2-Day Pink Lake and Little Desert Getaway
A weekend pairing of Dimboola’s Pink Lake (Loch Iel) with Little Desert National Park’s wildflower country — 280km loop, suits a sturdy 2WD on the main routes. Best in spring; the lake’s pink intensity peaks late October through early December.
| Distance | 280km loop, mostly sealed |
|---|---|
| Days | 2 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicle | Any for main routes; 4WD only for the Salt Lake Track |
| Best time | September–November (wildflowers + lake colour) |
| Start | Horsham |
Day 1 — Horsham to Dimboola (45km), Pink Lake, Nhill (60km)
Morning: short drive to Dimboola; lunch at the Dimboola Bakery (cult-status custard tart). Drive 10 min north to Loch Iel / Pink Lake. Boardwalk, signage, no swimming permitted. Drive west to Nhill; check in. Late afternoon at Goldsworthy Park and the lagoon. Visit the Nhill VIC. Dinner Nhill Hotel. Sleep Nhill.
Day 2 — Little Desert NP (110km)
Drive 15 min south to Little Desert NP (Stringybark). Stringybark Loop walk (4.5km, flat, suitable for kids). Bring binoculars — malleefowl mounds in the area. Lunch picnic at the Stringybark shelters (BYO, no food on site). Afternoon: drive the Eagle Track loop (2WD-OK in dry weather; check at Nhill VIC). Return to Horsham via Dimboola (65km).
What to bring
3L water per person, sun protection, closed shoes, insect repellent. No reception in most of Little Desert.
Where to eat
Dimboola Bakery, Nhill Hotel, BYO picnic for Little Desert.
Fuel
Horsham, Dimboola, Nhill. No fuel in Little Desert NP.