Mungo National Park, MungoCredit: Tyson Mayr
The night sky over the Walls of China in Mungo National Park, Mungo.
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One of the ultimate ways to switch off, unwind, and relax is by immersing yourself in nature - mobile phones not welcome!
You may have heard of Kosciuszko and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks, but did you know New South Wales is home to more than 870 national parks and reserves? If you venture beyond the big-hitters you’ll find an array of lesser-known parks that offer incredible bushwalking, swimming, Aboriginal history, and more. Here are five under-the-radar national parks that call NSW home.
Mungo National Park
The landscapes of Mungo National Park in Outback NSW, 1,000km west of Sydney, are so otherworldly that arriving here feels like stepping onto another planet. In contrast to the green trees and flowing waterfalls of many other NSW national parks, Mungo is full of red earth, sand dunes, wild emus and unusual rock formations. It’s unlike anything else in Australia.
Don’t miss the Walls of China and Red Top lookouts, which can be explored on walking tours and offer magnificent views of the park below, particularly at sunrise and sunset. You can also tackle one of the park’s cycle loops, taking in the desertscapes around you as you pedal. Another must-see is the dry bed of Lake Mungo, which is now filled with photogenic layers of sand and clay called ‘lunettes’. Here, you can also learn more about the Aboriginal history and culture of the Paakantji, Ngiyampaa and Mutthi Mutthi people. The park is home to Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, which date back 42,000 years and are considered to be the oldest human remains found outside of Africa.
Where to stay: There are two campgrounds in the park (the Main Campground has more facilities), or you can opt for a basic but comfortable stay inside at the Mungo Shearers’ Quarters. Consider breaking up the drive here with a night in Wagga Wagga.
Bungonia National Park
You don’t have to go remote to discover a new national park. Just 2.5 hours’ drive southwest from Sydney, you’ll find Bungonia National Park, which is known as the adventure capital of the NSW Southern Tablelands. You can abseil, rock climb, hike and go canyoning or caving here. But for a slower pace, bushwalks are a great way to explore the scenery. A popular walk is the 6.7km Green Track (allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete the loop). Multi-day guided adventure treks are also possible.
Where to stay: Pitch a tent in the national park campground (which has toilets, showers, barbecue facilities and drinking water) or choose from the many accommodation options in Goulburn, just 30 minutes’ drive to the west.
Mungo National Park, Mungo Credit: Tyson Mayr
Man watching the sunset at the Walls of China in Mungo National Park, Mungo.
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Mungo National Park, Mungo Credit: Tyson Mayr
Man watching the sunset at the Walls of China in Mungo National Park, Mungo.
Bungonia National Park Credit: Sara Fife; Capital Country Tourism
Lookout at Bungonia National Park, Capital Country
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Bungonia National Park Credit: Sara Fife; Capital Country Tourism
Lookout at Bungonia National Park, Capital Country
Boonoo Boonoo National Park
It’s in Boonoo Boonoo National Park that famed poet Banjo Paterson proposed to his sweetheart Alice Walker back in 1903. Patterson popped the question at Boonoo Boonoo Falls Lookout, where you can still see the mighty, 210-metre tall waterfall cascade down into the rainforest gorge below.
The national park, 30 minutes north of Tenterfield, is perfect for soaking up northern NSW’s natural beauty with bushwalking trails, secluded rock pools, and more to discover. Pack your swimsuit and tackle the 6.1km River Walk, which takes you through eucalypt forest and past the river, where you may see wallabies and kangaroos grazing; allow 3.5 to 4.5 hours each way.
Where to stay: By the river, Cypress Pine Campground has toilets and barbecue facilities. Just inside the park, there’s also Robinsons Cabin, or get a room in Tenterfield, just 27 kilometres from the park.
Paroo-Darling National Park
An hour north of Wilcannia in far western NSW, Paroo-Darling National Park’s position on the Murray-Darling Basin means you can kayak, canoe and fish here. The rugged park is home to the serene Peery Lake, which draws kangaroos, emus and an incredible array of birds to the shore when full; look out for pink cockatoos! Just keep in mind that this is a remote part of NSW, so you must bring everything you’ll need with you.
Where to stay: Camp at the park’s Coach and Horses Campground, perhaps breaking up the journey in Dubbo if you’re headed here from Sydney.
