Yanga Lake viewing deck is in the Homestead precinct of Yanga National Park. To get there:

• From Balranald, travel east along Sturt Highway for 7km.
• Turn right into Yanga picnic area just over Yanga Creek
• Turn left at the Yanga National Park sign and drive 2km along unsealed road to Yanga Homestead
• The viewing deck is located at the rear of the homestead

Road quality

Check the weather before you set out as the road to Yanga Lake viewing deck can become boggy when it rains.

• Unsealed roads

Vehicle access

• 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

• Dry weather only

Parking

Parking is available at Yanga Homestead.
 

The locals will tell you it can get pretty hot out this way, so you may wish to time your visit to avoid the summer heat. Temperatures during autumn, winter and spring are more moderate - just be sure to check the forecast as roads can become inaccessible in wet weather.

Spring

A great time to see the woodland birds - be sure to bring your binoculars.

Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Picnic tables

Carpark

• Yanga Lake viewing deck factsheet
• Yanga Lake viewing deck map (833.5KB pdf)

Disability access level - medium

• Assistance may be required to access this area
• Wheelchair ramp

• Yanga Woolshed Explore Yanga Woolshed in Yanga National Park. When constructed in the late 1800s, the woolshed was the Riverina’s largest. It offers an insight into Australia’s pastoral history.
• Yanga Woolshed picnic area Located in Yanga National Park, near Balranald in the Riverina, Yanga Woolshed picnic area is an excellent place for a barbecue or spot of fishing on the Murrumbidgee.

• Regatta Beach picnic area Enjoy swimming, boating, birdwatching and paddling in the tranquil lakeside waters of picturesque Regatta Beach picnic area in Yanga National Park, near Balranald.

• Yanga Lake viewing deck Yanga Lake viewing deck offers spectacular birdwatching and scenic wetland views in Yanga National Park, near Balranald.

• Yanga Lake paddle Kayak Yanga Lake for an outback experience like no other. Wonder at the vast sky reflected in 1200ha of water, and spot wildlife and birds drawn to the wetlands in Yanga National Park.
• Yanga Lake Red Gum bird hide All the family will enjoy spectacular birdwatching and scenic views at Yanga Lake Red Gum bird hide in Yanga National Park near Balranald.
• Yanga Lake walking track Short yet rewarding, Yanga Lake walking track is a family friendly lakeside walk offering scenic wetlands views and spectacular birdwatching in Yanga National Park.

Animals

• 

  Southern boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae)

  The southern boobook, also known as the mopoke, is the smallest and most common native owl in Australia. With a musical 'boo-book' call that echoes through forests and woodlands, the southern boobook is a great one to look out for while bird watching.

• 

  Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

  Commonly found in forests, woodlands and leafy gardens across eastern NSW, the Australian ringtail possum is a tree-dwelling marsupial. With a powerful tail perfectly adapted to grasp objects, it forages in trees for eucalypt leaves, flowers and fruit.

• 

  Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

  Of the 2 species of kookaburra found in Australia, the laughing kookaburra is the best-known and the largest of the native kingfishers. With its distinctive riotous call, the laughing kookaburra is commonly heard in open woodlands and forests throughout NSW national parks, making these ideal spots for bird watching.

Plants

• 

  River red gum (Eucalpytus camaldulensis)

  Australian native plants, majestic river red gum trees are widespread across Australian inland river systems. The river red gum is a dominant tree species of the Murray-Darling basin which spans NSW, Queensland and Victoria. This iconic native eucalypt grows to a height of 30m and is thought to have a lifespan up to 500-1000 years.

• 

  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.