The Mallee Adventure Loop (Mallee Drive) is a thrilling 4WD journey through Victoria's captivating Mallee, where wildlife, vibrant woodlands, and colorful wildflowers create a nature lover's paradise. The route winds through dry lakebeds, sweeping dune fields, and dramatic lookouts like O’Sullivan’s and Mt Crozier. Highlights include the stunning Pink Lakes and endless chances to explore by day and marvel at the stars by night.
Photo Credit: Explore Outdoors Victoria, Parks Victoria
Route Overview
Trip Length & Season
Adventure Rating: Epic Trip Length: 755 km, 4-6 days Season: Fall, winter and spring are the best times to visit. Wyperfeld and Murray-Sunset National Parks may close during periods of high fire danger, when a Code Red Fire Danger has been forecasted. The fire season typically lasts from November - April, and campfires may not be permitted during periods of increased fire danger.
Digital Maps & GPX Files
Technical Ratings & Terrain
Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans
Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear
Alternative Routes
Camping Recommendations
Discovery Points
Land Managers & Other Resources
Permits & Papers
Route Details
The Mallee is a vast, semi-arid ecosystem shaped by fire and dominated by plains, salt pans, low hills, and expansive dune fields. It stretches across southeastern Australia, encompassing parts of northwestern Victoria, southwestern New South Wales, and South Australia. The name comes from the distinctive Mallee eucalypt trees that are unique to the region. But what exactly is a mallee? Unlike typical eucalypts, which grow as single-trunked trees, mallee eucalypts are shrubs with multiple slender trunks sprouting from a lignotuber—a woody lump underground. This lignotuber enables the plant to recover quickly after fires, making it perfectly adapted to the dry, fire-prone environment. These iconic trees, with their twisted trunks, grow in sandy, nutrient-poor soils and are often surrounded by drought-tolerant shrubs like saltbush. Despite the harsh environment, the Mallee is alive with wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and wallabies.
The Mallee Adventure Loop, also known as Mallee Drive, is a 755km circuit through the heart of Victoria's Mallee region. The loop can be driven in either direction, beginning with a journey north into Wyperfeld National Park. Your first stop should be Milmed Rock (discovery point), a sacred rock outcropping of deep cultural significance to the Watjobaluk people, the traditional custodians of these lands. As you travel deeper into the park, the landscape transforms, with dunes growing taller and more prominent. Be sure to drive up Lookout Dune (discovery point) for panoramic views of the park and the surrounding Mallee wilderness.
Heading east, you'll arrive at Lake Albacutya (discovery point), one of many ephemeral lakes that only fill after heavy, sustained rains. To continue around Lake Albacutya, navigate through the dune fields on its western edge before following a sealed road to the Wonga Hut. Built in the 1930s for settlers and travelers, this humble structure offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by early inhabitants of the Mallee's unforgiving environment. Across the road is the Wyperfeld National Park Information Centre, where you can learn more about the area's history and ecology. The route then winds through additional dunes and around ephemeral lakes of varying sizes. Be cautious when crossing any dry lakebeds, as conditions can be treacherous outside of the dry season.
North of Wyperfeld National Park, you'll reach the small outpost of Underbool. This is a good place to refuel, restock supplies, and mingle with the locals before continuing your journey. Heading further north, you'll encounter Lake Crosbie and the Pink Lakes (discovery point), marking your entry into Murray-Sunset National Park. The Pink Lakes are famous for their vivid hues, created by a mix of salt, algae, and specialized bacteria. Continue north to Rocket Lake (discovery point), the last sizable ephemeral lake on the park's northern edge, and take a worthwhile detour to visit the Old Nowingi Gypsum Mine Hopper (discovery point), an impressive relic of the area's mining history. From there, the route stretches west through remote wilderness, offering an awe-inspiring sense of isolation, until you reach the Shearers' Quarters (discovery point), a historic building once home to sheep shearers working in the area.
From the Shearers' Quarters, follow the Millewa South Bore Track to the outpost of Murrayville. Here, you can resupply and refuel before tackling some of the track's most challenging terrain. South of the Mallee Highway, you'll navigate towering sand dunes, including Dune Ridge Track (discovery point) and Big Dune Viewpoint (discovery point). This final stretch is dotted with excellent camping spots, ideal for an overnight stay. As you make your way past the dunes and south of Big Billy Camp, you'll officially complete the Mallee Adventure Loop!
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