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Pink Lakes
The Pink Lakes are just one interesting part of this trek through the Murray-Sunset National Park and adjacent Hattah-Kulkyne NP in the Victorian desert country just south of Mildura.

This trek is located in the West Victoria region.

Start Finish Distance Min Days Rating
Linga (60km west of Ouyen on Mallee Hwy) Nowingi (55km north of Ouyen on Calder Hwy) 100 1 Trek rating 3 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3 of 5 - Click for details
» Description
» Preparation
    Fuel Information, Best Time to Visit
    Permits, Supplies/Facilities, General
» Things to See & Do
» Environment
» History
» Driving Notes
» Related Shop Items
  
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Researched By ExplorOz - Michelle Jacka   Latest Update 15 Nov 2005

 Description


Mud Map


Starting the trip at Linga there is a short 10 –15 km 2WD road into the Pink Lakes area. Here a number of historic sites can be viewed relating to the production of salt from the area in the early 1900’s. The pink colour of the lakes is due to algae present in the water. This pink view can be emphasised by viewing through polarised sunglasses. Unfortunately, the lake is not always seen as pink due to the changing concentrations of algae in the water.

From here the road turns to a track and 4WD is recommended, as the track has numerous soft sand patches.

A good map of the area will save marriages on this trip as there are numerous tracks heading off in all directions. From the pink lakes you head towards Mt. Crozier where a small hike leads to excellent views of the area.

Heading north from Mt Crozier towards Rocket Lake you'll see a large flat area that appears from nowhere. Leaving Rocket Lake you head towards RAAK plain, a white moonscape which may remind you of something from a sci fi movie. Here, gypsum (for plasterboard) was mined early in the 1900’s and on closer inspection a number relics can be found including a loading station that has you memorised as you approach it across the baron plain.

After RAAK plain the country starts becoming settled again with fences and livestock appearing and it is only a short drive back to the highway and the locality called Nowingi.

These notes, kindly supplied by Paul Mery.

 Preparation

Fuel Supplies

Linga, Ouyen, Hattah

Best time to visit

All year is good, although extremely cold at night in winter and can be extremely hot during day in summer

Permits

None

Supplies/Facilities

Ouyen is a main centre servicing a large rural area & therefore has all facilities. No water available on the trek

General

There is a very basic camping area at the Pink Lakes with limited shade, fire rings and pit toilets.

Some people prefer to camp on the east side of the Sunraysia Highway at the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park at Lake Moornapool and then tour the Murray - Sunset National Park as a day trip. Hattah-Kulkyne is a very pretty National Park with large river red gums surrounding natural fresh water lakes, ideal for swimming or lazing about, and definitely the place to stay as a base to perform day trips of the area.

 Things to See & Do

Victorian desert country, Pink Lakes Conservation Area, gypsum plains

 Environment

The Pink colour of the lakes is caused by a red pigment secreted by an alga called Dunaliella salina, which appears in the lakes after winter rains. The colour is best seen during spring early or late in the day or when it is cloudy.

Many birds including the Mulga and Mallee Ring-neck Parrots, and reptiles will be seen making their home in the native pine and mallee woodlands in the state park. The Murray Lilly which is Victoria's largest flower can also be found here.

During the trip you can expect to see numerous forms of wildlife including kangaroos and emus.

 History

Salt was commercially harvested between 1916 and 1975. Salt harvesting has now ceased but there are still salt stock piles and a display on the edge of Lake Crosbie.

 Driving Notes

We need new driving notes for this trek note. See our How to Submit a Trek Note page.

 Related Shop Items

Camping Guides
1. Camping Guide To Victoria  $19.95 Add the item Camping Guide To Victoria to your Cart
Click here for full page preview
3rd Edition  Author Lewis, Craig & Savage, Cathy  
Explore the very best camping spots in over 200 of Victoria's national parks, state forest, riverside reserves and High Country areas. This guides list where you can pitch your tent, set up your camper on public land for free or very little cost.
Full Description (inc coverage) Member Reward Product Dimensions 210 x 150 x 10mm
ItemID E123 Weight 225grams
Shipped from ExplorOz
Outback & Regional
2. Hattah Lakes  $9.85 Add the item Hattah Lakes to your Cart
Click here for full page preview
Scale 1:25,000  2nd Edition  
Map and notes on flora, camping, geology and walks. Includes the Hattah Lakes.
Full Description (inc coverage) Member Reward Product Dimensions 235 x 122 x 5mm
ItemID E216 Weight 77grams
Shipped from ExplorOz