Lake Mungo is in the Mungo National Park which is part of the 240,000ha Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area.

The Walls of China lunette (to the left) is about 33 kms long and is in the shape of a crescent on the north-eastern "shore" of Lake Mungo.

The area has had a continuous record of human occupation for over 40,000 years. And mega fauna lived in the area - including wombats as big as a cow and goannas seven metres in length.

The traditional owners are the Mutthi Mutthi, Paakantji and Ngiyampaa tribes.

Lake Mungo is a dry lake and occupies about a third of the 111,000ha Mungo National Park. The Park was gazetted in 1979.

Lake Mungo was one of a series of lakes formed by the Lachlan River - before it changed course to flow into the Murrumbidgee River instead. 40,000 years ago the lakes were full and teeming with fish, water fowl and shellfish.

Over time, the lakes dried out and 15,000 years ago they became dry.

The lunette, or sand dunes, were laid down over 100,000 years. The spectacular effect now seen is due to the removal of binding grasses and shrubs by sheep and rabbits that came into the area in the 1860s.

Accommodation at Mungo National Park can be found at Mungo Lodge - some of its self-contained cabins are shown to the left.

Or why not consider Turlee Station Stay farmstay which is only 20 minutes away.

Turlee Station is a working sheep and wheat station. Besides accommodation, it also offers activities such as sheep shearing, sheep dog working demos and tag-along tours.

The best way to see Mungo National Park is by a guided tour. This can be arranged through the Park Office or via Harry Nanya Tours.

Mungo National Park is in the south west of New South Wales - 150km north-west of Balranald and 110km north-east of Mildura. Most of the roads are unsealed and can be impassable after rain. There is a "must see" 70km self-guided drive around the Lake. Petrol planning is required as there is no petrol available at the Park.