Ackle Bend Camping Area

A winding river in a rugged bushland landscape.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Ackle Bend Camping Area

Relax at camp where the desert meets the river and watch colourful birds dart in and out of tree hollows, or come prepared to take a walk and discover the secrets of this river oasis and unique desert country.

Located on the Wimmera River, Ackle Bend Camping Area offers 10 unpowered campsites suitable for tents, camper trailers, campervans and caravans.

Campground facilities include non-flush toilets, communal fireplaces and picnic area. There is no drinking water available and you need to bring your own firewood.

Individual campsites cannot be reserved, please select your campsite(s) within the campground on arrival.

Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round. Each campsite holds a maximum of six people. Please book multiple sites for bookings of more than six people.


BOOK NOW

Things to do in the area

 
Little Desert National Park - Discovery Walk track

Walks in Little Desert National Park

The park has a number of marked, signposted walks, ranging from 30 minutes to three days duration.
The path to the lookout at Pomponderoo Hill in warmth of the early evening sunshine

Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk

Enjoy 360-degree views of the Little Desert from the Pomponderoo Hill lookout. This short, easy self-guided loop-track is sandy underfoot and takes you through an area of typical Little Desert country.
Trail head for the Discovery Walk at Little Desert National Park

Little Desert Discovery Walk

This four-day walk has been designed to showcase the different ecosystems of the Little Desert National Park. With two overnight camps along the way, long-distance walkers can tackle all or part of the 74 km Little Desert Discovery Walk.
A Land Rover Defender attempts a river crossing in the Alpine National Park.

4WD

Enjoy a range of short and long 4WD trips in Victoria's parks. From the desert or mountains, to the rainforest or snow, 4WD tracks cater for all levels of skill and expertise.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park.

Stargazing

Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.

How to get there

Ackle Bend Camping Area

Ackle Bend Camping area is seven kilometres south of Dimboola. Little Desert National Park is 350km west of Melbourne, between the Wimmera River and the South Australian border. From Dimboola, cross the river and follow Horsehoe Bend Road and then turn left at River Track to Ackle Bend Camping Area. The unsealed River Track is maintained in good condition and is suitable for two wheel drives, caravans and camper trailers. However after the camping area, River Track is suitable for four wheel drives only.
Ackle Bend Camping Area

When you're there

Download the Little Desert National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

Need to know

Ackle Bend Camping Area

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Be prepared and stay safe

Little Desert National Park is in the Wimmera 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.

  • 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)

Similar experiences

 
The Wimmera River at Horsehoe Bend in 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.
A tent, fireplace and picnic table at Wonga Camground at Wyperfeld National Park

Wonga Camping Area

Pitch a tent or park your caravan or campervan at your own private bush oasis. There are 60 unpowered campsites spread across the spacious campground.
A couple in their twenties camp at the Mt Stapylton Campground in the Grampians National Park.

Stapylton Campground

Stapylton Campground is one of the best places to stay when exploring the Northern Grampians. It is close to a great selection of day walks, Aboriginal rock shelters, picnic areas and day visitor sites.
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm