Melbourne to Mungo for Easter

G'day Phantom.

I can't comment on routes from Melbourne, but passed by Mungo last week. Only about 50kms of dirt coming in from the south. Some good patches, some rough patches, some soft patches.

Last week, for the first time, I kept heading north east from mungo toward Mossgiel and that is a spectacular drive through and around some of the other lakes. I'd definitely recommend driving in or out that way if it was an option. If heading in that way go from Balranald toward Ivanhoe then turn west past Clare.

Richard.

G`day Phantom,
The shortest route is on the Calder Freeway to Ravenswood, then onto the Calder Alternate Hwy to Marong, there are massive roadworks for a new intersection at Ravenswood so you shouldn`t miss the turn off, join the Calder Hwy (Hwy 79) again at Marong and stay on it to Mildura, cross the Murray then follow tourist signs to Mungo NP.
About 550 klm, a solid 6 hours.

Enjoy the trip.

Scrubby

Just be aware that if it rains in the area, the Mungo loop drive closes, and unsealed road are also often closed.

Still undecided whether to go via Balranald or Mildura

I would go up through Balranald and get info from the Discovery Centre there. Mungo is in Balranald Shire and they will be able to give you up to date road conditions. Come back through Mildura.

Go through Swanhill and straight across the river into NSW and head towardsMoulamein. 12ks out you turn left and follow that to Kialite. Turn right and that road leads to Balranald Its a back way but a real nice drive and well signed. When you get to Mungo head to the remote campsite on the far side of the lake.

Ivan made a good comment about camping away from the main campground.
We were there on a long weekend (maybe Easter) 2 years ago and we got there on the Thursday late afternoon and there were only 4 or 5 sites left. Couldn't believe how busy it was. It was so busy in fact that people were camping in the middle area that is supposed to be for just walking through.