Murray-Sunset: Landscape and Salt History

In the wider region around Murray-Sunset, you’ll find landscapes, traces of salt mining and opportunities for outdoor activities. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering these separately: the Pink Lakes combine seasonal colour with the history of salt mining, while floodplains, trails and drives offer different experiences. This will help you decide in advance which themes you’d like to shape your trip.

Excursions in the Wider Region

Pink Lakes: Colour and Landscape

The Pink Lakes get their name from their colour in late summer. Algae produce the red pigment carotene; how vivid the colour appears depends on the conditions. Lake Hardy is considered the pinkest of the Pink Lakes in Murray-Sunset National Park. The loop around the lake is 1.7 kilometres long, rated Grade 3 and takes approximately 45 minutes. Lake Hardy therefore combines a seasonal natural phenomenon with a route whose length and approximate duration you can factor into your plans.

Wildlife is also part of the landscape: Murray-Sunset National Park is home to species including the Malleefowl, Regent Parrot, Red-lored Whistler and Mallee Emu-Wren; all four species are native to this area.

Salt Mining and History

Abandoned salt-mine relics and salt heaps lie along the edges of the Pink Lakes; operations ended in 1979. These remains connect the landscape with its former salt-mining industry. The Kline Loop Nature Walk explores the history of long-term salt mining, the harsh conditions faced by workers and life in a remote part of the state.

Another historic site is Shearers Quarters Cottage. It was once used as sleeping quarters for men who drove livestock through the region. The history of salt mining and the lives of livestock drovers thus stand side by side as distinct aspects of the region’s past.

Roads and Routes

The Pink Lakes are on the Mallee Highway, 60 kilometres west of Ouyen. From there, an all-year gravel road runs for 13 kilometres to the main camping areas at Lake Crosbie. The Pink Lakes can also be reached from Linga via a gravel road in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. Check current road conditions before setting out.

In the Pink Lakes area, Pioneer Drive runs from Lake Crosbie via Lake Kenyon to Lake Becking. In a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can drive to Mount Crozier Lookout or the old outpost of Mopoke Hut. Check current road conditions for these drives as well.

Activities on the Floodplains

Canoeing, boating and fishing are possible in the floodplain landscapes around Walpolla, Lindsay and Mulcra Island. Local conditions can affect access, so check access arrangements before your visit. These activities offer a different focus from the trails around the lakes or drives to the lookouts and historic sites mentioned above.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

At Lake Hardy, the seasonal colour of the lake and the walking loop take centre stage; the Kline Loop Nature Walk focuses on the history of salt mining and the harsh working conditions. If you’re looking for hotels in Murray-Sunset, this distinction can help you first decide what you want your trip to focus on.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ouyen, Durham Lead, Panton Hill, Sutherland, Birchip, Yarragon, Frankston North, Drysdale

For the main travel overview: Victoria.