Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 75m
Min elevation: 45m
Total Ascent: 134m
Hike overview
Commence the Warepil Lookout Loop at the Old Calder Highway carpark and take a short stroll up the steady incline to the lookout tower where you will be rewarded with great views of the surrounding Mallee Region. Look north-west and see the vast Murray Sunset National Park. The circuit then continues east along Buloke Track to Lake Mournpall before circling back through mallee dunes covered with tussocks of Porcupine Grass and the occasional native Cypress Pine or Bullock trees. Black Box woodlands dominate further away from the lakes, preferring areas where flooding is less frequent. Slender Cypress Pine and Buloke occupy the rolling sand-plains. Mallee eucalypts flourish on the higher, dry, less fertile sand ridges.
If you don't want to complete the entire loop you can complete the 600m return walk to the Warepil Lookout.
This is a great place to witness the magnificent Mallee sunsets.
Image: Visit Mildura
Camping
There are two designated campgrounds in the park with basic facilities, including non-flush toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. They are at Lake Hattah and further north at Lake Mournpall. Advance bookings and payment are required for these sights via the Parks Victoria website. Other river camping areas without facilities are available at Ki Bend, Firemans Bend and Jinkers Bend, all along the Murray at the eastern edge of the park. No booking or fees are required, although these areas are best accessed with a 4WD.
Gallery
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 75 m
Min elevation: 45 m
Total climbing: 134 m
Total descent: -134 m
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Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Hattah, Irymple, Kulkyne, Merbein, Mildura, Nangiloc, Ouyen, Red Cliffs
Getting to the trailhead in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.Hattah-Kulkyne National Park is half way between Ouyen and Mildura, off the Calder Highway. It’s a hefty 5.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, but only 45 minutes due south of Mildura. Most visitors enter via the Hattah Entrance Road and head directly for the Lake Hattah Campground. The park extends north and east, covering 48,000 hectares, before hitting the Murray River off Hattah€“Robinvale Road not far from the small village of Liparoo. Many of the park’s best spots are accessible in a 2WD car, but some tracks are 4WD only. Be especially careful if there’s been recent rain.
About the region
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park lies in typical mallee country with extensive low scrub and open native pine woodland. Superbly adapted birds, animals and vegetation thrive in the poor, sandy soils and searing summers. The freshwater Hattah Lakes is seasonally filled by creeks connected to the Murray, providing food and shelter for waterbirds and fish. These lakes can remain full for up to ten years without flooding, but flooding generally occurs once every two years. Camping, walking, bike riding and canoeing are popular here and in the adjoining Murray-Kulkyne Park.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.