Mungo NP
Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 20:57
ThreadID:
60930
Views:
2651
Replies:
6
FollowUps:
1
This Thread has been Archived
Charlgrave
Planning a trip to Mungo NP in the new few weeks. Does anyone know what the road conditions are? In particular
Balranald to Mungo, Mungo to
Pooncarie (either road). Are these roads suitable for a regular box trailer?
Reply By: Cape York Connections - Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 21:26
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 21:26
We went there a few years back now but they seem to be
well maintained tracks/roads.
It was a great spot and good spot to spend a few days at.
have a good one
All the best
Eric
AnswerID:
321461
Reply By: Gramps (NSW) - Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 23:05
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 23:05
We were there in April. Roads were fine and providing you drove sensibly a regular box trailer would be OK. It's a sealed road from
Pooncarie to the
intersection with Top Hut Rd (about 45ks to Mungo).
AnswerID:
321471
Reply By: imjames - Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 23:37
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 at 23:37
Mungo National Park absolutely fabulous place. Photographers mecca. There are pics on my site: www.harviephotography.com.au as for the roads they are generally good. You can drive a conventional vehicle on them. Watch for wandering wildlife and avoid driving at night. Emus everywhere. Also Big Red kangaroos. Stars are awesome.
Camp sites are designated with designated fireplace. When you walk the Lunette go over the back to check out the dunes. I find the best spots to photograph are off to the right about 10min walk. Anyway have fun hope this helps. James
AnswerID:
321474
Reply By: DIO - Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:54
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 10:54
The road conditions can change dramatically with the weather - particularly wet weather. Most of the roads in that area are clay based and become impassable with rain. Check with Police at
Balranald or the NP office at Buronga (across the Murray from
Mildura). You can always call the RTA 'Hot-Line' for up-to-date road conditions. If the roads are dry you could take one of the new age European designed ultra low, ultra lite caravan loaded with your finest crystal and survive. Like any dirt roads in the outback, speed is a killer to both wildlife, travellers and vehicles.
AnswerID:
321507
Follow Up By: Member - Serg (VIC) - Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:59
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:59
This is it – when road dry driving became child play, but even small amount of rain can render them nightmare and even impassable. Often authorities close road even after small rain because even if road still passable big trucks like Patrol or LC could dig so dip tracks that it became much more difficult to repair. So checking weather is the key.
Cheers
Serg
FollowupID:
588386
Reply By: Fiona & Paul - Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:23
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 11:23
You can get in to Mungo three ways and entry from
Balranald end is best because it is the shortest route and you have more fuel left when you get there. If you really want to look around make sure you have extra fuel with you. All roads are suitable for a box trailer, even when things aren't so good.
Any amount of rain can close the roads so checking with the nearest NP officer or
tourist information offices is VIP, they usually update their news 0930am each day.
Entry from
Hillston end takes you through Mossgiel (only a place on the map) so no fuel there, then a long drive on gravel which in parts can be corrugated, the thing to be careful of is distance between fuel stops.
You can also come in from
Pooncarie where the road conditions vary but in the main are fine for regular travel, you will always have to take your chances with corrugations.
Pooncarie to
Menindee can become heavy going with lots of deep loose gravel on the surface that slows you down and increases fuel consumption.
You can also come in through
Mildura, we haven't been that way but on both of our visits (more to come) everyone reported that road was in good condition.
There is a motel complex about 3-4 km from the main
campsite where you can access a working telephone, usually the one at
Mungo Woolshed area does not work. There are hot showers available and the rangers here are really good to talk to.
AnswerID:
321508
Reply By: rossco44 - Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 13:55
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 at 13:55
We have just returned - we travelled from
Balranald to Mungo and the road was fine. A few minor corrugations in isolated spots. Could easily take a box trailer. The road is wide, visability excellent. We wonder if the road via
Mildura may not have even less gravel. The problem is rain as seems as soon as it rains the roads are closed to prevent any damage to them. The night after we left Mungo it rained and we saw the
park was closed for a couple of days. Worth checking at local tourist centre or phone national parks to check before leaving if unsure. We camped a night in the
Park at Belair
Camp which we had all to ourselves! There were caravans and trailers at the
main camp park near
visitors centre. There is a one way self guided circular drive around Mungo (pick up the guide at
information centre) We did the full circle over 2 days and enjoyed what we saw.
Enjoy!
AnswerID:
321522