Traveller safety information

See the River Red Gums section for more information and advice about visiting, camping, fishing and boating on and around the Murray River.

• All of the tracks within the park are best suited for four-wheel drive, although conventional vehicles can use the Pink Lakes track from Linga, Settlement Track (the northern boundary) and Wallewa or Berribee tracks to Lindsay Island and the Murray River. All tracks are subject to seasonal conditions and up-to-date information should be sought from the ranger.
• There are excellent walking tracks in the Pink Lakes area. However, it is recommended that walkers seek ranger advice before starting longer walks. The Pink Lakes are so named because of their colour during late summer. A red pigment, carotene, is secreted from the alga - best seen early or late in the day or when it is cloudy. The lakes evaporate over summer leaving concentrated salt crusts over black mud.

• The camping site at Pink Lakes on the southern shore of Lake Crosbie, the largest of the four lakes, has toilets, gas barbecues, picnic tables and fireplaces. 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.
• Other structured camping grounds are at Mount Crozier, Lake Becking, Rocket Lake and Mopoke Hut.
• There are also a number of remote campsites with facilities.
• The Shearer's Hut offers hostel-style accommodation with cooking facilities, bunks and a hot shower. Bookings can be made by contacting the Werrimull Office on 13 1963.

Salt was commercially harvested between 1916 and 1975 from Pink Lakes. The area was declared a National Park in 1991.

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

Other notable birdlife include Mallee Fowl, Pink Cockatoos and White-browed Tree creepers. On a warm afternoon Bearded and Mallee Dragons may also be seen.

• All plants, animals, archaeological and historic sites are protected.
• Dogs, cats and firearms are prohibited.
• Light fires only in the fireplaces provided; BYO firewood or use of fuel stoves preferred.
• Keep to designated tracks.
• Please take your rubbish with you.
• Chainsaws and generators are not permitted

This park has been assessed to have a high level of bushfire risk and will be closed for public safety on days of Code Red Fire Danger Rating.

For more information on the location of parks within Bureau of Meteorology forecast districts and closures on days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger Rating click here.

• Summer temperatures are very high and it is necessary to carry adequate water. A compass and topographic map are essential for travelling in isolated areas.
For users of remote campgrounds, it is recommended that visitors carry a gas or fuel stove or BYO firewood, and adequate drinking water.
• Avoid resting, picnics or camping under or close to River Red Gum trees. They may drop heavy branches at any time without warning. Find out more about how to avoid tree risks here.
• It is important to check current road conditions with park staff before visiting - tracks become impassable in wet weather, whilst others are suitable for four wheel drive vehicles only. All tracks on Lindsay Island are dry weather only. Vehicles are prohibited in 'wilderness' zones and 'remote' and 'natural' areas.

• Big Desert Wilderness
• Murray Kulkyne National Park
• Murray River Reserves
• Wyperfeld National Park