For a truly unforgettable outback adventure, the Shearers Quarters Campground in the vast Murray-Sunset National Park is an exceptional destination. This remote and beautiful Parks Victoria site is the primary campground for exploring one of Victoria’s most unique natural wonders: the spectacular Pink Lakes. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp, offering a profound sense of isolation and a deep connection to the rugged Mallee landscape. The campground is set in a spacious clearing within the semi-arid woodlands, providing a serene base for 4WD adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers. The individual, well-defined sites are suitable for a range of setups, from tents and swags to off-road camper trailers and caravans, with the arid beauty of the surrounding wilderness right on your doorstep.
The main attraction is the incredible Pink Lakes, a series of salt lakes that, under the right conditions of high salinity and sunlight, turn a stunning shade of pink due to the presence of a salt-loving alga. The campground is the starting point for a fantastic walking track that circuits the lakes, allowing visitors to experience this otherworldly landscape up close. The area is steeped in history from the days of salt mining, and remnants of this past can still be seen. The remote location, far from any city lights, makes it a premier destination for stargazing, with the Mallee sky offering an absolutely breathtaking celestial display. As a remote national park campground, bookings are essential, and visitors must be completely self-reliant. The journey in on unsealed tracks is part of the experience, rewarding prepared travellers with an incredible and peaceful stay. For a unique adventure into a dramatic and colourful outback landscape, Shearers Quarters is a must-visit.
Shearers Quarters Campground – VIC Location Map
Shearers Quarters Campground
- Address: Murray-Sunset National Park, Millewa South Bore Track, Murray-Sunset VIC 3490
- GPS: -34.56244558335624, 141.0716105629152
- Website: Parks Victoria – Shearers Quarters
Site Details
- Location: Remote bush setting in Murray-Sunset National Park, adjacent to the Pink Lakes.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/sand roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but 4WD is recommended.
- Site Surface: Natural sand and dirt base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Fuel stoves preferred. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted during designated hours. Be considerate of the wilderness values.
- Number of Sites Available: 10 designated, bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, all water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, fly nets, fuel stove.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Murray-Sunset National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: The Pink Lakes Nature Walk starts from the campground.
- Photography & Stargazing: A premier location for both, especially for the unique lake colours and dark night skies.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Underbool Hotel (Underbool) – Approx. 65 km
- The Royal Hotel (Ouyen) – Approx. 100 km
- Robinvale Hotel (Robinvale) – Approx. 100 km
- Places to Eat:
- Underbool Store & Takeaway – Approx. 65 km
- Ouyen has bakeries and pubs – Approx. 100 km
- Local Attractions:
- The Pink Lakes – Onsite
- Murray-Sunset National Park – You are in it!
- Hattah-Kulkyne National Park – Approx. 100 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Underbool Caravan Park – Approx. 65 km
- Ouyen Caravan Park – Approx. 100 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Lake Crosbie Campground (within the park, fees apply) – Approx. 2 km
- Walpeup Caravan Park (donation) – Approx. 100 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Ouyen Public Dump Point – Approx. 100 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Underbool – Approx. 65 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Underbool or Ouyen.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot and dry, with average temperatures of 17-35°C, often exceeding 40°C. Travel is not recommended.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days and cool nights, the ideal time for desert travel and viewing the lakes, averaging 9-28°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and mild, often sunny days. Averaging 4-16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm, a great time for wildflowers, but can become hot. Averaging 8-26°C.
