big and little deserts
Little Desert National Park is noted for its sandy ridges and springtime wildflower displays. It is the second-largest national park in Victoria. This area was ignored during the European settlement of the Wimmera. The first reserve was created in 1955 to protect the mallee fowl and the park was declared in 1968.
Despite its name, the dry hot summers and sandy soil, this is a desert in name only. The park receives 400 mm of rainfall per annum (mostly in winter) and supports a range of fauna and 670 plant species. With its scrubby woodland of yellow and red gum, as well as swamps and clay flats of bull-oak and melaleuca, it represents a remnant of the Wimmera's pre-colonial vegetation.
The park is essentially divided into three sections.The road to Goroke and Edenhope, which heads south off the highway just east of Kaniva, divides the western and middle sections of the park. Any exploration off this road will require a 4WD. Just east of the road is Broughton's Water Hole which features rare orchids and an abundance of native wildflowers in spring.
Also to the east of this road is Yanipy Nature Reserve or the 'School Block' This is controlled by a Board of Management and is primarily set up for “the education of school children”. However, it is open to the public and we request that you respect our facilities. There are campfires, seating areas & toilets, but please remember to take all rubbish with you. There are linked walking tracks extending from the camp area. Subject to rainfall, a small dam, just north-east of the hut provides a peaceful spot for bird-watching, as does the Gum Flat Swamp. Bird life includes Parrots, Cockatoos, Honeyeaters, Pardalotes, Thornbills, Martins, Owls, Whistlers, Wrens and Heathwrens. Various orchids can be found close to the camping area, particularly in springtime. More info
Billy Ho Bushwalk ~ A pleasant bushwalk on private property encompassing wildflowers, orchids, bird and wildlife habitats in season.
Getting there: At the roundabout, heading towards Adelaide, turn south into Madden St (towards Lillimur South) and continue on for about 5 km, there is a signposted turnoff on the right to Billy Ho Reserve where there is a self-guided and signposted bushwalk (3 km return). Numbered pegs enable the identification of various species of desert flora such as scarlet bottlebrush, Mallee honey, flame heath, myrtle and desert banksias. Orchids are in flower from April to December (the relevant brochure is available from the information centre).
Mooree Reserve
Mooree Reserve is a picturesque picnic area situated around dark green lagoons and shaded by huge red gums. A range of wildlife inhabits the reserve. In the 19th century, locals carted water from the lagoons to the early township of Lillimur South. A number of canoe trees indicate that the water supply was also appreciated by Aborigines. To get there head west from Kaniva along the Western Highway. After 10 km you will come to Lillimur. Just west of Lillimur the Leeor Rd heads off to the left and it will lead you to the reserve.
Big Desert Wilderness Park,
The Big Desert is Victoria's first declared wilderness area, and is considered to be the best single area in Victoria for reptiles, with over 50 species of lizards and snakes recorded. Nearly 100 species of birds have been recorded in Big Desert including the extremely rare Western Whipbird.
Look out for Mitchell's Hopping Mouse, Sand Goannas, Dragons, Emus and Western Grey Kangaroos.
Camping; There are no facilities or water provided in the park, so you need to carry in your own supplies. There are bush campsites within the Big Desert State Forest at Big Billy Bore, the Springs, Moonlight Tank and within Broken Bucket Reserve along the Nhill-Murrayville Road and Red Bluff Reserve on the Border Track, south of the Big Desert Wilderness Park. Bore water is available at Big Billy Bore and Broken Bucket Reserve and these locations and Red Bluff Reserve also have toilets.
The best times to visit are late autumn, winter and early spring. Summer is not recommended because of high temperatures and risk of fire. Access is only available by four-wheel drive via the Murrayville Track. The roads are extremely sandy in placed and are best accessed by experinced 4WD groups. Don't forget; You must carry your own water. You will need skill in using map and compass. Satelite Phones, GPS and CB's are also recommended.
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