Mutawintji National Park
Another ruggedly beautiful national park in the Central Darling Shire, 2.5 hours drive northeast of Broken Hill, is Mutawintji National Park, where you can see the crimson red Bynguano Ranges and immerse yourself in Aboriginal history.
The ancestral home of the Malyankapa and Pandjikali people, Mutawintji National Park is NSW’s first Aboriginal-owned national park. Discover Aboriginal rock engravings and spot emus on trails that lace this wild outback landscape such as the 7.5km-return Homestead Gorge Walking Track. You can also explore the park on a tour with Tri State Safaris based in Broken Hill.
Where to stay: The well-equipped Homestead Creek Campground is a great base for exploring the park. It has showers and barbecue facilities, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water.
Paroo River, Wanaaring Credit: Destination NSW
Paroo River, Wanaaring, near Paroo-Darling National Park.
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Paroo River, Wanaaring Credit: Destination NSW
Paroo River, Wanaaring, near Paroo-Darling National Park.
Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site.
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Mutawintji National Park, Mutawintji Credit: Destination NSW
Mutawintji National Park tour guide Keanu Bates showing visitors Aboriginal rock art at Mutawintji Historic Site.
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Lake Mulwala, MulwalaCredit: Alesha Jewel Bradford
Scenic sunset over Lake Mulwala in the Murray region.
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Keen for an extraordinary new adventure on your next escape? Head southwest from Sydney to Australia’s longest river, the Murray for a truly incredible array of experiences. Paddle steamer tours, kayaking, fishing, golfing, excellent local and seasonal food and wine, and stunning natural scenery await.
Sightsee on a paddlesteamer
While you can catch a paddlesteamer up the Murray on a one-hour cruise, to fully appreciate the waterway it’s hard to look past an overnight experience. Jump aboard PS Emmylou for one- to six-night itineraries to and from the Port of Echuca (the Discovery Centre here is worth a visit). The experience offers a leisurely look at life on the river, not in the least the staggering 600-year-old red gums that line the banks. When you dock, enjoy campfire breakfasts, guided bushwalks and visits to the cellar doors of the region’s top wineries.
Pick up some speed
Parts of the Murray are extremely wide, making the river ideal for waterskiing expeditions. The Southern 80 in Echuca Moama is an adrenaline-pumping pro-waterskiing event attracting some of the world’s top athletes. But anyone can give this high-octane activity a go, with local operators like Brett Sands Watersports offering professional instruction in waterskiing, as well as wakeboarding, knee boarding and barefooting.
Soak up serenity
A manmade reservoir 150km east of Echuca Moama, Lake Mulwala was created to control the flow of the river, and is today known for its ghostly gum trunks protruding from the water’s surface. The setting is particularly magical at sunset — weave your kayak through the eerie trees, on the lookout for nesting waterbirds, your soundtrack the chatter of cockatoos, corellas and kookaburras. Contact the Yarrawonga Mulwala Amateur Canoe Club for rentals and tours.
Explore on two wheels
For cyclists, Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail provides seven kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike tracks, shaded by enormous red gums. Situated in the Murray Valley Regional Park, just a few kilometres north of Moama, the route is great for riders of all experience levels, offering an exhilarating mix of terrain with drops, flowing bridges and wall rides — there’s also a skills area and a pump track.
Join the club
There are more than a dozen world-class golf courses fringing the Murray River — some of the most highly rated in regional Australia, in fact. Head to 18-hole Howlong Golf Resort for immaculate greens and fairways surrounded by native bush, particularly pretty in spring when everything blooms; there’s on-site accommodation, should you wish to linger. Corowa Golf Club also has a hotel alongside its 27-hole championship golf course, not to mention the cinema, clubhouse and pro-shop. And at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, you can choose to tee off from three different courses: The Murray, situated beside the river; The Lake, with views of Lake Mulwala; and the shorter Executive, ideal for beginners.
Dine on the water
From produce-driven cafés and restaurants to foodie trails, farmers markets, orchards, olive groves, wineries, whisky distilleries and craft breweries, the Murray region doesn’t disappoint on the food front. Get a taste for the diversity of offerings at Redgums, a moving dining room on the deck of the PS Emmylou. Enjoy local wines and seasonal produce as you cruise along the river, spotting native wildlife on the banks while you feast.
