Lake Mungo, NSW

Ancient, dry lake in Mungo National Park

Lake Mungo is located in South Eastern New South Wales and is part of the Willandra Lakes complex. Don't expect to do any swimming or boating though, the lakes dried up millions of years ago. Erosion, caused by wind and water over thousands of years, has created a remarkable and diverse landscape of sand and clay. You will also see plenty of native wildlife and plants. Be careful of emus and kangaroos on the roads.

You can get to Mungo via Mildura, Wentworth, Balranald, or Ivanhoe. Whichever way you go expect a long drive on rough, unsealed roads. You won't need a 4WD vehicle, as long as the weather stays dry. If it does rain there's a good chance that roads will be closed. Make sure to fill up at one of the towns on the way, there is no fuel available at Mungo.

If you are driving up from Victoria I'd recommend staying a night at Wentworth. It's well worth checking out the Perry Sandhills and maybe even the Wentworth Gaol on the way.

The best times to shoot are early morning and late afternoon/evening. During the day the light can be extremely harsh - and it can get bloody hot. Skies are often cloudless but if you do get lucky, the sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular. The landscape really comes to life during golden hour and even into blue hour. At night the cloudless, dark skies are ideal for astro photography.

Some areas are only available with a guide, not ideal for photographers. There are still plenty of locations that are easy to access though. The Mungo Trail is a must-do. It's a 70km dirt track that loops around the lake and is easy enough to navigate in a passenger car... as long as the weather stays dry.

Check the weather before you leave, roads may be closed if it rains.
There's no phone or WiFi coverage.
A wide angle lens is a must. I'd suggest taking orange or red filters and graduated neutral density filters.
Take plenty of water, food, and sunscreen. Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunnies.
Respect the environment, it's fragile.

The subtle landscape of Mungo and the Willandra Lakes is a precious window where we can look into the deep past of old Australia. Buried here in thick layers of sand and clay are the tell-tale signs of how the climate, waters and landforms have changed over the last 100,000 years and more.

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