Mungo National Park Condition

Submitted: Friday, May 06, 2011 at 20:49

ThreadID: 86110 Views:1791 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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Member - Kevin S (QLD)

The master plan called for a visit to Mungo National Park in early July this year but current reports are not at all encouraging. It seems that due to flood damage, the only people getting in are commercial operators. Does anyone with local knowledge know what it is likely to be like in a couple of months time?

I also note that the road to Menindee is cut above Pooncarie. Is that situation long term. I presume the flooded Darling River is the cause.

Thanks.

Kevin

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Reply By: Fiona & Paul - Friday, May 06, 2011 at 22:34

Friday, May 06, 2011 at 22:34

Kevin

We have been to Mungo three times, the first time we had to wait at Balranald for 36 hours till the road dried out, but it dosen't take much rain to cause another closure.

If commercial operators are getting in then you should be OK. The road to Menindee from Pooncarie was extremely rough 12 months ago and that is much the same as Mungo roads in recovery time. Having said that that is our experience and my best mate lives at Menindee (although my wife does not trust him when he tells us the road is OK for a van).

Actually I used to follow the road conditions here exclusively but it doesn't always work now, so I don not have up to date information. We used the back road from Pooncarie last year when the main road was a bit rough and that was OK then, see the bloke at the cafe in Pooncarie for an update before you select a route.

Hoped it all clears up for you as it's a good spot.

Regards
Paul H

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Follow Up By: Member - Kevin S (QLD) - Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 07:46

Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 07:46

Thanks Paul. We will be coming in from the southern end but I would like to go on to Broken Hill that way. Looking at the road on Google Earth the road appears to be sealed all the way through but from your comments that does not seem to be the case.

Kevin

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Reply By: portlester - Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 08:20

Saturday, May 07, 2011 at 08:20

Hi Kevin

We were at Lake Mungo and Pooncarrie two weeks ago.

The main camping area was open and in good condition. You were able to head across to Woolshed and down to the Walls of China lookout (at the carpark), however you were not able to head onto the Walls nor was the loop drive open. Talking to the rangers at the time, they gave the impression that it may be some time before these areas would reopen as there was considerable damage following the rains. My guess is that if it didn't open for the Easter holidays - their peak period (which it didn't), then I would be holding my breath for them to open in the near future.

The cafe owners at Pooncarrie were hopeful that it would not be too much longer before the road to Menindee would reopen (it still hasn't I notice, so their business will be hurting). We had to head west via Polia Rd (just south of Pooncarrie) and headed across to the Silver City Hwy and then up to Broken Hill.

We didn't get there on our last trip, but my understanding is that the campgrounds at Kinchega NP, apart from the small one at the entrance, is closed and will remain so for a long time. The Woolshed has apparently reopened.

cheers
Ian

AnswerID: 453510