Camel Pad Track (10km)

The Camel Pad Track walk commences just north of the Hattah Outback Roadhouse and traverses a constantly changing landscape, with typical Mallee scrub of eucalypt and Porcupine Grass giving way to different vegetation as the track passes through open woodlands, over sand dunes, and beside a large salt pan. See the local wildlife up close, with kangaroos and emus grazing in the open areas or resting in the shade. Camels were used to transport salt from the Sunset Country to the Murray River along this track 100 years ago. Led by Afghan team masters, the camel teams carried cargoes of salt from Spectacle Lakes to the Murray River, where the salt was loaded onto paddle steamers that returned with precious fresh water and supplies.

This can be done as a return hike, turning around at the Old Calder Highway or you can continue your journey to finish at the Lake Mournpall Campground. This one way alternative is also around 10km and will take approximately 2.5 hrs.

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is paradise for birdwatchers, as the dry country and lakes offer habitat for over 200 species. Colourful galahs, parrots and Major Mitchell Cockatoos are often seen, while waterbirds such as pelicans, swans, ducks and grebes frequent Lake Mournpall at the end of the trail. Keep an eye also for the abundant wildlife. Kangaroos and emus can frequently be spotted, as well as a variety of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, whitebellied sea eagles and whistling kites.