Australia’s world-famous national parks often feature on tourists’ to-do lists, with locations like the NT’s Kakadu National Park, Daintree National Park in tropical north Queensland and the Blue Mountains in NSW among the best-known spots.

However, there’s one world heritage-listed national park tucked away in NSW that has somehow managed to fly under the radar – even escaping the attention of residents.

That is, until a recent viral social media video created by Aussie travel creator Lola Hubner and shared on Tiktok by Destination NSW outed the little-known nature spot.

The eight-second postwhich has now been viewed over 2.6 million times, has rocketed the special and unique NSW national park onto travellers’ lists of must-see Australian destinations.

The online video’s accompanying caption reads: ‘Seriously though, what is this place!?’ The overlaid text adds: ‘When a place in NSW feels like Mars‘.

The destination? World heritage listed Mungo National Park in NSW.

The recent tourism post promoting the park has stunned many NSW locals, many of whom were entirely unaware of its existence in their home state.

‘Lived in Sydney NSW my entire life and never heard of this place,’ read one reply that received over a thousand likes.

World heritage-listed Mungo National Park in NSW was under the radar until a recent viral social media video created by Aussie travel creator Lola Hubner and Destination NSW outed the majestic destination

The Destination NSW viral video created by Lola Hubner has been viewed over 2.6 million times. But many NSW locals replied in the comments expressing astonishment at the park’s existence in their own home state

Mungo National Park is located just over 1000km west of Sydney, equating to a drive of over ten and a half hours. Despite being in NSW, the park is actually closer to both Melbourne and Adelaide, which are each between a six to seven hour drive away.

The signature feature of Mungo National Park is its stark but beautiful archaeological landscape, comprised of ancient dry lake basins and structural sand formations.

This stunning backdrop creates a place that looks like no other in Australia – or possibly even on earth.

The unique environment is also one that holds great cultural significance to indigenous Australian people. Known as the home of Mungo Woman and Mungo Man, this area of NSW is richly connected to Aboriginal history.

Unmissable Places to Visit

There are a number of jaw-dropping natural features within the national park.

Top of the list is the ‘Walls of China’, which are the colossal sand and clay formations located on the south eastern edge of the Lake Mungo lunette.

This unforgettable sight can be seen by either taking a bike ride or a car trip along the 10km trail, which takes you over the ancient Mungo lakebed to the Walls.

The colossal sand and clay formations known as the Walls of China are a must-see when visiting Mungo National Park

The unique rippling desert landscape has an otherworldly feel

Along the way you’ll see where rain has washed away the soft sand and mud of the lunette, creating the striking ridges and cracks in the landscape.

Another must-do when in the area is a visit to the Red Top lookout, as well as a stroll along the Red Top boardwalk.

Located close by the Mungo Visitors Centre, the lookout offers a bird’s eye view over the unique eroded ravines and rippling landscapes.

Another option to take in the landscape is to follow the 70km Mungo loop track by car – but a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the trek.

This self-guided outback tour is marked by informative signs and passes the areas renowned sites, including the Walls of China. It also swings by the Rosewood picnic area, which is the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a packed lunch.

If you prefer a more structured 4WD tour experience, a number of local operators offer an escorted outback adventure that takes in the highlights.

And keep your eyes peeled for the incredible local wildlife that inhabit the national park, like mobs of emus and giant red kangaroos.

Animal-lovers might also want to swing by the historic Zanci Pastoral Loop, which is a 10km track that’s almost guaranteed to be filled with roaming animals.

Keep your eyes peeled in the national park for local wildlife inhabitants, like kangaroos

The roads within Mungo National park are unsealed, but mostly good enough for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, meaning you won’t need a 4WD for the most part.

A Piece of History

The cultural significance of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area to Australian Aboriginal people stems back to the archaeological discoveries of the bones of Mungo Woman and ochred skeleton of Mungo Man – the world’s oldest human cremations.

These findings are important because they reveal early evidence of developing spiritual beliefs among the Aboriginal people.

These fascinating 42,000-year-old ritual burials, along with past human footprints, tell an incredible story about the long history of Australian Aboriginal people, and led to the establishment of Mungo National Park.

If you’re keen to learn more while visiting, the area can be toured with a local Aboriginal ranger who will discuss the cultural history and significance of the region.

Where to Stay

A minimum of two days and one night is the recommended visit time to truly immerse yourself in the experience of Mungo National Park.

The easiest way is to stay locally, and there’s a range of accommodation options to suit all price ranges. Choose from modern cabins at Mungo Lodge, budget accommodation in the historic Mungo Shearers’ Quarters or even on-site campgrounds.

Mungo National Park is open year round. A minimum of two days and one night is the recommended visit time to truly immerse yourself in the experience of Mungo National Park

Other Important Need To Knows

Mungo National Park is open year round – but can sometimes close during poor weather or when there’s fire danger.

Wet weather can however cause road closures and it’s advisable to check if the park roads are open prior to departure by stopping in at the visitor information centres in neighbouring towns of Balranald, Wentworth or Mildura.

The roads within Mungo National park are unsealed, but good enough for standard two-wheel-drive vehicles, meaning you won’t need a 4WD for the most part.

Entry fees are $8 per vehicle per day.

Like all national parks, pets are not permitted.

And be mindful that there’s only limited Telstra mobile reception within the park.

It’s recommended that visitors plan ahead by either printing hardcopy maps, or downloading an offline copy.

As for when to go? ‘The best time of year to visit is in either autumn or spring, when it’s not too hot,’ according to the park’s listing on the Visit NSW website.