This four-day walk has been designed to showcase the different ecosystems of the Little Desert National Park. These include heathlands, salt lakes, dry woodlands and the Wimmera River also known to the Wotjobaluk Peoples, as Barringgi Gadyin.
Long distance walkers can tackle all or part of the 74 km Desert Discovery Walk. There are two overnight camps along the way, accessible only by walkers. This walk is a great opportunity to experience some of the park’s diversity on foot. It is especially colourful in spring.
Places to stay
Horseshoe Bend Camping Area
Kiata Camping Area
Mallee Walkers Camp
Wildlife and wildflowers
Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus and other wildlife.
After the spring rains, spectacular orchid displays can be found.
How to get there
Little Desert Discovery Walk
When you're there
The Little Desert Discovery Walk track notes will guide you through different sections of this walk.
When to go
Need to know
Little Desert Discovery Walk
Before you go
Overnight walkers are asked to register their details a week in advance via a Trip intention form sent to LittleDesertDiscoveryWalk@parks.vic.gov.au
Facilities
The Desert Discovery Walk is marked by signposts and track markers.
Mallee and Yellow Gum Walkers Camps are accessible by walkers only. They have a fireplace, limited non potable water from a rainwater tank, a pit toilet, and an emergency shelter.
Please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling.
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
Aerial Shooting Operation - Little Desert NP
Please be advised that an aerial pest animal control program using firearms will be conducted in Little Desert National Park.
The program will be conducted between the dates of Monday 3rd August to the end of Friday 7th August 2026. Hours of operations will be between 0500 - 1700hrs daily.
Visitor site closures: All access and visitor sites within Little Desert National Park will be closed during aerial shooting operations, including the western side that is unaffected by recent bushfires. Visitors will still have access to Horseshoe Bend and Ackle Bend campgrounds throughout this operation.
Closure signs will be in place on all main entry points into the park. For your safety, please adhere to all on-site signage.Please note - The Little Desert National Park is currently subject to partial closure following a bushfire that started 27th of January 2025. The central and eastern sections of the park, tracks and remote campgrounds remain closed to ensure visitor and community safety and support fire stabilisation activity. These closures will remain enforce during, and beyond the duration of aerial control operations.Park Areas Closed - Little Desert NP
The Eastern and Central Blocks of the Little Desert NP both currently remain closed following the devastating bushfire which damaged 70% of the park last summer.In January 2025, a large fast-moving bushfire ignited by lightning swept through 70% of the Little Desert National Park.Since then, a staged re-opening of the park has commenced, and many popular areas have since re-opened such as:- Horseshoe and Ackle Bend Campgrounds and day visitor areas
- Pomonderoo 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
- Keith Hateley Nature Walk
There are many areas within the park which remain closed for recovery works such as:- Eastern Block including Stringybark walk
- Desert Discovery Walk
- Central Block including Broughton’s waterhole campground and McDonalds Hwy
We continue to work towards repair and recovery, with further updates in coming months.Attachments: 2025 SEPT Little Desert NP Re-opening Park Update FINAL (800KB)
- Horseshoe and Ackle Bend Campgrounds and day visitor areas