Grade 1

Red Gum Loop (2.3km)

Little Desert National Park

Victoria

2.3km

1 hr

Grade 2

Circuit

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Hike at a glance

Quick overview: Discover Victoria's Little Desert National Park through the Red Gum Loop, a leisurely 1-hour, 2.3km circuit hike starting and ending at the Kiata Campground. This Grade 2 trail is perfect for a quick escape into a diverse landscape, featuring Stringybark woodlands, Red Gum trees, and a historical Eucalyptus Distillery Site. Don't forget to look and listen for the park's native flora, fauna and over 200 bird species during your walk.

Length

Duration

Difficulty

Trail type

Route details

Max elevation: 148m
Min elevation: 144m
Total Ascent: 15m

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

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Grade 2 (easy) badge

Gentle tracks with some variation
These walks are still accessible for most people, but introduce mild hills, occasional steps, and slightly uneven surfaces. No prior bushwalking experience is required.

Tracks are usually well-defined and hardened, but you may need to manage small changes in elevation and footing. Distances can extend up to 10km, making these a good step up from Grade 1 for those building confidence.

Good to know: Small hills and longer distances can add up quickly if your fitness or pacing is off.

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Preparation matters: Plan your short walk well and bring the right gear, weather-appropriate layers, food and plenty of water. Before you head out, read up on bushwalking safety and use this day hike planning guide to make sure you're ready. Need help getting started? Check out the full hike preparation guide.

Map and GPX file

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Think safety first

Australian conditions can turn a small oversight into a serious situation faster than most walkers expect. The Hiking Safety Systems and planning calculators are designed to help you identify and close those gaps before you leave home. Work through the Interactive Safety Scenarios to see how incidents unfold, then use the tools to build your plan and make sure a trusted contact has your trip details before you head out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes.

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead — your emergency contact will need more detail. Register your trip plan here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

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Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Accommodation →

Or search accommodation in nearby towns: Dimboola, Harrow, Horsham, Jeparit, Kaniva, Nhill, Rainbow

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About the region

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The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

8 Reviews on “Red Gum Loop (2.3km)”

Overall rating
  • Darren edwards avatar Darren Edwards Trail Author

    It’s a breezy 2.3km loop (perfect for an hour escape from the campground) that takes you through some stunning landscapes.

    The hike starts at Kiata Campground and climbs a sandy path through beautiful Stringybark woodland. Keep an eye out for water marks on the Red Gums – a reminder of the occasional floods in the area.

    Next, you’ll reach the fascinating Eucalyptus Distillery Site, a remnant of the park’s past industry. Then, the trail winds through a Banksia dune and into another woodland teeming with Red Gums, Black Box trees, and native wildlife.

    The final stretch is a relaxing walk back to the campground. The whole loop is a great way to experience the park’s beauty – wildflowers, bird calls, and a touch of history. Highly recommend is you are hiking in the area.

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Red gum loop (2. 3km) trail hiking australia

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.

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