Little Desert Discovery Walk

A sandy track through a beautiful rugged landscape.

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Little Desert Discovery Walk

Little Desert National Park

This four-day walk has been designed to showcase the different ecosystems of the Little Desert National Park. These include heathlands, salt lakes, dry woodlands and the Wimmera River also known to the Wotjobaluk Peoples, as Barringgi Gadyin.

Long distance walkers can tackle all or part of the 74 km Desert Discovery Walk. There are two overnight camps along the way, accessible only by walkers. This walk is a great opportunity to experience some of the park’s diversity on foot. It is especially colourful in spring.

Places to stay

 
Horsehoe Bend at Little Desert National Park

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

Relax on the banks of the Wimmera River, also known to the Wotjobaluk Peoples, Traditional Owners of the area as Barringgi Gadyin. Set amongst ancient River Red Gums and surrounded by a variety of colourful birds you can enjoy fishing, swimming or canoeing or explore some of the easy walks nearby.
Kiata Campground at Little Desert National Park

Kiata Camping Area

Just 10km south of Kiata township this peaceful and picturesque campground is set in among yellow gum and black box woodland. It is a great base from which to explore the semi-arid landscape of the eastern and central area of the park and is home to a rich and diverse array of native flora and fauna.
Mallee Walkers camp at Little Desert National Park

Mallee Walkers Camp

Re-connect with the rawness and true remoteness of this campground in a semi-arid desert. Located on the northern loop of the Little Desert Discovery Walk, halfway between Kiata and Horseshoe Bend camping areas this camp services walkers on the Desert Discovery Walk.

Wildlife and wildflowers

Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus and other wildlife.

After the spring rains, spectacular orchid displays can be found.

 

Kangaroos
Emus

How to get there

Little Desert Discovery Walk

You can begin the Little Desert Discovery Walk either from the Horseshoe Bend, Ackle Bend and Kiata campgrounds or from Conservation Volunteers, Little Desert Nature Lodge.
Little Desert Discovery Walk

When you're there

The Little Desert Discovery Walk track notes will guide you through different sections of this walk.

When to go

Need to know

Little Desert Discovery Walk

Before you go

Overnight walkers are asked to register their details a week in advance via a Trip intention form sent to LittleDesertDiscoveryWalk@parks.vic.gov.au


Facilities

The Desert Discovery Walk is marked by signposts and track markers.

Mallee and Yellow Gum Walkers Camps are accessible by walkers only. They have a fireplace, limited non potable water from a rainwater tank, a pit toilet, and an emergency shelter.

Please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling.

 

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.

  • 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 Rangers 

    Attachments: 2025 NOV Little Desert NP Newsletter FINAL (637KB)

  • Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Little Desert National Park, Wimmera River Heritage River)

    Wotjobaluk Nations Festival Information at Horseshoe Bend

    Please note for the festival event at Horseshoe Bend, there will be set up from Wednesday 10 and packing up on Monday 15 Dec. 
    Ackle Bend Campground and Day Visitor Areas will remain open during this time. 
    No camping bookings can be made at Horseshoe Bend for the event weekend and bump in and out days. 

    About the Wotjobaluk Nations Festival:
    Its a celebration of culture, Country and Community, marking 20 years since Native Title was recognised for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples - the first Native Title recognition in Victoria.  Hosted by Barengi Gadjin Land Council and designed by Community for Community, the Festival will have hands-on cultural workshops, and this year, their weaving workshop is a beautiful chance to slow down, connect, and learn on Country.
    And weaving is just one of many culture workshops. Throughout the day you can join workshops in boomerang painting, clapstick burning, bush toy making, possum skin cloak burning, river walks, language and dance, movement meditation, and more.

    Saturday 13 December 2025
    Horseshoe Bend Campgrounds, near Dimboola
    Mob & Kin Program (Private)
    9:30am – 5:00pm
    Ceremony, workshops and cultural activities for Wotjobaluk Nations Peoples, Kin and invited guests.
    Evening Celebration (Mob, Kin, Allies & Friends Welcome)
    5:00pm – 11:00pm

    All are welcome to join us for entertainment, food, and Our Place Our Story, a powerful immersive projection honouring Community, Culture and Country.
    Please RSVP at bglc.com.au/events
    This event is alcohol-free.  Transportation support from Stawell, Ararat, Horsham and Dimboola is available.  Please bring camping chairs if you’d like to use them.


 
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