Explore
Shearers Quarters
The Shearers Quarters is a historic self-contained cottage nestled in the remote heart of Murray-Sunset National Park. It is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the bush. Go camping, bushwalking and birdwatching in the wide, open landscape.
The Shearers Quarters is perfect if you want to escape to a remote outback environment. Nestled in the heart of Murray-Sunset National Park, it is set in one of the few semi-arid regions in the world where the environment remains relatively untouched.
Shearers Quarters Cottage
Stay in the historic Shearers Quarters cottage, which was once the sleeping quarters of men who herded livestock through the region. The rustic self-contained cottage sleeps up to 10 people and offers creature comforts such as a gas fridge, oven and stovetop, as well as a bathroom with hot showers and flushing toilets. Bookings are essential.
There is a limited supply of non-potable water for showering but you will need to supply your own drinking water. Remember to bring everything else you need, including linen, pillows, cooking equipment and firewood for the adjacent outdoor fire pit.
Shearers Quarters Camping Area
If you want to get closer to nature, pitch your tent at Shearers Quarters Camping Area. Camp in Victoria's own outback and sit around the table or fire pit while you enjoy the serenity of the bush.
The wide, open landscape is the perfect backdrop for you to admire breathtaking sunsets and starry nights. There are three unpowered campsites suitable for up to six people per site, shared firepits and picnic tables as well as a pit-toilet. Camping is free and on a first-come first-served basis, and bookings are not required.
When you're there, explore the dry forest and woodlands as you take a bushwalk along the 3.5km Sunset Nature Walk, which begins at the camping area. You can see a variety of dry country birdlife in the region, including the endangered Malleefowl. On a warm afternoon, you may be lucky enough to spot a Bearded Dragon or Mallee Dragon basking in the sun. Signs along the way tell stories of parks flora and fauna and the area’s farming and logging history.
A 4WD is needed to access to Shearers Quarters and the roads can be difficult to pass when wet.
Things to do in the area
Stargazing
Pink Lakes
Bird watching
4WD
Walpolla Island
How to get there
Shearers Quarters
Shearers Quarters is 40km east of Loxton and 10km from the South Australian and Victorian border. Access is via unsealed roads suitable for 4WD only.
When you're there
You can book individual rooms or the whole house, depending on availability. Bedrooms one and two have three single beds each, and bedrooms three and four have two single beds each. There is a shared bathroom with hot showers and flushing toilets, supplied by non-potable tank water. Supply is limited and cannot be guaranteed, please help conserve water by keeping showers short .
You will need to supply your own drinking water. Limited utensils, pots and pans are available in the shared kitchen. It is best to bring your own cooking equipment.
A pit toilet facility is situated between the cottage and camping area. There is a shared table and fireplace at the camping area. Download the Visitor Guide before you go.
The 3.5km Sunset Nature Walk begins at the north-west corner of the camping area. Download the Birds of the Mallee Parks factsheet for a list of over 300 bird species found in the region.
Need to know
Shearers Quarters
Accessibility
Be prepared and stay safe
Murray - Sunset Great Otway National Park is in the Mallee fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.
Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Murray - Sunset National Park
Park Closure - Conservation Program
Due to park conservation programs parts of the Taparoo and Berribee area, including Lindsay River and the Shearers Quarters campground, will be closed from sunset to sunrise from Monday 23 January to Friday 10 March 2023. These areas are open to the public during daylight hours and weekends. Closure signs will be in place on all main entry points to closed sections of the park.Park Closure - Conservation Program
Due to park conservation programs parts of the Pink Lakes area, including Lake Crosbie, Lake Becking and Mt Crozier campgrounds, will be closed from sunset to sunrise from Monday 30 January to Friday 17 February 2023. These areas are open to the public during daylight hours and weekends. Closure signs will be in place on all main entry points to closed sections of the park.Flood closures
- Lindsay Island - closed due to riverine flooding
- Mulcra Island - closed due to riverine flooding
- Wallpolla Island - closed due to riverine flooding
- Walla Walla Track - closed
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases
Large numbers of mosquitoes in Northern Victoria have increased the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly around rivers and other water bodies.For information about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites before you head outdoors, visit the Don't Wing It!- Better Health Website or see our visitor safety tips.
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