First time in the mallee

[philthy]

I'd like to make a trip up to the Mallee for a few days in mid-late July with a few friends.

Can anyone recommend a good place to go at this time of year? Looking at Wyperfeld, Sunset Murray NP as possible destinations. Suggestions on overnighters / good base camps for day walks would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Earwig]

I camped at Wyperfeld last July and it was fantastic. I just did day walks but a longer overnighter would be good. We camped at the park's southern campground (Wonga, I think). Cold at night - fantastic clear sky full of stars. Parks have a new camping permit system and suggest you book so that you are sure of having a site when you arrive. Forget it - there were two campsites taken out of over a hundred when we were there so I'd suggest not booking and just heading up and camping where you want - Wyperfeld, Hattah Lakes, Murray-Sunset - all be good. Enjoy.

Here's my blog of my Wyperfeld visit.
http://ian-folly.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/wyperfeld.html

[Hallu]

It depends what environment you prefer. All 3 (4 with Little Deserts) are different. Wyperfeld is the more varied : forests, flood plains, dunes, flowers... and lots of emus. Murray Sunset is known for its red sand and pink lakes, with mallee vegetation only (no forests of river red gums). Hattah Kulkyne is small freshwater lakes, forests, but you should check if the water levels are ok first, it's less interesting when the lakes are almost empty. Spring is my favorite time, but that means plenty of flies, whereas in winter they're scarce. The mornings will be crisp (frost on your tent) but the sunset and sunrise should be beautiful. Birdwatching is a must of course. Regarding walks, check the VIC parks website, it's got all the info you need. Haven't done an overnight walk, but the day walks are all nice. A rule of thumb in those parks : the most interesting walks are the ones that have dedicated walking tracks, the ones that are mostly on 4WD tracks are less interesting (and unfortunately there are too many).

[philthy]

Thanks for the tips, they're great. Think I'll head to Wyperfeld and play it by ear once I get there re campsite selection. Nice blog post Ian, I enjoyed it.

[MartyGwynne]

I would like to do a winter walk in the mallee one year so am interested to hear of walks (overnighters) people have done etc.

[dplanet]

Wyperfeld is fine. Follow a track leading north to a camp. The next day, head east for few kms and then walk back to south.

[Hallu]

lol I've seen more detailed routes than "Follow a track leading north to a camp." =)

[dplanet]

The track was led to the camp as discussed.