Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Little Desert National Park, Wimmera River Heritage River)

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Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Little Desert National Park, Wimmera River Heritage River)

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.

How to get there

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Little Desert National Park, Wimmera River Heritage River)

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Little Desert National Park, Wimmera River Heritage River)

Need to know

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area (Little Desert National Park, Wimmera River Heritage River)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No drones without a permit
  • No firearms allowed
  • No horses
  • No generators
  • No dogs allowed

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • Trees may fall take care
    • Limbs may fall take care
    • Vehicles
  • Water hazards
    • Deep water
    • Flash flooding
  • Animals and pests
    • Beware feral bees

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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 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)

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