Experiences

far from the crowds, close to nature

Nothing compares to the sheer majesty of the night sky in the desert – the stars are brighter, the view is endless and visibility is at its best.

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Experiences – far from the crowds, close to nature

Desert Skies

Nothing compares to the sheer majesty of the night sky in the desert – the stars are brighter, the view is endless and visibility is at its best. You can almost reach out and touch the stars. Sky watchers and astronomers from across the world regularly travel to the Lodge for front row views of the southern night sky.

To view the stars you can check out our AllSky stream, or nightly timelapses & startrails.

Birdwatching

Bird lovers adore the Wimmera desert environment. Over 230 species of birds call the Little Desert National Park home and can be sighted at the Lodge.  The Little Desert Nature Lodge caters specifically for bird watching groups, and our expert guides and local knowledge can help both the beginner and experienced birdwatcher alike.

What makes the Little Desert so good for birds? It lies in an area of Australia that represents an overlap between the high-rainfall forest regions of the coast, and the dry desert areas of the inland. Therefore, with the diversity of habitats found here, it’s possible to see many species representative of both these geographic regions.

To help identify local species we have installed Bird.Net, an accoustic bird classification system. Click here to view the speices and listen to their calls. (Please note may not work correctly on mobile phones)

The “Big 5”
In the spirit of the game parks in Africa we have compiled a list of “The Big 5” bird species that may be found in the major habitats of the Little Desert. These are the special birds that tend to challenge and fascinate even the most seasoned of bird watchers.

  • Malleefowl
  • Southern Scrub Robin
  • Shy Heathwren
  • Gilbert’s Whistler
  • Purple-Gaped Honeyeater (pictured

Private guided tours are available on request and are subject to availability.  Please speak to one of our friendly team to discuss your needs.  Prices on application

Bushwalking

The Lodge property contains a number of nature trails, taking in a variety of native vegetation. Trails are marked with numbered posts, which identify the plant species that you encounter along the way. Trails also lead from the lodge into the adjacent National Park and connect onto the Lodge Loop (2.15 km), Stringybark Loop (1 km) and Stringybark Walk (1km). For the truly adventurous walker, the Lodge can be the start or end point for the impressive Desert Discovery Walk (84 km, 3 days), which incorporates much of the eastern section of the Little Desert National Park, through to the Wimmera River at Dimboola. 

Wildflowers

In spring and summer the Little and Big Desert National Parks are a coloured with brilliant wildflowers. Over 670 species of plants from native daisies and flowering tea tree to whipstick westringia and rare orchids are a photographers and artists delight.

During Winter, low heath plants proliferate:

  • Flame Heath
  • Brush Heath
  • Cranberry Heath
  • Pink Heath
  • Common Correa

Highlights of a spring wildflower include:

  • Blue Tinsel Lily
  • Fringe-myrtle
  • Golden Pennants
  • Phebalium
  • Violet Honey-Myrtle
  • Golden Wattle
  • Scarlet Bottlebrush

Wonderful winter and spring orchids can also be found, just to name a few:

  • Waxlip Orchid
  • Banded Greenhood
  • Heart-lipped Spider-orchid
  • Green-comb Spider-orchid
  • Daddy Long Legs
  • Hooded Caladenia
  • Pink Fingers
  • Blue Fairies
  • Slaty Helmet-Orchid
  • Leopard Orchid
  • Scented Sun-orchid