Mungo National Park

Mungo National Park provided the balance of history we had been missing. We pulled into the Visitor's Centre and it promised much. Operated by three of the local aboriginal tribes, we were keen to take part in the guided tour to find out more about the discovery of the oldest bones in Australia - Mungo woman. Scientists had authenticated the bones as at least 42 000 years old. But first we needed to find a campsite.

No flushing toilet here - just a genuine "long drop". A very dusty campsite and Vinnie was keen to use the wood he had transported all the way from Ballina, he said he needed the space in the back of the truck. It burned so quickly we had to travel out of the park for some hardwood that we hoped would not burn so quickly. A fire was a must as the prevailing winds were bitter. The winds even affected the growth of the flora.

The park is another reclaimed property and is an amazing example of how time can change the landscape and the stories of time can be exposed as the elements allow. It was eerie standing on a sand dune as the icy winds blew and many old bones were exposed as we were escorted onto land regarded as sacred. We could see evidence of old fires, some of which were regarded as 10 000 - 20 000 years old.

Note the sand dune with the Lake in the background. The lake has been dry for 14 000 years.

The temperature had dropped and I decided to break out the -10C duck down sleeping bag that Ben had lent me. We wore beanies and thermals to bed each night, the struggle was getting up in the early hours to make the inevitable dash to the long drop...

Vinnie was very relaxed in his "flannie", 5 day growth and torn jeans. Definitely outback regalia only...

Vince was keen to visit Wentworth where we would say farewell to the Darling and meet the Murray and then move on to Mildura where we planned to do some cycling. We enjoyed our bush camping but we were both well and truly ready for a warm cabin in Mildura.