashioned sing-along.  Immerse yourself in the area's rich Aboriginal history on a Discovery tour, or set out on the Grasslands Nature trail. And, of course, no visit is complete without a sunset visit to Mungo lookout. Located within walking distance of the campground, the Walls' extraordinary colours and captivating scenery are sure to remain in your mind's eye as you drift off to sleep.

Take a virtual tour of Main campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.

 

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/main-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Operated by

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Main campground.

Getting there and parking

Main campground is in the south western precinct of Mungo National Park. To get there:

  • From Sturt Highway, take Silver City Highway south of Mildura.
  • Turn right into Arumpo Road and follow to the end
  • Main campground is on the right shortly before the T-intersection

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Main campground can become boggy when it rains.

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available beside your campsite at Main campground and in a gravel carpark that circles around the campground.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

15°C and 34°C

Highest recorded

47.7°C

Winter temperature

Average

3°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-4.8°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

May

Driest month

January

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

93.3mm

Facilities

  • Water is not available at this campground.
  • Showers and accessible flush toilets can be found at Mungo Visitor Centre, a 4min drive away
  • There are no powered sites at this campground

Toilets

  • Non-flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

Fires permitted in fireplaces and wood barbecues only.

  • Wood barbecues (bring your own firewood)
  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Step-free access

The campground is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways. You'll will need to cross over flat, hard-packed ground or loose gravel to reach the campground's facilities.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

When bushwalking in this area, it can be a good idea to bring a topographic map, compass or a GPS with you.

Camping safety

Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Outback safety

Safety is of high priority in outback areas. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 50°C in some places. Food, water and fuel supplies can be scarce. Before you head off, check for road closures and use our contacts to stay safe in the outback.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

  • Main campground is flat and step-free
  • There are accessible non-flush toilets in the middle of the campground
  • This campground has flat gravel sites
  • There are no pathways - you'll need to cross over hard-packed ground and loose gravel to reach the campsites and facilities

Prohibited

Drones

Flying drones in Mungo National Park is not permitted unless you've received written agreement from the Park Office before your visit. Please note that a consent to fly a drone in this park is only permitted in exceptional circumstances with endorsement from the traditional owners. Read more about the Drones in Parks policy and the process to apply for consent.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Visitor centre

Learn more

Main campground is in Mungo National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

A landscape like no other

Walls of China, Mungo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Gaze in awe at scenery moulded by the elements and discover how climatic changes since the last ice age have shaped the land's geography. The park's lunette is perhaps its most astonishing feature. Comprising four layers of sand and silt deposited over tens of thousands of years, this majestic sight almost defies description. Walk the ancient dry lakebed of Lake Mungo and photograph the spectacular etched dunes of the Walls of China. At night, sit back and be amazed at star-filled skies unlike anything you've seen before.

  • 5-day Desert Sky outback tours to Mungo Immerse yourself in big blue skies and endless landscapes on a 5-day adventure with Desert Sky Tours. Leaving from Adelaide, enjoy camaraderie on the open road and explore fascinating outback sights by 4WD.
  • Corner Country 4WD tours by Spirit Safaris Experience the beauty of remote outback landscapes on this sweeping 4WD tour by Spirit Safaris. You’ll explore national parks and other highlights of Corner Country and Channel Country.
  • Lake Mungo and Culpra Milli immersion Stage 5 students (Years 9 to 10) will make meaningful connections with First Nations People in this excursion. It’s tailor-made for Aboriginal Studies. Students travel to Mungo National Park for a 5 to 7-day immersion experience.
  • Mungo day tours with Discover Mildura Join the knowledgeable guides of Discover Mildura to take a big leap back in time as you explore stunning landscapes in Mungo National Park. Learn about Aboriginal civilisation and hear fascinating stories of geology in World Heritage surrounds.
  • Mungo Guided Tours day trip Enjoy an action-packed day out in World Heritage surrounds with the friendly guides of Mungo Guided Tours. Explore fascinating Outback history and discover the stunning and austere geology of Mungo National Park.
  • Mungo self-guided drive tour Mungo self-guided drive tour through Mungo National Park in World Heritage Willandra Lakes offers scenic desert views of Walls of China and cycling options in outback NSW.
  • Mungo sunset tours with Outback Geo Adventures Discover Outback beauty in the austere landscapes of Mungo National park, near Balranald. Travel to this stunning World Heritage-listed area with the experienced guides of Outback Geo Adventures at sunset, or try one of their daytime tours.
  • Walls of China viewing platform The iconic views from wheelchair-accessible Walls of China viewing platform are some of the best in World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park in Outback NSW.
Show more

