Little Desert National Park

A person looks out onto the beautiful rugged landscape from a viewing platform. The sun peaks over the horizon in the distance.

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Little Desert National Park

Dalkaiana Wartaty – Welcome. The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples (collectively Wotjobaluk), the Traditional Owners of this land welcome you to country.

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

 
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.
A campfire and picnic table near the river's edge at Ackle Bend Campground in Little Desert National Park

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.
The Wimmera River at Horsehoe Bend in Little Desert National Park

Horsehoe 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.
The Wimmera River near Ackle Bend Campground in Little Desert National Park

Camping in Little Desert National Park

Camping is available at Ackle Bend, Horseshoe Bend and Kiata campgrounds and at Broughtons Waterhole, Mallee Walkers Camp and Yellow Gum Walkers Camp.
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.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

Wildlife viewing

Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,

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.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Little Desert National Park

Little Desert National Park

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. 

Related Sites

Need to know

Little Desert National Park

Accessibility

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

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

    Planned Burning - Little Desert National Park

    Planned Burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the closure of access along the southern boundary of the Western Block of the Little Desert National Park. The closure will be in place from the time the burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe.
    Ignition of the burn is scheduled from Wednesday the 17th of April to Friday the 19th of April and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au

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.

Parks Victoria

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