Unshackled Adventures had an incredible time exploring the vast and rugged beauty of Murray Sunset National Park
Our goal was to reach The Shearer’s Quarters campground, tucked away in the far northwest corner of the park. With heavy rain recently passing through the region, we weren’t entirely sure what the track conditions would throw at us—but in true Unshackled style, we figured if the tracks were open, we’d give it a crack.
As Victoria’s second-largest national park, Murray Sunset spans an enormous 633,000 hectares. The section we explored is just a tiny slice of this remote wilderness—but it certainly didn’t feel small.
Arriving at the park, we were relieved to find the sandy tracks had dried out significantly. While still narrow and soft in places, the conditions were manageable, and with a steady pace and a bit of patience, we made our way through without issue.
Well… almost.
At the park entrance, we noticed a “Park Closed” sign. Choosing optimism (and maybe a touch of stubbornness), we pushed on, hoping it didn’t apply to our destination. Unfortunately, the same sign greeted us again at the campground.
After a quick call to Parks Victoria—and a check-in with the local ranger—we were given the green light to stay. With localised conservation activity (or “culling,” as the signs subtly hinted), we were asked not to leave the campground overnight. Not exactly something you hear every day—but it certainly added to the sense of remoteness and adventure.
The Shearer’s Quarters itself is a fantastic blend of history and simplicity. The rustic iron huts, originally built in the 1960s, once housed workers managing livestock across this harsh Mallee landscape. Following years of land degradation, pastoral leases in the area were revoked, and the park was officially declared in 1991.
Today, the site has been thoughtfully refurbished, offering a unique communal camping experience steeped in history. It’s a free campground, complete with a well-maintained drop toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and plenty of space to spread out.
We kicked off one morning with a sunrise walk along the marked loop track—watching the Mallee come alive in the early light—before spending time exploring the surrounding area via the network of 4WD tracks.
Our exit took us out through Taplan Gate, right on the Victoria–South Australian border. Like the journey in, it was slow going—but every sandy climb and tight track was absolutely worth it.
Murray Sunset National Park delivered everything we hoped for—remoteness, history, and raw natural beauty. It’s a place that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
We’d highly recommend adding it to your list—just be prepared to take it slow, respect the conditions, and embrace the adventure.
** Tip: For the best viewing experience, click the YouTube link in the bottom left corner of the video to watch in higher clarity.
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