Mungo National Park — Walls of China

The Walls of China is a dramatic 33km lunette — a crescent-shaped dune system — on the eastern edge of dry Lake Mungo in outback New South Wales. Wind erosion has carved the pale sediments into a jagged, bleached ridge that looks like something out of another era entirely, which is fitting: this landscape is over 40,000 years old. It’s sacred ground, and walking on the lunette itself is not permitted — you view it from the designated lookout and guided tour paths only.

The park sits about 110km north of Mildura. The main access road is suitable for high-clearance 2WD in dry conditions but turns treacherous when wet — the clay soils here are notorious. Ranger-guided tours of the Walls are mandatory for close access. Book ahead during school holidays. Fuel up in Mildura or Wentworth before heading in.

40,000 years of history carved by the wind.