Dimboola - Little Desert National Park



Dimboola - Little Desert National Park

The 132,647 hectare Little Desert National Park extends from the Wimmera River in the east to near Naracoorte in the west. Little Desert is much more than a desert. Camp beside the tranquil Wimmera River fringed with River Red Gums, or hike the rolling dunes of the desert. Wide open spaces and peaceful campgrounds make this park a natural treasure, best seen on foot in autumn, winter and spring. The river end is ideal to visit in summer.

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 Wimmera River, and enjoy bushwalks, birdwatching or four-wheel driving.

Things To Do


Walks


The park has a number of marked, signposted walks, ranging from 30 minutes to three days duration. These are in the eastern block of the park, and are accessible by 2WD vehicles.

Self Guided Nature Walks
Stringybark Walk (30min - 1 hour)
Located on the Harrow - Nhill Road, this short walk show cases the diversity of Little Desert. A brochure at the start of the walk will guide you.

Sanctuary-Keith Hateley Nature Walk (30min)
Start in the picnic area, 10km south of Kiata. An attached Park Note (see below) explains the abundant plant and bird life in this area, including the rarely sighted Malleefowl.

Pomponderoo Hill Nature Walk (30min)
This walk is on the park's northern boundary, 4km south of Dimboola. It loops around typical desert vegetation. A lookout gives an excellent view of the park, Wimmera River and the surrounding area.

Campground walks
Kiata campground
Several tracks start from the campground. Brochures are available at the start of these walks.

Horseshoe Bend/Ackle Bend campgrounds
A short walk that leads to Ackle Bend provides great views of the eastern block, particularly at sunset. Walkers can continue past Ackle Bend and follow the track a further 1km to the river before returning to the campgrounds.

Long distance walks
Desert Discovery Walk
Long distance walkers can tackle all or part of the 84 km Desert Discovery Walk. Options of one to four days duration are possible. A separate brochure is available for this walk. Overnight walkers are asked to register their details in advance at the Park Office. 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

Camping and Accommodation


Basic facilities are provided at park campgrounds south of Kiata, Horseshoe Bend and Ackle Bend, south of Dimboola. Camping fees apply at Ackle Bend and Horseshoe Bend.

Bush camping away from the park campgrounds is permitted in the central and western blocks. A range of accommodation options are available at Kaniva, Nhill, Winiam, Dimboola, Goroke and Natimuk.

Location and Access


Little Desert National Park is 375km northwest of Melbourne. The western and central blocks may be approached from Kaniva, the central and eastern blocks from Nhill or Kiata, and a good gravel road leads to the Wimmera River section of the eastern block from Dimboola. Similarly, bitumen road access is available from the south via Mitre, Gymbowen, Goroke, Edenhope or Booroopki. Once you leave the bitumen, most tracks are very sandy and are suitable for four wheel drive vehicles only.

Note: Photos from Parks Victoria



Location


Little Desert National Park,  Dimboola 3414 Map


Web Links


Little Desert National Park (Parks Victoria)

Little Desert National Park - Park note (PDF)

Little Desert National Park - Keith Hateley Nature Walk (PDF)

Little Desert National Park - Stringybark and Loop Walks (PDF)

Birds of the Mallee Parks (PDF)

Little Desert Discovery Walk - Track Notes (PDF)


Dimboola - Little Desert National ParkLittle Desert National Park,, Dimboola, Victoria, 3414