Traveller safety information

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park protects an area of 48,000 hectares 580 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. It lies in typical mallee country with extensive low scrub and open native pine woodland. Superbly adapted birds, animals and vegetation thrive in the poor, sandy soils and searing summers.

Hattah-Kulkyne is special because of the flow of permanent water in the nearby Murray River and the freshwater Hattah Lakes seasonally filled by creeks connected to the Murray which provide food and shelter for waterbirds and fish. These lakes can remain full for up to ten years without flooding, but flooding generally occurs, on average, once every two years.

Activities include camping, canoeing, bicycle riding, nature study, photography, fishing and driving (Hattah and Kulkyne nature drives - many other tracks are sandy or impassable after rain).

Information about walking tracks, and about the park's natural history and cultural heritage, is available at the Park Visitor Centre.

• Picnic and camping areas at Lake Hattah and Mournpall have pit toilets, tables and fireplaces.
• Caravan parks, motels and hotels are available at Mildura, Red Cliffs, Ouyen and Robinvale.
• Groceries and other supplies and petrol are available at Hattah township.

In places, evidence of Aboriginal life can be seen, with scars on trees where shields and canoes were made, and middens heaped with shells left from meals eaten over many generations. Today, Aboriginal communites in Mildura and elsewhere take an interest in the park and in recovering more of its Indigenous heritage.

Last century, and for much of this century, the country was extensively grazed by sheep and cattle (and rabbits), damaging the natural vegetation and soils. In 1915 a Sanctuary was formed to protect the beauty of the Hattah lakes. The Sanctuary became Hattah Lakes National Park in 1960, and in 1980 the adjacent Kulkyne State Forest was added to form Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and Murray Kulkyne Park.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

Hattah is ideal for bird watching. The lake and dry-country habitats are a haven for over 200 bird species. Apostle-birds and White-winged Choughs frequent campsites, and at dusk Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Regent, Bluebonnet, Mulga and Mallee Ringneck Parrots and Rosellas also remind visitors that Australia has some of the most colourful and raucous birds in the world. Malleefowl, with their great nesting mounds of leaf litter and twigs, breed in the park. Elsewhere much of their habitat has been destroyed. At dusk and dawn, emus and the two species of kangaroo, the Red and Western Grey, can be seen feeding.

The sandy beaches along the Murray, the creeks and the lakes are shaded by fringes of River Red Gums. Black Box woodlands clothe slightly higher areas. Native pine and buloke woodlands used to cover the dunes, but the trees were largely removed for timber and are only slowly regenerating. About half the park has mallee vegetation with its typical multi-stemmed eucalypts and sparse ground cover.

Walks lead from the main camping ground at Hattah Lake to nearby lakes past beaches and through Black Box woodlands and stands of Eumong wattles. If there is good winter rainfall there can be spectacular spring wildflower displays.

• All plants and animals are protected.
• Fires may be lit only in fireplaces provided. Gas or fuel stoves are preferred.
• No pets are allowed in the park.
• Canoes only are permitted on the lakes - no power boats.
• Driving off the tracks is not permitted as it damages the environment. Walkers are also asked to keep to tracks.
• The use of chainsaws is prohibited in this park.

• Always carry water when walking. Summer heat can be very harsh. The park is best visited in autumn, winter or spring. Wear a hat and appropriate clothing.
• Check with park staff before swimming in the lakes.
• Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
• Rangers should be consulted about the condition of tracks after heavy rain.

Take the Calder Highway to Hattah township, 35 km north of Ouyen. Turn off to Lake Hattah camping area (4 km). Two wheel drive gravel track to Mournpoul camping area (10 km). Melway ref: 514 C8.

Visitor Centre

A flat gravel path links the toilet, car park and Visitor Centre at Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. The building itself is easily accessed and is a valuable source of educational material to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of this area. There is an accessible toilet facility at one end of the car park.

Lake Hattah Picnic Area and Campground

Lake Hattah picnic area offers shelter, and is reached by a pedestrian path. A pit toilet with good access features is nearby. The camping area lacks defined paths and an accessible toilet. Sandy soils restrict the accessibility of most park tracks. There is a 6km nature drive (or walk) around Lake Hattah, with a numbered information sheet available at the start. Summers can be very hot - it is best to visit in autumn, winter or spring. sites.

Lake Mournpall Campground

A good stopping point on the Mournpall Track scenic drive. Facilities are reasonable, and water is available. The sandy ground and vegetation debris decrease the overall accessibility of the site.

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