Stringybark Walk is a 1km, grade 2 hike located in Little Desert National Park, Victoria. This short walk should take 30 minutes to complete.
Warning
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 Stringybark Nature Walk is a leisurely 1-kilometer loop trail located within Little Desert National Park, Victoria. This easy (grade 3) walk is perfect for those seeking a short and scenic introduction to the park's diverse plant life. The entire loop can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Conveniently situated on the Harrow-Nhill Road, the Stringybark Walk offers a glimpse into the heart of the Little Desert. As you embark on this peaceful loop, be sure to take note of the surrounding vegetation. Spring is an especially vibrant time to visit, with wildflowers like Mallee Honey-myrtle and a variety of native orchids adorning the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers not just at eye-level, but also consider looking underfoot to discover hidden gems.
The loop also provides ample opportunities for birdwatching, particularly after a refreshing rain shower. A helpful factsheet located at the trailhead provides valuable information to guide you along the walk.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 166 m
Min elevation: 159 m
Total climbing: 8 m
Total descent: -8 m
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
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.
Gallery
Image: Parks Victoria
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
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.
1 Review on “Stringybark Walk (1km)”
Did the Stringybark Nature Walk in Little Desert NP – perfect little 1km loop. Easy stroll through pretty bushland. Especially loved all the wildflowers blooming.