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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Little Desert National Park Fire Recovery - Partial reopening for school holidays

    In January 2025, a large bushfire swept through the park and burnt a large area of the Little Desert National Park. The eastern (near Dimboola) and central areas were impacted, including significant damage to campgrounds, roads and walking tracks.
    The remote western area known as the Western Block was not affected and is open for visitors.
     
    Recovery works have commenced and the following visitor areas are reopening in time for the September School Holidays:
    • Horseshoe Bend Picnic ground and camping area
    • Ackle Bend Picnic ground and camping area
    • Kiata Sanctuary Picnic ground
     
    Please see the attached information for more detailed information on what is opened and closed in the park.

    Attachments: 2025 SEPT Little Desert NP Re-opening Park Update (800KB)

 
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