Mungo NP

Yes, it is a shame. We made a phone call a couple of days before visiting due to possible rain in the area. Were assured there had been no rain and it was all open and just waiting for us to visit. On arrival the sign said CLOSED. Asked if there had been rain and was told there was none for two weeks. Asked why the loop was closed and told it 'JUST WAS'. Wasn't told there was an apparent lack of interest in tourism and it was all too hard. Lots more to say but it would be construed in a couple of ways and I would then be accused of being a person of dubious qualities.

Longtooth

I am trying to get clarification from Park NSW. There are two closures; the loop drive which should be temporary and is cited as due to weather damage, and the freedom to walk on the delicate structures at what they call the Walls of China. In the latter case, viewing can now only be done from the boardwalks or when supervised with a tour guide. I am not surprised. We were amazed that we could walk freely on the lunette, site of discoveries of world significance, and walked carefully while we still could access this amazing place knowing we would be unlikely to do so in the future. Not everyone is totally responsible, as can be seen from recent threads on campers who just don't care.

It is still worth going to see Mungo Richard, but better if you can do the loop drive as well, which shows the modern history of this ancient place.

Motherhen

There is a tendency to forget the amount of damage done in the eastern part of Australia by flood waters last wet season and the huge amount of time and money needed to fix things that got broken. I understand that Mungo was inundated from the Darling. Some roads in the area were cut for months.
My understanding is that the closure of the loop is temporary. Local folk expressed the view to me that as it was not opened by Easter 2011, which is the high point of the main tourist season, that there would not be an early reopening.
Kevin

I was told today that the grader has finished work on the loop and it is now open.

NSW Parks have confirmed what i have been reporting.The loop drive was a temporary closure, but the freedom to walk unaccompanied on the lunette will not occur again. Park Rangers will be taking more frequent guided tours.

The Loop Drive was re-opened last week, but rain in the area may result in closures again. Check before visiting. However the loop drive covers recent history and does add another dimension and more interest to a Mungo visit, but the wealth of ancient history is the main attraction. The feeling of being there is awesome.

Motherhen