Mungo Woolshed

Mungo National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Mungo Woolshed, built in 1869, is an ingenious drop-log cypress pine construction from the historic Gol Gol pastoral station, now in Mungo National Park, near Mildura.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
3046 Turlee Leaghur Road, Mungo, NSW, 2715 - in Mungo National Park in Murray-Riverina
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Please note
  • If you’re camping in Mungo National Park, you’ll need to fill out a self-registration form at the visitor centre at all times of arrival
  • The weather in this area can be extreme; temperatures in summer frequently rise above 40°C and night time winter temperatures often drop below 0°C.
  • There is no mobile coverage in the park

Long after the mega fauna roamed the vast desert landscape, historic Gol Gol Station brought mega flocks of sheep to the region, now protected by Mungo National Park. Adjacent to Mungo Visitor Centre, the heritage Mungo woolshed, built in 1869, harks back to the pastoral history of this dramatic yet fragile landscape.

Step inside the shady cool and marvel at the ingenious drop-log construction, made from local cypress pine. At its peak, this shed was a hive of activity, with 18 men hand-shearing over 50,000 sheep. You’ll admire both the craftsmanship and sheer effort of the early labourers. Ironically the erosion caused by sheep, rabbits and tree-felling reduced the capacity for farming, and revealed the long-held secrets of the ancient lakebed.

Enjoy a picnic at the nearby facilities before embarking on the Mungo Self-guided Drive tour, where you’re sure to ponder the big questions amid the shifting sands of time.

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/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/mungo-woolshed-attraction/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Mungo Woolshed.

Getting there and parking

Mungo Woolshed 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
  • Turn left into Balranald Road
  • Take the first right into Mailbox Road and continue to the woolshed

Roads may be closed due to wet weather, please check the weather before visiting the park.

Road quality

  • Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at nearby Mungo Visitor Centre in a large bitumen carpark.

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

Toilets, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities are located at Mungo Visitor Centre.

Carpark

Step-free access

The woolshed is flat and step-free, with a long timber ramp that leads up to the entrance and timber flooring inside the building.

There are no paths in the area around the woolshed, but there are paved pathways a short distance from the woolshed that lead to the nearby shearer's quarters and visitor centre.

  • Step-free main entrance to the building

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

This park is in a remote location, please ensure you are thoroughly prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

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.

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 - medium

Mungo Woolshed is flat and step-free:

  • There's a ramp that leads to the entrance of the building
  • The main entrance has double doors
  • Inside the building there's flat, timber flooring
  • You’ll have no problem taking a self-guided tour, provided you navigate the gates carefully.

The area around the woolshed is flat and step-free, but there are no pathways until you get closer to the visitor centre and shearer's quarters next door.

There are accessible flush toilets and hot showers set along a paved path at the shearer's quarters.

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.

Gathering firewood


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

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

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. You can also download the Mungo Stories - Walk Together app to use in the park and hear cultural stories at specific locations. 

  • 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 4WD guided tour Explore the spectacular desert landscape of Mungo National Park in comfort on a guided tour with Murraytrek 4WD Adventures.
  • 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. Ride across the dried base of Lake Mungo and past spectacular dune formations.
  • 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.
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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 4WD guided tour Explore the spectacular desert landscape of Mungo National Park in comfort on a guided tour with Murraytrek 4WD Adventures.
  • 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 landscapes photography workshop Join Adam Edwards Photography on an exciting, multi-day photography workshop in Mungo National Park. Designed for all skill levels, you’ll learn how to capture unforgettable landscape photos.
  • 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.
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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. Ride across the dried base of Lake Mungo and past spectacular dune formations.
  • 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.
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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)