Perry Sandhills @RACV

Adjacent to the airport is Perry Sandhills. Let’s get you into the spirit of the weekend with a quick visit to Perry Sandhills. The buried tree is estimated to be 500 years old and thriving although most of the tree is under the sand dunes. Dusk and sunset is heralded with dazzling red and gold lights as the setting sun baths the dunes in fading light. The lights fracture as it moulds around the dunes providing a natural light show. Night skies are vivid pinpricks of numerous stars and well worth the wait for dusk.

Kings Billabong at sunrise

Perhaps you are able to rouse yourself to find a secluded spot beside the river, watch the sunrise and be part of the rising sun as it slowly lit the sky, the river and the river gums. Watch sunrise Mallee style. Then breakfast at one of the many cafes along the main street then onto Munga Park. Remember to check with the safety information before your day at Mungo National Park.

Kings billabong @francis

In contrast to the dry outback atmosphere of Mungo Park is the lush wet world of Kings Billabong. A billabong emerged from the nineteenth century irrigation plans with a historic pumping station still in working order. The Psyche Bend Pumping Station – Running Day is next door to the carpark. Check the website if engineering is your thing and you want to see the nineteenth century pumps in full throttle.

The steam engine that powered it, the chimney stacks, the enormous pipes all constructed without modern cranes and lifting equipment makes the visitor appreciate the ability to problem solve mechanical issues in a remote location.

Murray-Sunset National Park @Visit Melbourne

A free period to explore the heritage town of Mildura and district or to wander through the shops, spend time in the local markets, soak in the atmosphere of an outback town with a river as its backyard. Enjoy oranges, explore all things orange visiting well known orchards. Mildura is best known for its Oranges. The place to go for a Mildura orange experience is Orange World. There are three orchard train tours a day through the oranges and avocados.

DETOUR: Pink Lakes

For die-hard fans of the outback or perhaps you have not got enough of the outback and the afternoon is spent exploring Murray-Sunset National Park and pink lakes. A photographer’s siren call. The pink lake colour changes from bubble gum pink to glistening white depending on weather and atmospheric conditions. There are good standard walking tracks in the Pink Lakes area, along with a campground. Best accessed from the Mallee Highway near Underbool. It is approximately a 2 hour drive to the park. There is a  AWD Pioneer Drive loop around the Pink Lakes and several short walks to lookouts. Mildura is within the salt belt area of Australia. Climate changes, salinity and evaporation have created the salt deposits (pink hue).

If you are travelling from or to Adelaide to Horsham the Murray-Sunset National Park becomes a road side stop. If you do consider a road trip where weather conditions can greatly alter the appearance of the lake’s pinkness then you could be disappointed.

DURATION: ALL DAY TRIP

NOTE:

It is a long drive in the unending landscape of the outback.

Safety: Carry water, sunscreen, suitable clothing, snacks and other essentials

For inspiration on things to do consult our travel guide.

Mildura to Underbool to Murray-Sunset National Park entrance.

Stefano’s @visitmildura

At leisure to choose from the numerous dining options where to relax and recount your day. Perhaps a repeat visit to Stefano’s or another delectable dining establishment that has caught your eye.

Overnight Mildura at rearranged accommodation

Australia’s outback ochre dirt roads

What a way to finish the weekend with a leisurely cruise on a paddle steamer on the Murray. The Murray is an iconic river where you are tracing the river routes of early pioneer families. The river was the road. PS Melbourne / PV Rothbury / PB Mundoo will be your paddle steamer, simply follow the link to select the length and duration of your cruise. Book a Murray paddle steamer cruise here.

Facts