Incomparable history

Aborginal Discovery rangers, Mungo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Walk in the footsteps of the Ngyiampaa, Mutthi Mutthi and Southern Paakantyi Aboriginal people who have lived here for millennia. Come and share this ancient place and stand at the history-making sites where the world's oldest human cremation was unearthed and 20,000 year old human footprints and trackways have been found. Join an Aboriginal ranger on a Discovery Tour and learn about Mungo's exceptional heritage and continuing importance.

  • 5-day Desert Sky outback tours to Mungo Immerse yourself in big blue skies and endless landscapes on a 5-day adventure with Desert Sky Tours. Leaving from Adelaide, enjoy camaraderie on the open road and explore fascinating outback sights by 4WD.
  • Corner Country 4WD tours by Spirit Safaris Experience the beauty of remote outback landscapes on this sweeping 4WD tour by Spirit Safaris. You’ll explore national parks and other highlights of Corner Country and Channel Country.
  • Guided 4WD outback adventures in Corner Country Explore the fascinating outback region known as Corner Country with the friendly guides of Outback Spirit on a 14-day 4WD adventure taking in scenic wonders from Adelaide to Alice Springs.
  • Lake Mungo and Culpra Milli immersion Stage 5 students (Years 9 to 10) will make meaningful connections with First Nations People in this excursion. It’s tailor-made for Aboriginal Studies. Students travel to Mungo National Park for a 5 to 7-day immersion experience.
  • Mungo day tours with Discover Mildura Join the knowledgeable guides of Discover Mildura to take a big leap back in time as you explore stunning landscapes in Mungo National Park. Learn about Aboriginal civilisation and hear fascinating stories of geology in World Heritage surrounds.
  • Mungo Guided Tours day trip Enjoy an action-packed day out in World Heritage surrounds with the friendly guides of Mungo Guided Tours. Explore fascinating Outback history and discover the stunning and austere geology of Mungo National Park.
  • Mungo lakebed loop trail Get your heart rate up on this 35km mountain biking journey through the heart of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage region in Outback NSW. You'll ride across the dried base of Lake Mungo, past spectacular dune formations, with opportunities to stop at the park's most popular attractions.
  • Mungo lunette guided tour Take a guided tour of Mungo lunette (Walls of China) with an NPWS Aboriginal guide. It's one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW and a must-do when visiting Mungo National Park.
  • Mungo lunette guided walk Join an Aboriginal Discovery ranger in Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) History excursion. Explore the ancient layers within the Mungo lunette. Learn about the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa, and Mutthi Mutthi.
  • Mungo lunette guided walk Join an Aboriginal Discovery ranger in Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) History excursion. Explore the ancient layers within the Mungo lunette. Learn about the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa, and Mutthi Mutthi.
  • Mungo self-guided drive tour Mungo self-guided drive tour through Mungo National Park in World Heritage Willandra Lakes offers scenic desert views of Walls of China and cycling options in outback NSW.
  • Mungo sunset tours with Outback Geo Adventures Discover Outback beauty in the austere landscapes of Mungo National park, near Balranald. Travel to this stunning World Heritage-listed area with the experienced guides of Outback Geo Adventures at sunset, or try one of their daytime tours.
Show more

Outback animals

Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), Mungo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

With its thriving kangaroo and emu populations, Mungo's the perfect place for an up-close glimpse of Australia's coat of arms. You're sure to be amazed by the sight and sound of pink cockatoos in their hundreds, or the vision of harmonious bird species taking turns drinking from ground tanks. There's a good chance you'll see a mallee ring-neck parrot - look for its striking green/gold colouring.

  • 5-day Desert Sky outback tours to Mungo Immerse yourself in big blue skies and endless landscapes on a 5-day adventure with Desert Sky Tours. Leaving from Adelaide, enjoy camaraderie on the open road and explore fascinating outback sights by 4WD.
  • Mungo lunette guided tour Take a guided tour of Mungo lunette (Walls of China) with an NPWS Aboriginal guide. It's one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW and a must-do when visiting Mungo National Park.
  • Rosewood picnic area Enjoy lunch and some birdwatching at this picnic spot. It’s well-positioned near walking tracks, and is a great place to contemplate Mungo’s scenery and Aboriginal history.
  • Round Tank picnic area Round Tank picnic area offers a picnic spot on Mungo Self-guided Drive tour, with excellent birdwatching opportunities in outback NSW in Mungo National Park.

