Experience the unique biodiversity of the Little Desert National Park with a stay at Horseshoe Bend Campground, one of the most popular and scenic camping areas in the region. This beautiful Parks Victoria site is idyllically situated on a picturesque bend of the Wimmera River, offering a perfect blend of tranquil riverside relaxation and immersive bush adventure. The campground is a favourite for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful and well-equipped base to explore the park’s eastern block. Set amongst a magnificent woodland of Yellow Gums and River Red Gums, the campground provides spacious, well-defined sites suitable for a variety of setups, from tents and swags to camper trailers and small caravans. The atmosphere is serene and natural, with the gentle sounds of the river and the abundant birdlife creating a perfect outback soundtrack.
The main appeal of Horseshoe Bend is its stunning natural setting and recreational opportunities. The Wimmera River is the star of the show, providing a beautiful spot for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in its sandy-bottomed pools. It’s also a popular fishing spot for those hoping to catch Yellowbelly and Redfin. The campground is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and emus frequently seen, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. It also serves as an excellent starting point for several walking tracks, including the easy Stringybark Walk, which is perfect for families. As a designated national park campground, bookings are essential, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained, offering a comfortable stay for all visitors. Its convenient 2WD access and proximity to the town of Dimboola make it one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to experience the captivating landscape of the Little Desert.
Horseshoe Bend Campground – VIC Location Map
Horseshoe Bend Campground
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp in the eastern block of Little Desert National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and small to medium Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed gravel road, 2WD accessible.
- Site Surface: Natural sand and dirt base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 15 designated, bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Little Desert National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Fishing for Yellowbelly and Redfin in the Wimmera River.
- Short Walks: The Stringybark Walk starts from the campground, and it’s a great base for other park trails.
- Kayaking & Swimming: The river is a popular spot for a paddle and a swim.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Victoria Hotel (Dimboola) – Approx. 20 km
- Union Hotel (Nhill) – Approx. 40 km
- Commercial Hotel (Nhill) – Approx. 40 km
- Places to Eat:
- Dimboola Store & Cafe – Approx. 20 km
- Dimboola Bakery – Approx. 20 km
- Various cafes and pubs in Nhill – Approx. 40 km
- Local Attractions:
- Little Desert National Park – You are in it!
- Dimboola Pink Lake – Approx. 25 km
- Pink Lake (Loch Iel) – Approx. 45 km
- Silo Art Trail (starts at Sheep Hills) – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Dimboola Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Nhill Caravan Park – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Ackle Bend Campground (Little Desert NP, fees apply) – Approx. 5 km
- Four Mile Beach (Lake Hindmarsh) – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Dimboola Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Dimboola has multiple options – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Dimboola township.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry, with average temperatures of 16-33°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking, averaging 9-26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with frosty mornings and crisp days, averaging 4-15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, the best time for wildflowers, averaging 8-23°C.
