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.
Book now
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.
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.
Things to do in the area
Walks in Little Desert National Park
The park has a number of marked, signposted walks, ranging from 30 minutes to three days duration.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Similar experiences
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.
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.
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.