Despite its arid climate, nutrient-deficient sandy soils, and an average annual rainfall of just 450mm, the Little Desert has earned the title of 'the desert that isn't.' The park showcases a range of landscapes, including mallee dunes, heathlands, and sandy claypans. The park's numerous salt lakes are remnants of an ancient riverbed now covered by sand dunes, some of which can be up to 12m thick and spread over sandstone rock.