The ancient landscape of Mutawintji National Park, north east of Broken Hill, is rich in Aboriginal history. Explore bushwalks and camp under the outback night sky.Visiting Mutawintji National Park in the NSW outback is a uniquely Australian experience. You'll find a ruggedly beautiful desert region showing evidence of continuous use by Aboriginal people for thousands of years.Dominated by the Bynguano Ranges, whose vibrant red colour dramatically captures changes in the light, this outback park is home to the famous hand stencil art of local Aboriginal communities as well as many other important cultural and historic sites.Stop to gather information from Mutawintji Visitor Centre, then explore the area further. You can book a night at Homestead Creek campground and then choose from easy walking tracks like Thaaklatjika Mingkana walking track, or more challenging options like Rockholes Loop walking track or Mutawintji Gorge walking track.Don't forget to book guided tour and visit Mutawintji Historic Site while you're in the area. It boasts one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in New South Wales.There are lots of things to explore in Mutawintji National Park however it is also a very remote outback park. To pick up some more information about the park and ensure that you are well prepared for your visit please drop by the park’s visitor centre. You can also stop here for a picnic or barbecue and to fill up your water bottles before heading out onto your park adventure.Bynguano Range walking trackBreathtaking in more ways than one, this scenic walk will challenge the most hardy of bushwalkers. Bynguano Range walking track branches off the Homestead Gorge walking track and crosses over the rocky ridge of the Bynguano Range to the west of the Mutawintji National Park.The walk starts leisurely enough as it meanders between the craggy cliffs of Homestead Creek. Keep your eye out for impressive Aboriginal rock art at the Thaaklatijika overhang. Climbing steeply over the Bynguano Range, stop to view the spectacular maze of valleys and rugged gorges. Kangaroos and emus forage in the grassy woodland below, and perhaps you’ll glimpse the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby.Stop to refuel and take in the birdlife - you’ll probably hear the unmistakable chatter of the correllas while there might be a majestic wedge-tailed eagle, or even a peregrine falcon, circling above.Homestead Gorge walking trackHomestead Gorge walking track takes you on a moderately challenging hike along Homestead creek between the rich-red rocky cliffs that shelter ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. If it has been raining, a large mirror-still rockhole will be waiting for you at the end of the walk.Keep an eye out for wallabies and emus, or you might see a goanna strolling across your trail or lazing on a rock in the sun. If you have binoculars you might like to take them with you to spot the remarkable array of birds that will dart and flit across your path.Mutawintji Gorge walking trackExplore the spectacular rangeland country of Mutawintji National Park along Mutawintji Gorge walking track. Your journey through one of the park’s most scenic gorges ends at a peaceful pool surrounded by soaring red cliffs.It’s a moderately challenging walk, and at three hours return makes for a good day hike. You can spend as long as you like at the pool, admiring the beauty of this special country and taking in the scenic view. You could even take some lunch and a thermos to enjoy an outback picnic.

Mungo National Park isn't your typical postcard paradise. Its beauty lies in its stark, ancient landscapes that whisper tales of a time long gone. Located in outback NSW, roughly 875 kilometers west of Sydney, Mungo paints a picture of ochre dunes and dusty plains, a dramatic backdrop to an even more remarkable story – that of Australia's Aboriginal people.Mungo's claim to fame rests on its UNESCO World Heritage status, recognising its cultural and natural significance. Here, the land itself becomes a museum, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back over 50,000 years. The centrepiece of this story is the discovery of Mungo Man and Mungo Woman, perfectly preserved remains of some of the world's oldest cremations, estimated to be 42,000 years old. These finds, along with fossilised footprints, offer a glimpse into the rituals and lives of these early Australians.A visit to Mungo National Park is a journey through time. The Mungo Visitor Centre, your first stop, serves as a great introduction. Explore interactive exhibits that delve into the park's geological history, Aboriginal culture, and the fascinating archaeological discoveries. Here, you can pick up the park's digital guidebook, a handy companion that will enrich your explorations even in remote areas with limited reception.Beyond the visitor centre, the park unfolds in a tapestry of diverse landscapes. Take a walk along the Walls of China, a dramatic formation of ancient lakebed sediments sculpted by wind and time. Climb atop the Mungo Lunette, a crescent-shaped dune offering panoramic views across the vastness of the park. Let your imagination wander as you gaze upon the stark beauty of Lake Mungo, a reminder of a wetter past when the region teemed with life.Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to discover in Mungo. The park is a haven for a variety of outback wildlife. Keep an eye out for majestic wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead, the ever-curious emus, and the agile red kangaroos hopping across the plains. Look closely, and you might spot a shy goanna basking in the sun or a flock of colourful galahs flitting between trees.For the truly adventurous, camping under the vast outback sky offers an unforgettable experience. Designated campsites are available, each with basic amenities. Remember, Mungo is a remote location, so ensure you're well-prepared with plenty of water, food, and essential supplies before venturing out.Respecting the park's delicate ecosystem is paramount. Indigenous Australians have a deep spiritual connection to this land. Always be mindful and adhere to designated walking tracks to avoid disturbing any cultural sites or fragile plant life.Mungo National Park is more than just a scenic getaway; it's a portal to Australia's ancient past. It's a place where the wind whispers stories of resilience, where the land itself bears the marks of cultures long gone. So, pack your sense of adventure, a healthy dose of respect for the environment, and get ready to embark on a journey unlike any other.