The Twin Jewels of the Hattah Lakes - Lake Hattah and Lake Mournpall

A quick day trip from Mildura to the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park will not disappoint, the park is typical mallee country with extensive low scrub, open native pine woodland, big orange Sand Dunes, the mighty Murray River and its iconic lake system.

The main park entrance is about 70km from Mildura via the Calder Highway. Last minute drinks and food can be purchased from the Hattah Store before turning off to the park entrance approximately 5 minute away.

I've been traveling to the Park since my Childhood and the Hattah Lakes provides a great deal of memories. On the particular day that we shot this video (below) we visited Hattah's two jewels - Lake Hattah and Lake Mournpall, we also visited Werepill Lookout where when you're standing on top it appears the Mallee goes forever.

The Lookout is just a short drive from the Parks main entrance closest to the Hattah township, its an easy walk from the car park and once on top of the lookout take the time to observe all that's around.

If you have a pair of binoculars now is the time to get them out.

We visited on a day that was overcast at times but with no rain. It's best to always check the forecast as rain can make the Park tricky at times.

Hattah Kulkynes Birds and animals as well as the unique Mallee Scub thrive in the poor red sand and searing heat of Summer. The freshwater Hattah Lakes are seasonally filled by the twisting and turning Chalka creek that makes its way through 17 lakes in total and connected to the Murray River.
The Lakes provide food and shelter for waterbirds and fish. These lakes can remain full for up to ten years without flooding, but flooding generally occurs once every two years.

Lake Hattah (pictured right) has a Picnic area with BBQ's available as well as "long drop" toilets.

A short drive to Lake Mournpall on a well maintained track with an abundance of wildlife and sandhills, take your time and be on the "look out" for Kangaroos and Emu's (they're everywhere)

Once you reach the first point of the lake prior to the main campground there is a small parking area and from this point you will be able to take a 2 minute walk to see Chalka Creek - the life blood of the Hattah Lakes as well as the Bushman's grave.

The main campground of Lake Mournpall is a wonderland of activates - Kayaking, fishing, bushwalks, and a trip isn't complete without climbing the sandhills.

There is a fee to camp here, but given they have well maintained firepits and long drop toilets the small fee is worth every cent.

The above mentioned is just a small sample of everything that is available in the Hattah-Kulkyne National park, its the sort of place that is full of memories for me, but I always seem to make new ones each trip.