5 Things To Do In Lake Cullulleraine For A Weekend Getaway

Lake Cullulleraine is the place to be if you want to relax and have an epic weekend enjoying nature. It’s a 45-minute drive from Mildura, making it perfect for a quick escape from the city.

There are a few things to do here, pretty much any water-based activity you can think of – swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and even water skiing!

The camping spots around the lake are top-notch, with all the amenities. We linked them further down so you can easily book your site.

A weekend is enough to enjoy Lake Cullulleraine, but there are a few epic places nearby to check out if you feel like exploring. You might want to stay longer to visit them!

This guide will help you plan your visit, as well as the best ways to enjoy your stay. Let’s get started:

5 Things to do Lake Cullulleraine

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Latji Latji.

1) Swim and kayak at the lake

Lake Cullulleraine is a top spot for spending a relaxing weekend with friends and family. The water’s calm, perfect for a dip or water activities like kayaking, canoeing, and even water skiing!

You can bring your gear or hire it locally.

Early mornings and late arvos are the best times to hit the water. It’s quieter, and you might catch a killer sunrise or sunset. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too.

2) Go for a hike

There are several hikes around Lake Cullulleraine:

• Helsey’s Trail. A 4km loop of the north-western side of the lake, near Bushman’s Rest Caravan Park.

• Goonegul Parish Trail. A 4.5 km loop (~1 hour) that goes around the peninsula, on the eastern side of the lake, near the Yacht club.

• Lake Cullulleraine Loop Trail. It’s the combination of the two previous trails, an easy 10-km loop (~2 hours) that circumnavigates the lake. It’s perfect for birdwatching!

3) Go camping

Camping at Lake Cullulleraine is all about reconnecting with nature. There are a few caravan parks around with all the basics – BBQ areas, toilets, and showers:

• Bushman’s Rest Caravan Park

• Lake Cullulleraine Holiday Park

• Tranquil Waters Cullulleraine

You can also rent equipment there, like kayaks and canoes.

4) Go fishing

Grab your fishing rod and head to one of the prime spots around the lake. The waters are excellent for catching Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Silver Perch.

Don’t forget your fishing licence (you can get it here) and be mindful of the local fishing regulations!

5) Check out these nearby destinations

If you’re up for a bit of exploring, check these spots nearby:

• Millewa Pioneer Park: A 30-minute drive from the lake, it’s an open museum where you can step back in time. Great for history buffs.

• Murray-Sunset National Park: A 1-hour drive from the lake, this place is absolutely amazing during the wildflower season (September to October). There are several hikes, camping spots, and even pink lakes!

Best time to visit Lake Cullulleraine

The best time to visit Lake Cullulleraine is during the cooler months, from April to October. The summer weather can be scorching, making outdoor activities a bit rough.

In spring, the area comes alive with wildflowers and the weather’s just right for hiking and camping. Autumn is also great – mild temperatures and fewer mozzies.

Winter can be a bit chilly, but it’s perfect if you’re into fishing or birdwatching. Just pack some warm gear and you’re good to go.

How to get to Lake Cullulleraine?

The best way to get to Lake Cullulleraine is self-driving. It’s a 45-minute drive from Mildura, right off the Sturt Highway. It’s a 4-hour drive from Adelaide.

If you’re driving from Melbourne, it’s a solid 6-hour trip. Here are some places you can stop by on your way there:

• Bendigo: A historic gold rush town with lots to explore. Visit the Bendigo Art Gallery, Central Deborah Gold Mine, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and soak in some culture.

• Swan Hill. A town along the River Murray, it’s great for history buffs as there’s the Pioneer Settlement, where you can step back in time and explore historical buildings and artefacts.

• Robinvale. A little town famous for its agriculture, particularly almonds and grapes. Stop by one of the local wineries or orchards for a taste.

• Mildura: This is a larger town with plenty of amenities. It’s a good place to rest before the final leg of your journey.

You can also fly into Mildura Airport and hire a car from there. It’s a short drive, you’ll be by the lake in no time.

How many days to stay in Lake Cullulleraine?

A weekend is usually enough to soak in the main attractions at Lake Cullulleraine. But you can easily spend 3-4 days there.

Top Tips

If you need to stock up, there’s a store where you can get all the things you need.

Don’t forget insect repellent. Mozzies and flies can be relentless, especially around dusk.

Did you know?

Lake Cullulleraine was originally a natural ephemeral wetland, only filling during major floods of the Murray River. Now, it’s kept full with water pumped from upstream of Lock 9.

The area is home to the Latji Latji people, with evidence of their past life including shell middens, surface scatterings, and scarred trees. Their cultural heritage is a significant part of the region’s history.

FAQs

The bottom line

Lake Cullulleraine is the perfect weekend getaway for those who want to disconnect from city life. Camp there for a few nights, swim in the calm waters, and hit the trails! You’ll feel the stress melt away.

The best time to go is in the cooler months, no doubt. Spring and autumn have the perfect mix, but if you don’t mind the chill, winter’s got its perks too.

So, next time you think of taking a break, remember Lake Cullulleraine’s got your back!