Murray-Sunset National Park

Murray-Sunset National Park is a nature reserve in Victoria covering around 633,000 hectares of semi-arid landscape with salt lakes, sand dunes, and mallee woodland. The terrain features red sandy soils and scattered water bodies, some displaying striking color variations due to mineral-rich waters.

The area was historically used for salt extraction in the early 1900s before being protected as a reserve. The Pink Lakes were formally incorporated into the park in 1999, transforming it into a larger conservation area.

The land holds deep significance for Aboriginal groups who have inhabited it for thousands of years, with visible traces of their presence scattered throughout. These sites remain important to Indigenous communities today.

The park is remote with minimal facilities and unreliable mobile coverage, so bringing plenty of water and a navigation tool is essential. Planning ahead and traveling with proper supplies and equipment helps ensure a safe visit.

The Pink Lakes shift between pink and orange hues throughout the year, caused by microscopic algae that produce beta-carotene. These color changes follow natural cycles tied to water conditions and are rarely the same during different visits.

Operator: Parks Victoria

GPS coordinates: -34.81457,141.62758

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49