Yanga National Park. Image credit: Destination NSW
Off the Sturt Highway near Balranald, is one of New South Wales's newest national parks – Yanga National Park (also known as Murrumbidgee Valley National Park).
From Aboriginal families to early explorers, shearers to rabbit trappers, fishermen to campers – people have been visiting the area for millennia. Now it's your turn.
Camp by the banks of the Murrumbidgee like Burke and Wills once did; see over 150 species of birds in the park’s trees, skies and wetlands; acquaint yourself with bygone days at the old homestead, woolshed and countless Aboriginal sites; and enjoy a spot of fishing by the river.
Yanga is about 90 minutes’ drive north of Swan Hill. Follow the Mallee Highway then take the Sturt Highway before you reach Balranald. Follow the signs for Yanga National Park and follow the road to the park office and Yanga Homestead. Regular 2WD cars can access Yanga, but watch out if there’s been heavy rain.
Once one of the largest properties in the Riverina, Yanga National Park is both a place of ancient natural beauty and site of important buildings from Australia’s pastoral history.
On arrival, visit Yanga Homestead. Pick up an audio guide (and key!) from the National Park office and explore the homestead and surrounding buildings, including stables, a gardener’s shed, station store and historic 1922 refrigeration shed.
Around the Homestead is the easy 1km Yanga Lake Walking Track, which passes by a fabulous wetlands bird hide and a viewing deck over Yanga Lake. As a day trip or just an entree to the sprawling national park, there’s a lot packed into a small, family and wheelchair-friendly area.
With modern facilities and free camping for tents, RVs and caravans, Yanga National Park is a popular camping option. Close enough to Balranald for supplies (or even a mid-morning coffee), but far enough from anywhere to still feel the serenity and glory of Australian nature, Yanga is a great choice.
Camping, swimming, boating, fishing and barbecues are the order of the day at the neat Regatta Beach Picnic Area or the more secluded Mamanga campground, on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Great camping and fishing are also on offer at the nearby Willows campground in the Yanga State Conservation Area.
Camping is free, although bookings are essential, and a $6 booking fee applies.
For modern explorers wanting to discover The Murray their own way, you’ll want to take a day trip to Yanga National Park only one and a half hours drive from Robinvale and Swan Hill.
Be sure to check the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest information before visiting this National Park.
