Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore Victoria's diverse ecosystems on the challenging Little Desert Discovery Walk, a 74km hike located in the Little Desert National Park. The four-day, Grade 4 circuit allows bushwalkers to experience heathlands, salt lakes, dry woodlands, and the Wimmera River. With several starting points like Horseshoe Bend Campground and Kiata Campground, this hike offers flexibility and a chance to spot wildlife, vibrant wildflowers, and historical relics. Remember to register your details a week in advance if planning an overnight stay.

Length:

74km

Duration:

4 days

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 220m

Min elevation: 105m

Total Ascent: 454m

Start: Horseshoe Bend Campground

End: Horseshoe Bend Campground

Little Desert National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Dimboola

From state capital: 342km

Latitude: -36.49909983186862

Longitude: 142.01857123851474

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Safety advice

Walking track conditions may change due to storms, bushfires or other environmental events. Always check current conditions when you register your walk. Walking tracks may involve uneven, sandy and slippery track surfaces and water crossings.

Hike overview

The Little Desert Discovery Walk is a challenging 74-kilometer (grade 4) hike situated within Victoria's Little Desert National Park. Designed to be completed in four days, this multi-day adventure showcases the park's diverse ecosystems. Walkers can choose to tackle the entire 74km route or opt for specific sections.

The Wotjobaluk people, the traditional owners of this land, extend a warm welcome (Dalkaiana Wartaty) to all visitors heading out on this journey. The four-day walk promises an exploration of heathlands, salt lakes, dry woodlands, and the majestic Wimmera River (Barringgi Gadyin in the Wotjobaluk language).

The walk offers flexibility with several starting points: Horseshoe Bend Campground, Ackle Bend Campground, Kiata Campground, or Conservation Volunteers, Little Desert Nature Lodge.

Day 1: Horseshoe Bend to Yellow Gums (21km, 7 hours)

The journey commences on the banks of the Wimmera River, traversing through River Red Gum woodlands, Mallee scrub, and heathlands. The 21km route concludes at Yellow Gums Walkers Camp. Along the way, keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and other wildlife. Spring brings the added beauty of spectacular orchid displays.

Day 2: Yellow Gums to Kiata (21km, 7 hours)

Embrace the raw beauty of the desert on this 21km stretch. The undulating landscape is adorned with Common Fringe Myrtle and Broom bush, a food source favored by the elusive Malleefowl. Be on the lookout for this shy desert dweller! The trail leads to Salt Lake, a temporary body of water that attracts diverse bird and animal life when filled. Continue onwards to Trig Point, offering a 360-degree panorama showcasing the vastness of the desert and the distant Mount Arapiles. Finally, descend towards the grassy woodlands of Kiata Campground.

Day 3: Kiata to Mallee Camp (20km, 7 hours)

This 20km section features an undulating track traversing pockets of Stringybark woodlands. Hike through rolling dunes bursting with spring wildflowers and encounter the unique soundscape of mallee birdsong. Evenings at Kiata Campground offer opportunities to spot possums and hear the calls of kookaburras and magpies. As you depart Kiata, the sandy track winds through Banksia shrubs and vibrant Flame Heath. Keep an eye out for historical relics from past European settlements and grazing activities. The final leg leads you past Mallee Walkers Camp, situated near a former waterhole.

Day 4: Mallee Camp to Horseshoe Bend (13km, 4.5 hours)

The concluding 13km section presents diverse vegetation, ranging from heath and Banksia bushes to scattered clumps of taller Eucalypts and pine trees. The well-defined, mostly sandy track leads you back to the welcoming embrace of Horseshoe Bend Campground, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim in the Wimmera River.

Overnight walkers are asked to register their details a week in advance via a trip intention form sent to [email protected]

Campgrounds

Horseshoe Bend Campground:
Horseshoe Bend Campground provides a comfortable base camp for your exploration of Little Desert National Park. Nestled amongst ancient River Red Gums and teeming with colorful birdlife, this campground offers 30 unpowered sites. Whether you're pitching a tent, setting up a camper trailer, or arriving in a caravan, Horseshoe Bend can accommodate your needs.

Here you'll find essential amenities for a relaxing stay, including flushing toilets, communal fireplaces, and picnic tables. Remember to come prepared with your own firewood and drinking water, as these are not available at the campground. Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and can hold a maximum of six people. For larger groups, booking multiple sites is necessary. Reaching Horseshoe Bend Campground is straightforward. Located just seven kilometers south of Dimboola, the park itself sits roughly 350 kilometers west of Melbourne. A well-maintained gravel road leads directly to the campground, making it accessible for two-wheel drive vehicles, caravans, and camper trailers.

