Parks and reserves remain open while we manage the impacts of H5 bird flu.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch or approach them. Follow all signs and keep your distance from wildlife.

Visit Agriculture Victoria's website for more information.

Little Desert Discovery Walk

A sandy track through a beautiful rugged landscape.

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

Explore

Little Desert Discovery Walk

Little Desert National Park

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

 
Horsehoe Bend at Little Desert National Park

Horseshoe Bend Camping Area

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.
Kiata Campground at Little Desert National Park

Kiata Camping Area

Just 10km south of Kiata township this peaceful and picturesque campground is set in among yellow gum and black box woodland. It is a great base from which to explore the semi-arid landscape of the eastern and central area of the park and is home to a rich and diverse array of native flora and fauna.
Mallee Walkers camp at Little Desert National Park

Mallee Walkers Camp

Re-connect with the rawness and true remoteness of this campground in a semi-arid desert. Located on the northern loop of the Little Desert Discovery Walk, halfway between Kiata and Horseshoe Bend camping areas this camp services walkers on the Desert Discovery Walk.

Wildlife and wildflowers

Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus and other wildlife.

After the spring rains, spectacular orchid displays can be found.

 

Kangaroos
Emus

How to get there

Little Desert Discovery Walk

You can begin the Little Desert Discovery Walk either from the Horseshoe Bend, Ackle Bend and Kiata campgrounds or from Conservation Volunteers, Little Desert Nature Lodge.
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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Park Areas Closed - Little Desert NP

    The Eastern Block of the Little Desert NP remains 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
    We are pleased to report, that as of 15th September, 2026 we have reopened access to the Central Block (between Kaniva-Edenhope Rd and Nhill-Harrow Rd). This includes popular visitor destinations such as:
    • McDonald Highway
    • Broughton's Waterhole
    • Stan's Camp
    • Red Gum Camp 
    Please note that the Little Desert NP has received significant rainfall throughout winter and tracks may still be wet. Asset repairs are also still underway, therefore signage has not been reinstalled in all locations. We suggest you enter the Central Block from McDonald Highway and navigate using this track as a landmark, online mapping or map books and 4x4 vehicles are essential. 

    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 still some areas within the park which remain closed for recovery works such as:
    • Eastern Block (between Nhill Harrow Rd and the Wimmera River) including Stringybark walk
    • Kiata Campground
    • Desert Discovery Walk
    We continue to work towards repair and recovery, with further updates in coming months.

 
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