Murray Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
A selection of visuals from the Murray region including Woomargama National Park, Lake Mulwala, Corowa Whiskey Distillery, Yarrawonga Golf Club, Blacksmith Provedore, Mulwala, Junction Moama, The River Deck Cafe, Albury,
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Murray Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
A selection of visuals from the Murray region including Woomargama National Park, Lake Mulwala, Corowa Whiskey Distillery, Yarrawonga Golf Club, Blacksmith Provedore, Mulwala, Junction Moama, The River Deck Cafe, Albury,
PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Couple aboard the Paddlesteamer Emmylou as it cruises along the Murray River.
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PS Emmylou, Echuca-Moama Credit: Destination NSW
Couple aboard the Paddlesteamer Emmylou as it cruises along the Murray River.
The Murray River, Barmah National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park
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The Murray River, Barmah National Park Credit: Destination NSW
Kayaking on the Murray River, Barmah National Park
Follow a foodie trail
With your tastebuds piqued, explore the Murray’s culinary offerings further on Tastes of Echuca Moama & District, which points out local wineries, distilleries, farm gates, cheesemongers, markets, coffee roasteries and more. Pick up a map from the Echuca Moama and District Visitor Information Centre in Echuca. While you’re seeking out local produce, make the detour to Corowa Whisky and Chocolate, set inside a 1920s flour mill and selling handmade blocks and bars made using Belgium chocolate, as well as a range of delicious distilled drops.
Find time for wine
A small grape-growing region on the banks of the Murray, centred on the twin towns of Echuca Moama, Perricoota is developing a reputation for producing premium shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and fortified wines. Stop past the cellar door at Morrisons Riverview Winery, which also has a stellar restaurant and brewery. Visit St Anne’s Vineyards, where the rammed-earth cellar door overlooks a tranquil lake. And check out Restdown Wines — the organic vineyard also features a Wetland Walk, offering a glimpse of wildlife across the property.
Wine and dine in style
For an alfresco lunch of wood-fired pizzas and wine, head to Blacksmith Provedore at Lake Mulwala. The dreamy design — pastel-pink sun umbrellas on a grassy patio, light-and-bright interiors flecked with greenery — is only outshone by menus favouring local producers.
Also popular for its outside dining opportunities is The River Deck Café in Albury Wodonga, perched right on the water in Noreuil Park. The menu nods to the region — think fresh trout, house-cured meats and Murray cod.
Set up home on a houseboat
There’s no better way to take the pulse of the mighty Murray than by hiring a houseboat for a night or two — or a week. The good news is that anyone can do it — you don’t need a boat licence to captain one of these rivercraft. Pick your accommodation, whether a basic two-berth boat or a luxurious floating ‘hotel’ with a spa, air-conditioning and open-plan kitchen. Then kit it out with jet-skis, paddleboards, kayaks and fishing gear. Echuca Luxury Houseboats has a modern fleet of state-of-the-art boats to choose from, while Dinky-Di Houseboat Holidays offers good-value rentals, ideal for families (some are even pet friendly).
Sleep on dry land
Prefer not to sleep on water? Check in to the Perricoota Vines Retreat just north of Moama, its one- to three-bedroom timber villas overlooking vineyards and a lake. The Moama on Murray Resort and Echuca Moama Holiday Villas are other great options, offering self-contained villas and units in a serene bushland setting. For a romantic stay, Talo Retreat has traditional Mongolian yurts (circular tent-like structures) kitted out with domed skylights, timber floors, a kitchenette and spa. And Atura Albury offers modern hotel rooms with an industrial-chic design vibe.
Pitch a tent
Immerse yourself in nature at Benarca campgrounds, a free, pet-friendly camp and caravan site in the Murray Valley Regional Park — in addition to beautiful views of the river, the area is just a short stroll (or pedal) to the Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail. Enjoy fishing, birdwatching and hiking in the shade of the majestic red river gums.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala and the Murray River.
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Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, Mulwala and the Murray River.
The Murray River, Credit: Destination NSW
Camping on the Murray River.
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The Murray River, Credit: Destination NSW
Camping on the Murray River.