The park abounds in wildlife and the Pertendi Walking Trail commencing near the old shepherds hut provides an ideal way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Ngarkat Conservation Park’s 270,000 hectares of vegetated sand dunes, mallee and heath.

This is an area that has been burned to the ground on average, once every 20 years for the last ten thousand years.

In fact, the local vegetation has adapted to thrive in these conditions where fire plays such a major role. It triggers critical natural processes vital to a balanced ecology and in doing so, continues to shape the mallee landscape.

Long hot summers create ideal conditions for bushfires and as you wander along the two kilometres walking trail, as well as having amazing views out over the surrounding bush, you will be able to gain an insight into this ecology that has been shaped by fire.

The discovery trail is dotted will descriptive information boards that describe the native species of the area and vividly explain how in the aftermath of devastation, the landscape regenerates itself. Who knows, if you have sharp eyes and walk quietly, you may even spot a rare mallee fowl foraging slowly among the trees.

Picnic tables near the restored historic hut provide a pleasant place to stop for lunch or if you plan to stay longer, there are a number of campsites available, some with fire pits.