Yellow Gums Walkers Camp:
For hikers tackling the southern loop of the Little Desert Discovery Walk, Yellow Gums Walkers Camp offers a basic but functional stopover. Situated between Kiata and Horseshoe Bend campgrounds, this no-frills campsite allows you to truly connect with the surrounding wilderness. While amenities are limited, the natural beauty of the bush provides a unique backdrop for your overnight stay.

Kiata Campground:
Kiata Campground provides a convenient rest stop for those traversing the park. Situated 10 kilometers south of the Western Highway and accessible by a gravel road suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, Kiata offers basic bush camping facilities. This makes it a great choice for those seeking a simple yet comfortable place to spend the night.

Mallee Walkers Camp:
Mallee Walkers Camp caters specifically to walkers venturing along the northern loop of the Discovery Walk. Nestled halfway between Kiata and Horseshoe Bend, this basic campsite allows you to experience the tranquility of the mallee forest. Embrace the serenity and starry skies before completing your four-day adventure.

Horseshoe Bend and Ackle Bend campgrounds in the Little Desert National Park need to be booked in advance. Visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/stay or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963. No booking fees apply for Kiata Campground or Yellow Gums and Mallee Walkers Camps.

Tips

There is no drinking water available, please bring your own.
Limited non-potable water may be available from rainwater tanks at campgrounds and walker’s camps.
Bush camping away from the park campgrounds is permitted in the central and western blocks of the desert.
The campgrounds all have toilets, fireplaces and tables. Mallee and Yellow Gum Walkers Camps have a fireplace, limited non potable water from a rainwater tank, a pit toilet, and an emergency shelter.
The Desert Discovery Walk is marked by signposts and track markers.
Mallee and Yellow Gum Walkers Camps are accessible by walkers only.
Please take all rubbish away for disposal or recycling.
Spring is the best season to go overnight hiking in the Little Desert. Milder temperatures and drier conditions are common.

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Walk map and GPX file

Little Desert Discovery Walk (74km)

Total distance: 73870 m
Max elevation: 220 m
Min elevation: 105 m
Total climbing: 454 m
Total descent: -454 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Dimboola, Harrow, Horsham, Jeparit, Kaniva, Nhill, Rainbow

Getting to the trailhead in Little Desert National Park.

Little Desert National Park is roughly 375 kilometers west of Melbourne. Nestled between the Wimmera River and the South Australian border, the park offers a variety of access points.

For those arriving by car, sealed roads connect the park to the Western Highway. Additionally, a gravel road leads from Dimboola to the park’s eastern section. However, venturing beyond paved surfaces requires caution. Most off-road tracks are sandy and suitable only for experienced drivers in four-wheel drive vehicles (not all-wheel drive).

Public transportation is currently unavailable to reach the park. For those planning the Little Desert Discovery Walk, the distance remains the same – a four-hour drive from both Melbourne and Adelaide. While a car is currently the most convenient option, future developments in public transportation options may become available. Be sure to check park websites for the latest updates before your visit.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Little Desert National Park, located on the western border of Victoria, offers a captivating journey through a variety of landscapes. Explore vast stretches of pure mallee heathland, rolling sand dunes, and lush cypress pine and casuarina woodlands in the west. The park is rich in both cultural and natural significance.

The Wotjobaluk people are the traditional owners of this land, inhabiting it for thousands of years. Their connection to the area is evident in scarred trees, shell middens, stone tools, and oven mounds. As visitors, it's important to respect these Indigenous sites, which are part of Australia's heritage.

The park's diverse landscapes are shaped by the range of soil types. Despite the arid conditions, a surprising variety of plants and animals thrive here. This delicate balance between flora and fauna creates a unique ecosystem.

For the most enjoyable visit, plan your trip between late winter and early summer. During this time, the weather is comfortable, and the park comes alive with vibrant wildflowers. Camp alongside the Barringgi Gadyin (Wimmera River) and enjoy activities like bushwalking, birdwatching, or exploring the park by four-wheel drive. Remember, always follow water safety guidelines when exploring natural environments like rivers and lakes.

Main image by Mussklprozz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Little Desert National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Little Desert Discovery Walk (74km)

6 Reviews on “Little Desert Discovery Walk (74km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

74km of stunning Aussie desert in 4 days. Deep sand slowed us down, but the views were unreal – desert Banksia forests, eucalyptus groves, and even a glimpse of a Malleefowl. Day 3 brought a welcome break with a climb to Trig Point for epic panoramic views. Finally, the Wimmera River teemed with birdlife – emus, eagles, the whole show. Be prepared for the sand and bring plenty of water. The rewards are worth it – diverse landscapes, wildflowers in spring, and unforgettable starry skies.

10/05/2024, 16:38

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice