Living Outback - New South Wales
The park attracts World Heritage listing as a significant source of information about animal life and human occupation over the past 40,000 years. Erosion, besides producing spectacular landscapes, has exposed large concentrations of skeletal remains of previous inhabitants and the utensils they used. Extinct giant kangaroos and thylacines are evident, as are the skeletons of animals no longer found locally.
The imposing 'Walls of China', a 30km. crescent of orange and white dunes and rock formations, are the primary source for archaeological information. Fossils are found in the eroded western side, while the eastern slopes are covered by magnificent sand dunes. Much of the park consists of undisturbed Mallee, home for native kangaroos, echidnas and mice. There are lizards and geckos, and a variety of bird-life including emus and orange and white fronted chats.
Just outside the park is Mungo Lodge, providing meals and refreshments, motel and cottage accommodation, and a licensed restaurant. At Hatfield in the south-eastern corner, a new establishment offers refreshments and information.
For campers there are facilities within the park. Visitors should be well-equipped with water and fuel before venturing into the area and fire-arms or pets are not allowed. Enquiries from Balranald, Hay or Mildura Information Centres.
