Explore
Little Desert National Park
The Wotjobaluk people, retain a close link with their land, particularly along the Wimmera River, also known to the Wotjobaluk Peoples, as Barringgi Gadyin. Scarred trees, shell middens, stone tools and oven mounds have all been found in this area.
The range of soil types in Little Desert National Park causes marked differences in vegetation. Many species of plants and animals have succeeded, on poor soils with little water, in creating a kind of arid landscape where survival depends on maintaining a delicate balance of natural forces.
The best time to visit the park is between late winter and early summer when the temperatures are comfortable and the park is full of blossoms and wildflowers. Camp beside the Barringgi Gadyin, and enjoy bushwalks, birdwatching or four-wheel driving.
As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Little Desert National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do in the area
Walks in Little Desert National Park
Ackle Bend Camping Area
Horseshoe Bend Camping Area
Camping in Little Desert National Park
Bird watching
Stargazing
Wildlife viewing
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Little Desert National Park
When you're there
Need to know
Little Desert National Park
Accessibility
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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Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Wimmera River Heritage River, Little Desert National Park)
Horseshoe Bend - Toilets Closure
Repairs to the roof of the Horseshoe Bend toilet block will commence on the week of the 17th of November, with the toilets closed during the day only until works are completed. Visitors are advised to use the facilities at Ackle Bend during the day until works are completed by the 28th of November 2025. -
Little Desert National Park
Little Desert National Park Fire Recovery - Partial reopening update Spring 2025
In February 2025, a large fast-moving bushfire ignited by lightening swept through 70& of the Little Desert National Park.Since then, a staged re-opening of the park has commenced many popular areas have since re-opened such as:- Horseshoe and Ackle Bend
Campgrounds and day visitor areas
- Pomondoroo Hill
Areas within the park that were not impacted by the fire and remain open are:- Western Block - 4WD tracks and
dispersed camping
- Kiata Sanctuary Picnic Ground
- Sanctuary Keith Hateley Nature
Walk
There are many areas within the park remain closed for recovery works such as:- Eastern Block including stringy
bark walk
- Central block including Broughton’s
waterhole campground and Mc Donalds Hwy.
Parks Victoria are working towards the second stage of areas to re-opening and will hopefully have an update for you in January 2026.For more details on “What’s open and What’s closed” please check out the most recent Park Update.Attachments: 2025 SEPT Little Desert NP Re-opening Park Update FINAL (800KB)
Little Desert National Park - Recovery works update
For the latest information regarding Little Desert National Park Recovery works and updates, please check out the recent Newsletter from our RangersAttachments: 2025 NOV Little Desert NP Newsletter FINAL (637KB)
- Horseshoe and Ackle Bend
Campgrounds and day visitor areas
How we keep it special
The Management Plan for the Little Desert National Park directs all aspects of management in the park until the plan is reviewed.
The Wimmera Park Landscape Conservation Action Plan provides directions for environmental conservation management across the diverse landscape which includes Little Desert National Park. This covers the dune systems, heathlands, dry forests, woodlands, river and wetlands which connect the landscape.






