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Big Desert Wilderness

Attraction
 
Address
Nhill-Murrayville Rd
Telopea Downs VIC 3419
Phone
131 963
Email
info@parks.vic.gov.au
Web
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Things to Do

  • Walk through a true wilderness
  • Birdwatching and nature study are rewarding in an area which is home to a great variety of birds, reptiles and small mammals

There are no facilities or water are provided in the park however there are some campsites provided nearby at Big Billy Bore, the Springs, Moonlight Tank and Broken Bucket Reserve along the Nhill-Murrayville Road. Bore water is available at Big Billy Bore and Broken Bucket Reserve and there are toilets at Broken Bucket. Supplies may be obtained in Nhill, Yanac or Murrayville.

Heritage

Europeans have left the Big Desert largely untouched since their arrival due to the inhospitable nature of the area. The Big Desert is Victoria's first declared wilderness area. It is a vast park of 113,500 hectares and adjoins large conservation areas in South Australia.

Fauna

The region is considered to be the best single area in Victoria for reptiles with over fifty species of lizards and snakes recorded. Ninety-three species of birds have been recorded in the park including the extremely rare western whipbird. Mammals found in the area include the silky mouse, western pygmy possum and Mitchell's hopping-mouse.

Vegetation

Native vegetation is mainly heath, mallee heath and scrub mallee growing in infertile sands. The heath and mallee heath contain a wide variety of shrubs such as desert banksia, scrub cypress pine, grass tree, she-oak, tea-trees and heaths.

Precautions

  • You must carry your own water.
  • Skill in using map and compass are vital. The Danyo and Wallowa sheets in the NATMAP 1:100 000 series covers the area.
  • Temperatures in summer are far too high for safe and comfortable walking.
  • Before leaving on an overnight walk, please inform the ranger at Wyperfeld National Park.

 
Attraction Pricing information
This attraction has free entry

Activities
  • Birdwatching
  • Bushwalking
  • Native Animal viewing
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • Walking
  • Wildflowers