Mungo lakebed loop trail

Where

Mungo National Park in Murray-Riverina

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

35km loop

Time suggested

3-4 hr

Grade

Medium. A moderate level of fitness is required. This is a long, challenging trail designed for experienced mountain bike riders.

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply

What to
bring

Drinking water, first aid kit, bike repair kit, clothes for all weather conditions, snacks

Please note

• Depending on the wind, you can choose to cycle in the other direction, starting at Mungo lookout and ending at Mungo Visitor Centre.
• It’s best to cycle in the cooler months from April to September.
• A topographic map, compass or GPS will be handy in this remote area.
• Mungo Visitor Centre is a good place to pick up maps.

Setting out from Mungo Visitor Centre, follow an undulating track along the Foreshore walk. Please give way to walkers on this shared use track. From here, you’ll take the Zanci Pastoral loop cycling trail to the pastoral ruins of Zanci Homestead. Then, descend into the sandy lakebed and ride for 20km as you head south towards Red Top ground tank.

If you’re up for some extra adventure, take a detour off the cycling trail to Red Top lookout and boardwalk. It’s a steep 500m climb up Drive Tour Road to reach the lookout, but you’ll be rewarded with bird’s eye views of a dense dune network.

Once back on the trail, you’ll follow an old fence line across the lakebed for approximately 8kms. The final leg of your ride is a short, steep climb to Mungo lookout. Gaze across the ancient lakebed before following the road back to the visitor centre.

There will be plenty of time to absorb the rich Aboriginal history of Mungo on this lengthy ride. Keep your eyes peeled for grey kangaroos, emus, and pink cockatoos as you cross shrubby grassland dotted with native cypress pine and saltbush. You’ll want a camera handy to capture the otherworldly dunes and poached-egg daisies in spring.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info