World Heritage wonders

Walls of China, Mungo National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Mungo National Park is part of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area. The region abounds in ancient cultural and archaeological treasures, the scale of which is almost impossible to grasp without a visit. Findings include human skeletal material, tools, middens and animal bones, along with relatively undisturbed landforms spanning several thousand years.

  • 5-day Desert Sky outback tours to Mungo Immerse yourself in big blue skies and endless landscapes on a 5-day adventure with Desert Sky Tours. Leaving from Adelaide, enjoy camaraderie on the open road and explore fascinating outback sights by 4WD.
  • Corner Country 4WD tours by Spirit Safaris Experience the beauty of remote outback landscapes on this sweeping 4WD tour by Spirit Safaris. You’ll explore national parks and other highlights of Corner Country and Channel Country.
  • Guided 4WD outback adventures in Corner Country Explore the fascinating outback region known as Corner Country with the friendly guides of Outback Spirit on a 14-day 4WD adventure taking in scenic wonders from Adelaide to Alice Springs.
  • Mungo day tours with Discover Mildura Join the knowledgeable guides of Discover Mildura to take a big leap back in time as you explore stunning landscapes in Mungo National Park. Learn about Aboriginal civilisation and hear fascinating stories of geology in World Heritage surrounds.
  • Mungo Guided Tours day trip Enjoy an action-packed day out in World Heritage surrounds with the friendly guides of Mungo Guided Tours. Explore fascinating Outback history and discover the stunning and austere geology of Mungo National Park.
  • Mungo lakebed loop trail Get your heart rate up on this 35km mountain biking journey through the heart of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage region in Outback NSW. You'll ride across the dried base of Lake Mungo, past spectacular dune formations, with opportunities to stop at the park's most popular attractions.
  • Mungo lunette guided tour Take a guided tour of Mungo lunette (Walls of China) with an NPWS Aboriginal guide. It's one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW and a must-do when visiting Mungo National Park.
  • Mungo lunette guided walk Join an Aboriginal Discovery ranger in Mungo National Park, Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, for Stage 3 (Years 5-6) History excursion. Explore the ancient layers within the Mungo lunette. Learn about the Paakantji, Ngyiampaa, and Mutthi Mutthi.
  • Mungo self-guided drive tour Mungo self-guided drive tour through Mungo National Park in World Heritage Willandra Lakes offers scenic desert views of Walls of China and cycling options in outback NSW.
  • Mungo sunset tours with Outback Geo Adventures Discover Outback beauty in the austere landscapes of Mungo National park, near Balranald. Travel to this stunning World Heritage-listed area with the experienced guides of Outback Geo Adventures at sunset, or try one of their daytime tours.
  • Zanci Homestead site Lose yourself in Mungo’s pastoral heritage. The Zanci Homestead site is a fascinating part of the Willandra Lakes region’s heritage, and can be accessed by mountain bike.
Show more

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

  • Emu, Paroo Darling National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

    The largest of Australian birds, the emu stands up to 2m high and is the second largest bird in the world, after the ostrich. Emus live in pairs or family groups. The male emu incubates and rears the young, which will stay with the adult emus for up to 2 years.

  • Wedge-tailed eagle. Photo: Kelly Nowak

    Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)

    With a wingspan of up to 2.5m, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey. These Australian animals are found in woodlands across NSW, and have the ability to soar to heights of over 2km. If you’re bird watching, look out for the distinctive diamond-shaped tail of the eagle.

  • Red kangaroo, Sturt National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

    The red kangaroo is one of the most iconic Australian animals and the largest marsupial in the world. Large males have reddish fur and can reach a height of 2m, while females are considerably smaller and have blue-grey fur. Red kangaroos are herbivores and mainly eat grass.

Plants

  • Saltbush. Photo: Jaime Plaza

    Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)

    A hardy Australian native plant, the saltbush is a small spreading shrub that can withstand dry salty soils such as those found in the desert plains of western NSW. It is grey-white in colour and has small spear-shaped succulent leaves. It flowers from December to April.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

School excursions (3)