Camping in Little Desert National Park

A winding river in a rugged bushland landscape.

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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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Little Desert NP Park Closure - Conservation Program - 4pm to 6am daily

    All areas of Little Desert National Park, including the Western Block, will be closed for a conservation shooting program from 4pm - 6am (overnight) daily commencing Monday 9 June until Saturday 14 June.

    This includes all internal park tracks, visitor sites and dispersed camping. Surrounding neighbours will still be able to access their properties from park perimeter tracks as they need.

    Little Desert National Park - Closure due to fire impacts

    The Little Desert National Park is closed with the exception of the Western Block (west of Kaniva-Edenhope Road to the South Australian border) due to fire impacts.

    All areas to the east of Kaniva-Edenhope Road extending to the Wimmera River are currently closed for public safety. The current closure will remain in place until further notice. 

    Access to these areas, including booking for camping areas such as Horseshoe Bend and Ackle Bend is closed.

    Visitation to the Western Block which allows for dispersed camping is permitted.

    Little Desert National Park - Closure due to fire impacts

    The Little Desert National Park is closed with the exception of the Western Block (west of Kaniva-Edenhope Road to the South Australian border) due to fire impacts.

    All areas to the east of Kaniva-Edenhope Road extending to the Wimmera River are currently closed for public safety. The current closure will remain in place until further notice. 

    Access to these areas, including booking for camping areas such as Horseshoe Bend and Ackle Bend is closed.

    Visitation to the Western Block which allows for dispersed camping is permitted.

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