Discovery Bay Coastal Park

A straight dirt road leads down into sand dunes beyond which lies the ocean

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Discovery Bay offers a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic values, including rugged cliffs, extensive beaches, mobile dune fields, wetlands and woodland forest communities. Victoria's highest coastal cliffs and the Cape Nelson lighthouse are located at the eastern end of Discovery Bay. The Cape Bridgewater fur seal colony is also a significant feature of the Park. A significant dune system extends from Nelson to Whites Beach limiting vehicle access to a few locations.

Things to do in the area

 
A tent set up next to trees at Lake Monibeong at Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Lake Mombeong Campground

Camp on the coast at this quiet and secluded location where the tranquil waters of Lake Mombeong beckon.
A tent set up next a medium tree and framed by the canopy of a ute at Swan Lake Campground at Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Swan Lake Campground

Experience the vast, mobile sand dunes a short distance from the campground. Walk along the track towards the beach and marvel at the immense height and sheer walls of the dunes.
Mum helps her young son as he jumps off a large piece of drift wood at West Cape Beach.

Beaches

Walk white sandy beaches, swim in cool coastal waters or surf the wild waves of the Southern Ocean.
Snorkelling at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

Discover an underwater world

If you’re looking for the best places to see underwater ecosystems and encounter marine wildlife, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore marine protected areas. So, pack your togs, wetsuit, a mask and snorkel and head to the coast!
A couple watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

Sunrises and sunsets

Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
A couple looks on at a Wombat on Wilsons Promontory National Park,

Wildlife viewing

Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,

Wildlife and Nature

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Koalas
Fish
Seals

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Discovery Bay Coastal Park is in south-west Victoria between Portland and Nelson adjoining the SA border, about 420kms from Melbourne and 490kms from Adelaide. The major access roads into the Park are The Blowholes Road, Scenic Drive and the Portland - Nelson Road. 
Discovery Bay Coastal Park

When you're there

Download the campground maps to see site locations prior to booking.

Related Sites

Need to know

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.


Safety

Rock fishing is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s also risky. See our water safety page and follow safety precautions around water to make sure your visit is safe and enjoyable.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Glenelg River estuary blocked causing some water based assets (Jetties and Landings) to become submerged

    Currently the river mouth and estuary of the Glenelg River is closed by a sand bank due to natural processes.
    This is causing the water level of the Glenelg River to rise and in doing so is beginning to inundate some of the Jetties, Landings and Boat Ramps that are attached to campsites and visitor nodes to become submerged.
     
    This is affecting sites located in the Lower Glenelg National Park and some assets around the river mouth/estuary area of Discovery Bay Coastal Park.
     
    Park users need to be aware that some water-based assets may be underwater, or may become underwater with passing boat wash, and that extra care needs to be taken whilst using them as they may become slippery.
     
    Campsites are not currently affected, only the waterway assets such as the jetties, landings, and boat ramps.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Notification of Marine Algal Bloom

    Algal blooms often occur naturally in the waters of Southwest Victoria and are typically of low risk to people, pets and wildlife.
     
    Sometimes mistaken as oil or sewage, they can make the water look dark, discoloured or dirty; especially in shallow areas near the shore. You may also notice patches of stained sand where algae can wash up.
    The most common species seen along this coastline is Noctiluca scintillans, although many types of algae can form blooms. While most blooms are harmless to people, some may cause skin irritation and illness, so it’s important to take care.
    To keep yourself and your pets safe:
     
    ·         Avoid touching water or sand that you think may be affected by an algal bloom.
    ·         Avoid eating fish, shellfish, mussels or crayfish caught in areas where a bloom is present.
    ·         Direct contact can occasionally cause rashes, itchiness, sore ears or nose, or stomach upset if swallowed.
    ·         If you do come into contact with affected water, rinse skin, hair, clothing and wetsuits with clean water.
    ·         Seek medical or veterinary advice if you have any health concerns.

How we keep it special

The Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Management Plan is a strategic guide for managing and protecting over 130 parks, reserves and Indigenous Protected Areas in south-west Victoria, including Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

Parks Victoria

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