Ackle Bend Campground | Little Desert National Park Camping & 4WD Adventure

For a fantastic and secluded bush camping adventure, Ackle Bend Campground is a true gem nestled within the remote beauty of the Little Desert National Park. This tranquil Parks Victoria site offers an authentic wilderness experience, perfectly situated on a beautiful, sandy bend of the Wimmera River. It is a paradise for self-sufficient campers, 4WD enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the unique semi-arid landscape of the Mallee. The campground is set amongst a picturesque woodland of Yellow Gums and Cypress Pines, offering well-spaced, individual sites that provide a wonderful sense of privacy and a direct connection to the surrounding environment. It’s a place where the days are filled with the sounds of the bush and the nights with a breathtaking canopy of stars.

The main appeal of Ackle Bend is its magnificent natural setting and its role as a base for adventure. The Wimmera River, with its sandy beaches and deep pools, is a highlight, offering a refreshing spot for a swim on a hot day, a peaceful paddle in a kayak, or a chance to fish for Yellowbelly and Redfin. The campground is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, emus, and an incredible diversity of birdlife being common sights. It also serves as an excellent launchpad for exploring the park’s network of sandy 4WD tracks that delve deeper into the desert’s remote corners. As a designated national park campground, bookings are essential, and the facilities are basic but clean, complementing the rustic experience. While it feels a world away, the historic town of Dimboola is a relatively short drive away for supplies. For a memorable outback trip that combines riverside relaxation with rugged adventure, Ackle Bend is a top-tier choice for the prepared camper.

Campground Information

• Name: Ackle Bend Campground
• Address: Little Desert VIC 3418 (Accessed via Dimboola-Rainbow Rd)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.503298288831026, 142.0196600508386

Website

• Website: Parks Victoria – Ackle Bend

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Remote riverside bush camp in the Little Desert National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
• Road Access: Unsealed sandy tracks. A 4WD is strongly recommended. Tracks can be impassable after rain.
• 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: Non-existent. A satellite phone or PLB is highly recommended.
• 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: 10 designated, bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, 4WD recovery gear.
• 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: Excellent area for remote bushwalking and exploring the desert landscape.
• 4WD Touring: This is a premier destination for exploring the sandy tracks of the park.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Victoria Hotel (Dimboola) – Approx. 25 km
  • Union Hotel (Nhill) – Approx. 45 km
  • Jeparit Hotel (Jeparit) – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Dimboola Store & Cafe – Approx. 25 km
  • Dimboola Bakery – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Little Desert National Park – You are in it!
  • Dimboola Pink Lake – Approx. 20 km
  • Lake Hindmarsh – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Dimboola Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Jeparit Riverview Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Horseshoe Bend Campground (Little Desert NP, fees apply) – Approx. 5 km
  • Four Mile Beach (Lake Hindmarsh) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Dimboola Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Dimboola has multiple options – Approx. 25 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.