Mungo National Park, New South Wales © Destination NSW and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Guide to Mungo National Park
Explore one of the world's most significant archaeological sites while discovering a rich First Nations history.
You won't see many places on Earth quite like Mungo National Park, a lunar-like landscape made up of dried-up lake beds and sand dunes. This New South Wales national park is steeped in Aboriginal history; it was here that the remains of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man (said to be roughly 40,000 years old) were discovered. Tour this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site with a First Nations guide and open a window into Australia’s past.
Mungo National Park is in a remote area of New South Wales. It’s an 11-hour drive from Sydney, a six-hour drive from Adelaide and a 6.5-hour drive from Melbourne. The trip is possible in a two-wheel drive vehicle, but driving on dirt roads is required, so check your hire car policy.
- Mildura Airport (MQL) is the nearest airport to Mungo National Park at 120km (75mi) away. Rental cars are available here
- Roads into Mungo National Park may close in heavy rain, so check conditions before you go
- Planning ahead is vital, as food, fuel and equipment are not available near Mungo National Park; the closest town for food and fuel is Pooncarie, located 81km (50mi) away
Mungo National Park experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and temperatures varying greatly between day and night. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Mungo National Park, as these seasons tend to have mild weather.
- High season: Australian school holiday periods
- Low season: Autumn (March to May)