The Mallee area has a subtle beauty only fully appreciated under the bright splash of colour that washes the land at dusk. Widely recognised as providing some of the most spectacular sunsets Australia has on offer.

Mallee Towns

A Land of Change. Close your eyes and imagine the vast dry land covered by the ocean as it was a few million years ago. In spring, the wildflowers you see are likely to be entirely different from years past, and years to come, as they are dependent on climatic conditions. Take your time and take your camera. The Mallee, is a land of change from one moment to the next and from one year to the next.

The outback beauty of the Mallee is stark yet delicate, subtle in it's contrasts, soothing in it's ancient stillness. Every feature is a testament to nature's tenacious battle for survival.

The hardy Mallee eucalypt is a potent symbol of the Mallee, which is named after the many types of these shrubby eucalypts that dominate its sandy plains.

While no "off-track" driving is permitted in the Mallee parks, there is still a vast area to be explored with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Sealed roads suitable for 2 wheel drives also access a good variety of Mallee outback parks. Please note that preparation and experience are essential for 4-wheel drive touring or going off bitumen roads generally.

Take things a little more slowly and head off on foot along some of the parks' many walking trails which are of various grades and lengths. Park facilities are basic so it is recommended that those planning extended or overnight hikes consult the rangers when planning their trip. Bear in mind that the summer's hot conditions and the scarcity of water make the region unsuitable for walking tours during this time of year and vehicles should also be well equipped.

A well planned Mallee visit in autumn, winter or spring will reward careful exploration. You will see an abundance of classic Australian wildlife: kangaroos, emus, and lizards are a common sight throughout the Mallee. The birdlife found here is colourful and varied with the striking Wedge-tailed Eagle, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, parrots, wrens and the strange and rare mound - building Malleefoul.

Above all it is the unique Mallee scenery that will leave its mark. Vivid and stunning outback sunsets, night skies filled with stars of ancient sand dunes on an endless march across parched plains. There are also discoveries on a different smaller scale like soil-binding lichen and mosses or the minute antlions hard at work flicking sand to catch prey in it's conical trap.

Mallee Towns

The towns of the Mallee are historic friendly and inviting, and are ideal bases for exploring the protected parks. Ouyen, Hopetoun, Patchewollock, Underbool and Murrayville are just some of the many Mallee towns that each express an individual character.

And at Millewa near Murray Sunset National Park there is a Pioneer Park with many displays of interesting memorabilia and delightful old buildings which offer visitors an insight into the history and lifestyle of the region. The page on map 1 identifies the linkage between the towns and the National Park.