Camping in Little Desert National Park

A winding river in a rugged bushland landscape.

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

Explore

Camping in Little Desert National Park

Camp beside the Wimmera River fringed with River Red Gums, or hike the rolling dunes of the desert. Open spaces and peaceful campgrounds make this park a natural treasure.

Camping is available at Ackle Bend, Horseshoe Bend and Kiata campgrounds and at Broughtons Waterhole, Mallee Walkers Camp and Yellow Gum Walkers Camp. 

Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round at Ackle Bend and Horseshoe Bend camping areas. 

The campgrounds all have toilets, fireplaces and tables, apart from Broughtons Waterhole, which does not have toilets. 

There is no drinking water available, please bring your own. Limited non-potable water may be available from rainwater tanks at campgrounds and walker’s camps. 

Bush camping away from the park campgrounds is permitted in the central and western blocks of the desert.

Things to do in the area

 
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

Camping in Little Desert National Park

The park is 375km west of Melbourne, between the Wimmera River and the South Australian border. A number of sealed roads lead to  the park from the Western Hwy and a gravel road leads from Dimboola to the eastern part of the park. Once you leave the bitumen, most tracks are very sandy and are suitable for experienced drivers of four wheel drive vehicles only (not suitable for all-wheel drive vehicles).
 
Camping in Little Desert National Park

Sites

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

Camping in Little Desert National Park

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)

  • 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.


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