Explore the Great Aussie Outdoors in Wimmera Mallee
The Wimmera Mallee is a true gem that boasts bountiful plains, bustling wildlife, vibrant communities and a thriving agricultural industry that sustains us all. When the hustle and bustle of the everyday becomes too much, thousands of travellers venture to the flat and fertile plains of the region, grounding themselves in Australia's natural beauties.
Feeling inspired? Here are four ways to immerse yourself in our country’s intrinsic flora and fauna, all found in the Wimmera Mallee.
Silo Art Trail
The Silo Art Trail is Australia’s largest outdoor gallery, linking Wimmera Mallee’s treasured small towns across 700 km through the region.
Providing an insight into the true spirit of Wimmera Mallee, the trail recognises and celebrates the region’s people through a series of large-scale murals painted onto grain silos.
The trail has seen renowned artists from Australia and across the world visit the region, meet the locals and transform each grain silo into an epic work of art, each one telling a unique story about the region.
Here are some of our favourite Silo Arts to get your self-guided Wimmera Mallee adventure started.
'Brim Silo' - painted by Guido van Helten. Located in Brim. This is the first piece of the Victorian Silo Art Trail.
'Arkona Silo' - painted by SMUG. Located in Dimboola.
'Horsham Silo' - painted by SMUG. Located in Horsham.
'Sea Lake Silo' - painted by Drapl & The Zookeeper. Located in Sea Lake. Pictured below.
‘Kaniva Silo’ - painted by David Lee Pereira and Jason Parker. Located in Kaniva.
Explore Wimmera Mallee's Mesmerising Lakes
Wimmera Mallee’s most notorious lake is the great natural wonder of Lake Tyrrell. Situated 7km north of Sea Lake, Lake Tyrrell is a must visit for every nature lover or budding photographer.
The kidney-shaped lake covers an enormous 20,860 hectares (around 200 square kilometres), making it Victoria's largest inland salt lake. A truly incredible sight!
Regarded as one of the best places in Australia for stargazing, the vast, reflective surface of the lake and the dark skies above make for an ideal setting to capture the beauty of the southern hemisphere's constellations. During the day, the mesmerising formations on the 120,000-year-old lake bed are astonishing. The vividly bright colour of this lake is created by naturally occurring algae living in the lake's salt crust.
The colour varies throughout the seasons, but is usually most vibrant after heavy rainfall. Brave the cold weather and add this unmissable stop to your next roadtrip.
Looking for a lakeside camping location? Then it is time to check out the peaceful paradise of Green Lake, located 10 km from Sea Lake.
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Australia at this stunning destination, perfect for swimmers, bird watchers, bush walkers and anyone looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Whether you're after a powered or unpowered site, Green Lake offers a range of bookings to suit all camping needs. And if camping isn't your thing, don't worry! High-quality cabins with picturesque lakeside views will soon be available at this camp spot, providing affordable accommodation options.
With plenty of marvellous lakes located in the Wimmera Mallee region, this is the perfect way to re-introduce yourself to Australian nature.
Farm Tours
With rippling fields of wheat and barley to plains of lentils and oilseeds, the agricultural landscape of the Wimmera Mallee is a sight like no other. Here, the dedicated farmers are the heart and soul of Victoria's thriving farming industry, working tirelessly to ensure we all have access to high-quality produce throughout the year.
If you're looking to delve deeper into the fascinating world of Aussie farmers, then Wimmera Mallee is the place for you. The Wimmera Mallee is a community where farming is a way of life, and every farmer has a story to tell.
Experience the agricultural marvels of Wimmera Mallee with a Birchip Cropping Group farming tour. With this tour, you'll get to learn firsthand about farming practices, crop management and the rich history of the land. You'll also have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious home-cooked meal using the farmer's crops, giving you a true taste of the region. A BCG Farm Tour is an Aussie adventure like no other and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to the region.
Explore the Deserts of the Mallee
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Australia's famous wilderness, the Little Desert and Big Desert National Parks are must-sees when visiting Wimmera Mallee.
Located near Dimboola, the Little Desert National Park is a unique and ever-changing landscape. The fluctuating temperatures, soil quality and lack of rainfall has caused many species of plants and animals to adapt, and eventually thrive in harsh climates. It is home to one fifth of Victoria’s native flora species, making it a perfect location to spot wildflowers, rare bird species and iconic Aussie wildlife - especially emus!
After an action-packed day of wondrous walks and adventures, we recommend checking out the Little Desert Nature Lodge. This nature lodge is located nearby in Nhill, and is the perfect place to lay back and relax, whether you're interested in a deluxe accommodation experience or a powered campsite.
If you are looking for a more challenging and immersive outdoor experience, the Big Desert is the place for you. Located north of Kaniva, Big Desert Wilderness Park is Victoria’s first declared wilderness area. This park is a playground for 4WD, hiking, nature lovers and bird watchers alike.
It is a breathtaking region of sandstone ridges, dunes, mallee scrub and rutts. Four-wheel driving is one of the best ways to appreciate the incredible landscape, with plenty of 4WD tracks at varying difficulty levels. The park is also home to a wide variety of lizards, snakes, birds, the pygmy possum, the hopping mouse and other small mammal species. Mallee Parks has listed over 300 species of birds found in the Big Desert Wilderness Park, so make sure to bring your binoculars and bird books.
Searching for a guided tour of the desert region? We recommend the highly experienced team at Explore the Mallee. They offer a wide variety of tours and experiences, including guided birdwatching, wilderness photography workshops, park tours and even accommodation.
Imagine camping beneath a mesmerising blanket of stars, venturing into the wild with your trusty 4WD, and embarking on nature walks through scenes of the Aussie outback. Sound like your kind adventure? Then add the Little Desert and Big Desert to your Wimmera Mallee itinerary.
Wimmera Mallee must be experienced to be fully appreciated. From our breathtaking landscapes to the thriving agricultural industry that sustains our community, the Wimmera Mallee is a true haven for travellers and locals alike.
So pack your bags, book your tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the region - you won't be disappointed!
