If you fly 400 nautical miles due west of Sydney, you may be excused for thinking you have actually somehow
been launched into outer space! The landscape around Lake Mungo is more reminiscent of something you
would expect to see on another planet, rather than Western NSW.
32 million years of sediment, water and wind erosion have sculptured all manor of shapes and structures,
and exposed a virtual time capsule of archaeology and artefacts dating back to the first human arrival in
Australia 55,000 years ago.
Mungo Man, and Mungo Woman have
been uncovered here, and carbon dated
at 42,000 years, making them amongst
the oldest human remains ever to be
found anywhere in the world.
Prevailing westerly winds over a period
of 120,000 years have blown sediments
east of Lake Mungo to form the “Walls
of China”, a series of crescent-shaped
sand dunes, carving strange structures
up to 40 metres high that stretch for more than 33 km.
Mungo Lodge which is located near the National Park, has
its own airfield and aircraft parking within a short stroll
away.
The Lodge offers a range of accommodation from luxury
and budget cabins, to camping if you would prefer to
“rough it”. The Lodge also has excellent dining facilities.
There is sometimes a courtesy car available for local site
seeing. However, one of the guided 4WD tours is
recommended to fully appreciate the history of the area,
and get the most from your visit.
LAKE MUNGO
–
WAL
LS
OF CHINA
Info for Mungo Lodge Airfield (YLMU)
can be found in ERSA. There are two
gravel strips – 06/24 1000m, and 16/34
800m. Nearest fuel is a short flight to
Mildura, 55nm to the South West.
Last time I visited, there was really
nowhere to do engine run ups without
destroying the prop due copious loose
stones. Therefore, best to accelerate
slowly, then do the mag check and
quickly cycle the prop once you are
moving during the initial take off roll.
(Practice this with an instructor if you
have not done this before). Pack a small
hand broom to clear away the loose
stones from under the prop prior to
start. Keep RPM low during taxy. Stop
and pull the aircraft by hand for parking
rather than using power to turn around.
There are often emus and kangaroos wandering
around on the strip, so a good idea to plan for a
precautionary pass to check it out prior to landing
Previously there has been no mobile phone coverage
at Mungo Lodge. You can cancel SAR via the landline at
Reception when booking in.
Further Info:
Mungo Lodge - https://mungolodge.com.au/, Tel: 03 5029 7297
Note: Obtain prior permission and condition of the airfield from
Mungo Lodge.
Mungo National Park - http://www.visitmungo.com.au/
Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
David Hill – Owner VH-FJF
