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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 a flushing toilet. 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.
The Shearers Quarters site has limited 12 volt power for running LED lighting and basic charging of devices. The 12 volt system does not have the capacity to power heavy draw items, such as Star Link or CPAP machines.
There is a CEL-FI booster which provides limited 4G phone coverage for emergency calls.
A 4WD is needed to access to the Shearers Quarters and the roads can be difficult to pass when wet.
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 the park’s plants and animals and the area’s farming and logging history.
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Safety Alert - Feral Bees
Please be advised that due to current dry conditions, we are experiencing an increased number of feral bee activity and swarms gathering around water sources. Be aware that bees maybe present in camping and day use areas, around toilets, water tanks, lakes and rivers.Please use caution. -
Murray - Sunset National Park
Repair to Dedman's 2 Bridge - Murray Sunset National Park
The October 2022 flood event caused damage to many areas in Murray Sunset National Park. A large tree has fallen near Dedman's 2 Bridge on Wallpolla Island. Parks Victoria has engaged consulting Civil Engineers to undertake a preliminary site inspection and preparation of an engineer's report. The structure is safe and remains open for use. Works are required to preventing further damage to the bridge structure. Parks Victoria is currently:- Planning works, obtaining permits and seeking quotes from local contractors.
- Repairing Dedman's Track (from entry off Old Mail Road) to allow trucks and earthmoving machinery to travel to the worksite.
- Developing the work package and obtaining quotes from contractors for the repair.
Attachments: Repair_Works_Underway_A3 Murray Sunset National Park - Deadmans 2 Bridge (543KB)
Repair to track network in Murray Sunset National Park
The October 2022 flood event caused damage to many areas in Murray Sunset National Park. Immediate repairs have been completed to keep the Murray Sunset National Park open and safe. Where the scope of repair is extensive, our local Ranger Team have placed barriers and track detours. Please observe signs and be aware that our Ranger Team and local contractors may be working in the area. Parks Victoria is currently:- Planning works, obtaining permits and seeking quotes from local contractors.
- Clearing roadside vegetation in preparation for works at Wallpolla Island.
- Stockpiling crushed rock at Lindsay Island, Mulcra Island and Wallpolla Island in preparation for future works.
Attachments: Repair_Works_Underway_A3 Murray Sunset National Park (520KB)
Repair to Finnegan's Bridge at Wallpolla Island - Murray Sunset National Park
The October 2022 flood event caused damage to many areas in Murray Sunset National Park. Parks Victoria has engaged consulting Civil Engineers to undertake a preliminary site inspection and preparation of an engineer's report. Finnegan's Bridge is safe and remains open for use. Works are required to preventing further damage to the bridge structure. Parks Victoria is currently:•Planning works, obtaining permits and seeking quotes from local contractors.•Repairing Dedman's Track (from entry off Old Mail Road) to allow trucks and earthmoving machinery to travel to the worksite.•Developing the work package and obtaining quotes from contractors for the repair.Attachments: Repair_Works_Underway_A3 Murray Sunset National Park - Finegans Bridge (347KB)
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