Discover the Seven Natural Wonders of Wimmera Mallee
The enchanting region of Wimmera Mallee is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders of Australia. Be immersed in serene lakes, sweeping landscapes, stunning native flora and incredible, diverse wildlife that thrive in this unique paradise. And winter is a wonderful time to explore the seven natural wonders that the Wimmera Mallee has to offer.
Lake Tyrrell
Lake Tyrrell is one of the great natural wonders of Victoria. Situated seven kilometres north of Sea Lake, Lake Tyrrell is a must visit. The captivating salt plains turn into a vividly bright shade of pink thanks to naturally occurring algae living in the lake's salt crust. The kidney-shaped lake covers an enormous 20,860 hectares (around 200 square kilometres!), making it Victoria's largest inland salt lake.
During the day, the mesmerising formations on the 120,000-year-old lake bed are astonishing, while after dark, the reflective surface of the lake captures the beauty of the southern hemisphere's constellations above.
Pink Lake Dimboola
Keeping with the theme of perfectly pink lakes, Pink Lake Dimboola is positioned along the Western Highway and is another world-famous wonder of the Wimmera region. Located a quick 10-minute drive away from the artsy town of Dimboola, this lake is a favoured hotspot for budding photographers.
For those looking to practise their photography skills using the Dimboola Pink Lake, aim for a still day with little wind to best capture the spectacular water reflections. Drone flying is permitted, with many drone photographers also capturing the vibrant yellow of the canola fields in bloom to contrast against the bubble-gum pink lake. The canola plains are in bloom from August into early September.
Just like Lake Tyrrell, the pink colour varies throughout the seasons but is usually most vibrant after heavy rainfall, which makes braving the winter cold spectacularly worthwhile.
Stargazing
The Wimmera Mallee offers a stargazing experience like no other. With its vast open spaces and minimal light pollution, this region offers the perfect canvas for a breathtaking show of stars. Gaze into the glittering sky anywhere in the region to be greeted with a stunning display of constellations, planets and perhaps even, a meteor shower.
For the seasoned stargazer or curious newcomer alike, the Wimmera Mallee is an ideal destination to bask in the wonders of the universe. So rug up and grab a blanket, a hot drink and snuggle up for a mesmerising night under the stars.
Big Desert Wilderness Park
Victoria’s first declared wilderness area, Big Desert Wilderness Park, found north of Kaniva. This park is a playground for 4WD, hiking, nature lovers and bird watchers alike. It is a breathtaking region of sandstone ridges, dunes, mallee scrub and rutts. Four-wheel driving is one of the best ways to appreciate the incredible landscape, with plenty of 4WD tracks found throughout the park, at varying difficulty levels.
Visit the wonderful team at Explore the Mallee for a wide variety of tours and experiences, including guided birdwatching, wilderness photography workshops, park tours and even accommodation.
Flora and Fauna
The Wimmera Mallee region is a true haven for unique flora and fauna that thrive in this gentle paradise. One such plant is the Mallee Eucalyptus, renowned for its twisted trunk, which serves as natural shelter for a range of wildlife.
This rugged terrain is also home to a wealth of birdlife including the vibrant Mallee Emu-wren, the Splendid Fairy Wren (pictured) and the beautiful Major Mitchell's Cockatoo. Visitors will often catch a glimpse of kangaroos bounding across the landscape or the eagle-eyed may spy an echidna scurrying through the bush. The diverse and lively ecosystem of this region is incredible to experience, which makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Lake Hindmarsh
Even though it’s known as the largest freshwater lake in Victoria, Lake Hindmarsh is often a dry lakebed. During periods of heavy rainfall, the Wimmera River will rapidly overflow and excess freshwater spills into the lakebed, reinvigorating the beautiful Lake Hindmarsh.
Due to its massive size when filled, the lake is the perfect place to take the boat out or jump in the kayak. The lake is a haven for water birds, including Sea Eagles, swans, ducks, spoonbills and colonies of pelicans. Even when dry, the area is a hub for native flora and fauna, serving as an integral part of the ecosystem.
Lake Hindmarsh offers camping with both powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, toilets, camp kitchen and boat ramps. This natural wonder is great for boating, skiing, bird watching, canoeing, fishing and yabbying.
Wyperfeld National Park
Wyperfeld is one of Australia’s most breathtaking national parks, found in the flat north-western corner of Victoria. The central feature of this huge park is a chain of lake beds connected by Outlet Creek, the northern extension of the Wimmera River. The lakes only fill when the Wimmera River overflows and spreads throughout the region. The landscape is filled with vibrant, tiny desert plants that sprout and cover the dry ground with clusters of flowers.
Looking for some outdoor fun? Snowdrift Camping Area located within Wyperfeld National Park is home to some of the largest white sand dunes in the area. All you gotta do is climb up, slide down and repeat.
Wyperfeld National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Visitors can immerse themselves in a range of activities, from wildlife spotting to bushwalking and camping, all against the backdrop of Australia's diverse and wondrous ecosystem.
Dimboola is a destination that caters to a diverse range of interests, from history buffs and food lovers to nature nurturers and art aficionados. Plan a visit to Dimboola today and uncover the many gems of this charming town in the heart of the Wimmera Mallee region.
