Little Desert National Park

Overview

Little Desert National Park is approximately 132,000 hectares in size (326,129 acres). The rainfall and soil types vary greatly over the area and hence the Park has a diverse range of vegetation, many species of birds, marsupials, reptiles and other animals.

The Little Desert National Park is bordered on all sides by farmland. Late winter to early summer are considered the best times to visit as the temperature is mild and the wildflowers are blooming. Over 600 kilometres of track criss-cross the park and make most areas accessible for four wheel drives. 

History

The Little Desert National Park area has been the traditional home of many Aboriginal communities for tens of thousands of years and many descendants of these communities can trace their ancestry back beyond European settlement. The Wimmera River that cuts through the park has been an important aspect of their survival. Where their Native Title rights have been recognized several Aboriginal communities are involved with the management of the land.

The Little Desert National Park has had a controversial recent history, in that the land was earmarked for subdivision in the ‘little Desert Settlement Scheme’ in 1968.  The scheme involved clearing a great deal of the current park for agricultural use. The area was saved from clearing from a growing conservation movement and was listed as a national park nearly 20 years later.

Part of the eastern section of the park belonged to Woraigworm Station and was used for grazing and the harvesting of timber up to the 1960s.

Places of interest

Kiata Sanctuary
Wildflowers
Salt Lake
Little Desert Nature Lodge

For further information please contact Hindmarsh Shire Council (03) 5391 4444.

Accommodation

Accommodation for the Little Desert National Park can be found in Nhill. This township offers a number of comfortable accommodation options including:

Halfway Motel (03) 5391 1888
Wimmera Motel (03) 5391 1444   
Union Hotel (03) 5391 1722   
Little Desert Lodge (03) 5391 5232
Zero Inn Motel (03) 5391 1622
Nhill Oasis Motel (03) 5391 1666
Commercial Hotel (03) 5391 1500
Nhill Caravan Park (03) 5391 1683

For further information please contact Horsham Tourist Information (03) 5382 1832 or freecall 1800 633 218.

Back to Regional Tour list