Mallee Trips

2WD DAY TRIPS AND CAMPING

Pertendi Hut

You will see part of the Ngarkat Conservation Park as you travel along the sealed Pinnaroo-Bordertown Road. Pertendi Hut is located on the eastern side of this road and is accessible by 2WD.

This historic hut was restored by the Friends of Southern Mallee Parks in 1997. A short walking trail introduces you to the surrounding mallee (see Pertendi Hike). After the walk, enjoy a barbecue or picnic under the shady trees.

Camping is also an option for those with a little more time. You will see more of the park as you drive along the highway towards either Pinnaroo or Bordertown.

Pine Hut Soak (dry weather only)

The gravel Rosy Pine Road heads south from the Mallee Highway just 6 km south-west of Pinnaroo. The entrance to Ngarkat Conservation Park is 15 km down the Rosy Pine Road. Just inside the entrance is Pine Hut Soak. There is 2WD access to the car park. You can make use of the shady picnic facilities and explore the network of walking trails that start opposite the campground. See page 16 for a map of the trails. You can enjoy a short one hour walk to the historic Nanam Well, or for those with lots of energy, try the 17 km return hike to Scorpion Springs.

Karte Conservation Park

Travel north-west from Pinnaroo and visit Karte Conservation Park. Two-wheel drive access exists into the picnic and camping areas of the park. A short but challenging hike gives great views of the district.

4WD DAY TRIPS AND CAMPING

4 Wheel Driving tips

Scorpion Springs

From Pinnaroo, travel down Rosy Pine Road to Pine Hut Soak. A short drive from here will take you to the Fishponds, Scorpion Springs and back to the Centre Track via Nanam Well (See page 16). A 5 minute walk along paths at Nanam Well and Fishponds are good opportunities to stretch your legs. Follow the Centre Track in a southerly and then westerly direction until you reach Pertendi Hut. Here you can use the picnic facilities, toilets or camp sites. The 2 km walk is very popular. From here follow the bitumen road north to Pinnaroo or Lameroo. Alternatively, driving south will take you to Bordertown.

Baan Hill and Box Flat

South of Lameroo is Baan (pronounced Bain) Hill - a great area for a picnic, with tables and a toilet available. Further south in Ngarkat Conservation Park is Box Flat. This shady, natural soak is popular for camping and picnics. A 5 minute walk takes you to the Box Flat outstation ruins.

For thoseMount Rescue Loop with limited time, you can double back towards Lameroo. If you have all day to spend you may wish to travel further south down Baan Hill Road and explore the sights around Mount Rescue. Just remember to leave yourself enough time to return, or alternatively, travel home via Tintinara.

Mount Rescue Loop

Starting from Tintinara, travel south-east along the Dukes Highway for 22 km. Turn north onto Snoswells Road and follow this until you reach the park. Your first stop is at Tyms Lookout (see page 13,14 for details). From here travel to Bucks Camp ruins (camping area) and head north towards the Rescue Track. Drive east along Rescue Track to Mount Rescue. A short hike will give you magnificent views of the mallee from the top of Mount Rescue.

When you reach Baan Hill Track turn right and travel until you reach the park’s southern boundary. Here a right hand turn will take you along the South Boundary Track to the Snoswells Road corner and back to Tintinara.

EXTENSIVE 4WD TWO DAY TRIPS AND CAMPING

Ngarkat Loop

From Pinnaroo, head to Pine Hut Soak, then south down the Centre Track, joining up to the Border Track to travel the southern half of the Border Track. This section of the trip is challenging and requires a reasonable level of 4WD experience. It is recommended that you travel with more than one vehicle. Head west along Shaugh Track, which will take you to the bitumen. Travelling south on the bitumen for approximately 15 km will bring you to the South Boundary Track. Keep on this track and camp at Bucks Camp or Rabbit Island Soak. The next day, try bushwalking at Tyms Lookout or Mount Rescue and then head north to Box Flat for lunch. Finally, travel back along the Baan Hill Road to Lameroo or Pinnaroo.

Big Desert Loop

From Pinnaroo, head to Pine Hut Soak, taking time to see Nanam Well and Scorpion Springs. Drive south down the Centre Track, and then onto the Border Track. Travel south beyond Red Bluff Track to the track heading east to Red Bluff itself. Camp for the night below the shadow of this impressive natural monument. Remember that you are now in Victoria so you will need to contact Parks Victoria regarding park permits and regulations. In the morning, leave Red Bluff and travel east along the Red Bluff Track until you reach the Murrayville-Nhill Road. Turn left and travel north to Murrayville via Big Billy. Return to Pinnaroo via the sealed Mallee Highway.

For Access Conditions, times and permits

Department of Environment and Heritage Information
(08) 8204 1910 ~ website