Mildura is an oasis on the mighty Murray, but you don’t have to go far to find yourself in the Australian outback.

There’s endless nature-based activities in and around Mildura and it can be hard to know what to tackle first. We’ve lined up an exhilarating list of things for you to see, do and experience the best that our region has to offer.

1. Pink Lakes

Once home to a cavernous salt mine, the stunning cotton-candy Pink Lakes within the Murray Sunset National Park are a must-see when you’re exploring our region. Situated in the Murray Sunset, you’ll come across four spectacular lakes showcasing brilliant shades of pink. The colours of the lakes can vary, from cotton-candy pink to a glistening white. It just depends on the weather, cloud cover and the time of day. Best access is along the gravel road from Linga VIC.

T: 13 19 63

Insider tips

• If you’re keen to fish in the Murray, you’ll need a NSW Fishing Licence.

• Need advice on road conditions, national parks or want to book a guided tour? Get in touch with Mildura Visitor Information Centre on 03 5018 8380.

2. Murray Sunset National Park

Plan a visit to the largest national park in Victoria. Stretching from the Murray River at Lindsay Island in extreme northwest of Victoria to the Pink Lakes near Underbool in the south, this vast, wide open, and isolated landscape will take more than a day to explore. This remote outback park offers extensive 4WDriving, photography, birdwatching and remote camping opportunities for prepared travellers.

T: 13 19 63

3. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Situated halfway between Ouyen and Mildura, off the Calder Highway, lies the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. A fantastic place to explore the Mallee bush and immerse yourself in natural surroundings, it’s one of the most biologically diverse parks in Victoria. Home to more than 200 bird species, numerous mammals, reptiles, frogs, and invertebrates, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The national park is perfect spot for camping, bird watching, walking, bike rides and canoeing.

T: 13 19 63

4. Kings Billabong

Escape the hustle and bustle of Mildura with a trip out to Kings Billabong. Only a short drive east of the CBD, this state park is an ideal place for a picnic, bike ride, day walk, kayaking or fishing. You can take a day trip or camp for free in the reserve. Four-legged family members are welcome but must be on a leash. If you are visiting on a Tuesday, Thursday or a Sunday, make sure to catch a glimpse of the Psyche Bend Pumping Station.

T: 03 5023 4115

5. Etiwanda Wetlands

Only a short drive or walk from the Mildura CBD, birds aren’t the only thing you’ll see when you visit the Etiwanda Wetlands. A tranquil spot for bird watching, bushwalking and cycling, the 16-hectare site features a series of ponds and an abundance of native plants. If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, this is one to add to your list.

T: 03 5018 8100

T: 13 19 63

Need bait and tackle?

Sales

BCF
728 Fifteenth Street, Mildura. T: 03 5023 2107

Anaconda
Mildura Homemaker Centre, Fifteenth Street, Mildura. T: 03 5002 1900

Mildura Outdoor & Tackle
103 Lime Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 8444

6. Shared Riverfront Path

Enjoy the beauty of the Mildura Riverfront by foot or bike. Stretching from River Boulevard to Chaffey Landing, you will find scenic picnic spots, interpretive signage and areas of cultural and historical significance along the way. The path is accessible from several locations along the river.

T: 03 5018 8100

7. Merbein Common

Enjoy the riverbank vegetation, billabongs, and native pine landscapes you’ll discover at Merbein Common. Only a 15-minute drive north-west of Mildura, the common is the ideal place to explore nature and learn about our rich Chaffey history. Enjoy a walk or picnic with your pooch whilst taking in stunning views of the Murray. If you enjoy free camping, you might like to snap up a spot along the riverbank.

8. Perry Sandhills

According to geologists, the Perry Sandhills originated after an ice age (40,000 years ago) and were formed by wind erosion over thousands of years. The dunes are a unique land formation of 400 acres of continuously shifting sand dunes. See if you can spot a familiar landscape, as the Sandhills have been used as a backdrop in many films and television shows and make sure you take a sandboard with you to slide down the huge dunes.

Old Renmark Road, Wentworth NSW

Need a sandboard?

Hire

Intersport
Corner Eleventh Street & Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5022 2212

9. Mungo National Park

When you step foot into this UNESCO World Heritage listed site, it feels like you’re on another planet. Only a 1 ½ hour drive from Mildura, get an insight into Australia’s fascinating history, with its stunning landscapes and rich Aboriginal cultural heritage. A great way to get the lay of the land is to take a guided tour of the Walls of China or complete the scenic Mungo self-drive tour. Otherwise, if you have a bit of time, pitch a tent and camp out for the night under the stars at one of the campgrounds.

T: 03 5021 8900 or 1300 072 757

More information:  Mildura Visitor Information Centre, 180-190 Deakin Avenue, Mildura. T: 03 5018 8380.