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DESTINATIONS
World Heritage Sites
Willandra Lakes
The Willandra Lakes region, a large area of semi-arid country, is one of the earliest known sites of human activity and one of the most important archaeological areas in the world.
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| QuickFacts
Location: South-western New South Wales
World Heritage Criteria: Natural and Cultural
Best Time to Go: All Year
Area: 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres)
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When the lakes of this area dried up 15,000 years ago, Aborigines stayed on, drawing water from soaks along the old river channel and quarrying stone from rock outcrops on the lake floor. Their amazing resilience to changing climates is recorded in a trail of skeletal remains, stone tools, ancient hearths and middens, some dating back 40,000 years. Willandra Lakes is also the oldest known cremation site in the world.
Most of this region is divided into pastoral stations. However, about 10 per cent has been set aside as Mungo National Park, which is open to visitors. Three easy walks are available near the Visitor's Centre; signs explain the natural and cultural features which earned the area its World Heritage listing. A 60 km (36 mi) signposted drive circles through mallee bush and a series of dramatic crescent-shaped dunes or lunettes.
Red kangaroos, western grey kangaroos, echidnas, native mice, and bats share the countryside with lizards and native birds, including the giant emu.
Most of the 12,000 annual visitors to the park travel by private vehicle. Camping, bunk, and limited lodge accommodation is available.
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