Explore
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
Walks in Little Desert National Park
Ackle Bend Camping Area
Horsehoe Bend Camping Area
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.
How to get there
Little Desert National Park
When you're there
Need to know
Little Desert National Park
Accessibility
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
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.
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.