Lindsay Island

Nestled away in the top North West corner in the State of Victoria, you will find an Island that is part of the Murray-Sunset National Park which is part of Victoria’s Own Outback. Lindsay Island is intersected by numerous small creeks that carry floodwaters from the Murray River into swamps, billabongs and flood plains and is home to a significant array of plants and animals and has a long history of Indigenous Aboriginal Australians.

Unlike many outback destinations that require many days of travel just to reach that special area, Lindsay Island is within very easy and close reach of the larger Riverland towns in Victoria and South Australia and makes the most perfect destination where you can sit back and relax by the Mullaroo Creek, Lindsay or Murray Rivers and think that you are a thousand miles from anywhere. Anyone with a keen desire of Natural Photography will be rewards with the abundant wildlife that is everywhere in the Murray-Sunset National Park. Kangaroos, Emus and prolific birdlife are very where, so special care must be taken when driving and you must be aware that these animals can come out of anywhere, anytime when you are least expecting it.

Another special point of interest is the two special hand made bridges from local River Red Gums that must be crossed to gain entry to Lindsay Island. Constructed over 40 years ago, two brothers Geoff and Ray Dempsey built the bridges to gain entry to their favourite fishing spot on the Mullaroo Creek. So special was that spot, that over time the location became to be known as “The Caravan” and today still bears that same name.

Environment

The Island’s floodplains are a haven for wildlife. River Red Gums grow close to the Murray River and along the smaller creeks beds. Black Box woodlands give way to dense lignum on the clay flats which are a haven for Robins and Fairy Wrens. Soaring overhead, a visitor will see Pelicans and Wedge-Tailed Eagles, while Emus and Red and Western Grey Kangaroos will be found all over the Island. The elusive and endangered Paucident Planigale, a small native mammal shelters in the clay fissures. The colourful Regent Parrot can be seen as well as water birds as they swim and wade in the creeks.

Seeing water is a precious commodity that is regulated by weirs and dams for rural and domestic water supplies, there will be times when the flow is regulated. At these times of low river flow, some of the creeks on the Island form a series of Billabongs, while others such as Mullaroo Creek are managed to supply constant water for irrigation.

History

For thousands of years, the Barkindji Aboriginal people were sustained by the rich waters and woodlands of the Murray River and its floodplain system. Shell middens, hearths and scare trees found throughout the park reveal much about the lifestyles and rich culture of the Barkindji. All aboriginal archaeological relics, artefacts and sites are protected by law. Early European settlers soon followed the inland watercourses, and the traditional Aboriginal lifestyle was severely affected. Later the floodplains were grazed by cattle and sheep. Wood cutting, paddle boats and river trade have also changed the face of the Island. Lindsay Island was protected when the Murray-Sunset National Park was established in 1991 following recommendations of the Land Conservation Council to protect the areas natural and recreation values.

TrekID: 182

Even though this park is very close to the large service centres of Mildura and Renmark in South Australia, once you are on Lindsay Island there are no service of any kind. Any visitor must be fully prepared, just as if it was any remote outback location. Depending on what phone carrier you have, there will be either no or limited mobile phone coverage on various parts of the Island, so a UHF Radio would be a minimum for outside assistance. For reliable outside communications, either HF Radio or Satellite Phone are advisable. Like all National Parks, all plants, animals and geographical features are protected by law. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the Park, as well are Firearms are prohibited.

Lindsay Island is about 650 kilometres north-east from Melbourne and 300 kilometres east of Adelaide and has no service or supplies, so everything that you require from drinking water through to food and fuel must be carried with you. Like all responsible four wheel drivers, all rubbish is to be taken off of the Island with you.

Permits

Any visitor to Lindsay Island that intends to camp within the National Park must Register at the self registration booth and pay the very small fee required, calculated on a daily basis for your stay. Day visits to the National Park need not register and are free to visit any area within the Park. Fires must be less than 1 metre in size, clear for 3 metres of flammable material and be in a pit at least 30 centimetres deep. On days of total fire bans, fires are not permitted, including gas or fuel stoves. Lindsay Island comes under the North Western Total Fire Ban District in Victoria.

Fuel Usage

The nearest major town to Lindsay Island is Renmark, just back over the Border in South Australia. A full tank of fuel will be all that is required to enjoy the island fully.

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 29 litres	4cyl 33 litres	4cyl 41 litres
6cyl 31 litres	6cyl 37 litres	6cyl 36 litres
8cyl 31 litres	8cyl 34 litres

Best Time To Visit

Often accessible all year round, although closed during floods, and when the Lindsay Island Bridge is closed. Be cautious during wet weather as the black soil plains will become boggy and treacherous.

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

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