Underbool - Gateway to Pink Lakes, Mallee, Victoria

Underbool, gateway to the Pink Lakes country and theMurray-Sunset National Park, is situated 50km west of Ouyen on the Mallee Highway and 80kms from the South Australian border. Travellers will find BBQs, toilet facilities with shower, telephones at the central point beside the highway.

This wheat, wool and prime lamb growing area is a great place to base yourself for a wonderful relaxed holiday close to the many National Parks of the north-west of Victoria.

The district was first traversed in the 1850s when pastoralists from Pine Plains Station pushed north through the Mallee country and established an out station near the Pink Lakes, Passing through historic areas now known as Gunner's and Welshman's Plains to the south and Cheeseman's Plains to the north. Agricultural settlement in the area began in 1911, following construction of the Ouyen - Pinnaroo Railway.

Please visit our Pioneer and Early Settler Memorial. In honour of the pioneers who, through vision, courage and strength, triumphed over hardship to settle this district. You can also take the street front with interesting items from Underbool's past. You'll discover a replica of the train used by Sailor Salt Co. to transport salt from Lake Becking to Linga Railway Station c1922-30. You'll also find the towns police cells that were decommissioned in 2000.

A road south from Underbool takes the traveller through Daalko, Gunner's Plains, Pine Plains to Patchewollock and the northern camp-ground of Wyperfield. Travellers should be aware that parts of this route (Gunner's to Pine Plains) is suitable only for 4WD.

To the north of Underbool lies the Murray-Sunset National Park including the picturesque Pink Lakes which appear pink under certain conditions. The lakes are at their best in winter and spring when wildflowers are in bloom. Emus, kangaroos and other wildlife, along with many specials of birdlife can be seen on these roads and are excellent subjects for photographers. Reliable maps and water should be carried when venturing through parks.

All services for the traveller are catered for in Underbool. Camping and caravanning facilities are available at the Recreation Reserve. A Post Office, Bank Agency, General Store, Garage and Farm Machinery again, compoined wiht a Hotel and newsagency/Takewaway to proive all necessities for campers and other visitors.

Underbool history

The railway was the focal point of the new township. Along with the arrival of the first settlers, enterprising pioneers established businesses. Fresh bread, meat and other essentials came by construction train from Ouyen. Settlers unable to meet the train could obtain fresh supplies from the first store - a tent set up in the railway yard in 1911 by J.F. Cotter. A Railway Refreshment Room at the station was run by Mr. Andy Jones who had the first licence to sell intoxicating liquor. A large brick cellar under the Station Office was used to keep stores cold.

The development of the township continued as other settlers obtained township allotments and began to establish a variety of businesses along, Cotter, Malkin and Mossop Streets.

Mallee Highway Touring Route