Glenelg River Canoe Trail

Two people unpack their kayak beside their campground. A river is in the background.

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Glenelg River Canoe Trail

Stretching from Dartmoor to Nelson, the Glenelg River Canoe Trail meanders through the lower reaches of the Glenelg River. Embark on this scenic journey and take in the best of Lower Glenelg National Park - from towering limestone cliffs to the underground wonderland of Princess Margaret Rose Cave and abundant wildlife that calls the park home.
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The Glenelg River is perfect for flat water canoeing over the 75km from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For most of its course, the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, a place of exceptional natural beauty which is home to spectacular wildlife. 

Stay at some of the seven campsites reserved exclusively for the use of canoeists and kayakers and try fishing for your dinner on this memorable journey. 

While the full Glenelg River Trail takes around four days, there is a popular three-day option and you can even hire a canoe for a day-trip. There are canoe hire outlets in Dartmoor, Winnap and Nelson. 

All canoe campsites in the park must be booked and fees apply. Sites can only be booked for one night.

Things to do in the area

 
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.
Canoeing

Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
A three year old boy leads his mum and younger brother through the forest near Grants Picnic Ground.

Family activities

Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature.
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.

How to get there

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

Canoes can be hired from Dartmoor, Winnap or Nelson. Many hire shops will also drop you off and pick you up at various points along the river depending on your needs. Lower Glenelg National Park is in south-west Victoria adjoining the South Australian border, about 420km from Melbourne and 490km from Adelaide. The major access roads into the park are the Portland - Nelson Road and Wanwin Road.
Glenelg River Canoe Trail

Sites

When you're there

Download the Lower Glenelg National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

Need to know

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

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.

Be prepared and stay safe

Lower Glenelg National Park is in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

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

    Access to Pines Landing Campsite (Lower Glenelg National Park) via McPhees Rd due to Pine Plantation Harvesting Work

    Harvest activities are planned for the nearby pine tree plantation along Winnap-Nelson Road at Drik Drik 
    Access to Pines Landing Canoe camp  (Lower Glenelg National Park) via Hedditches Rd will not be permitted due to these operations.

    Please access site via McPhees Rd (Approx. 2 km towards Dartmoor from Hedditches Rd) and follow directional signage.
    Access along this road will not be restricted, but please do not enter the plantation. 
    Please take note of the safety signs erected on the road, and be mindful of other traffic using the road.
    Be aware of trucks and harvesting equipment. Do not approach the work area of operations of these machines.

    Work will generally occur between the hours of 3 am and 5 pm. There may be exceptions however, such as during extreme fire danger where harvesting will occur throughout the night upon which the Contractors will aim to minimize the impact on adjoining neighbours.

    Camping at Pines Landing Canoe camp is only permitted for canoeist on the Glenelg River Canoe Trail.
    This access road is not suitable for Caravans or Buses.
    Recommend only 4WD vehicle.

    For those with unsuitable vehicle to access site, it is recommended to start at Moleside Canoe Camp and paddle upstream to Pines Landing canoe camp.

    Attachments: Pines Landing via McPhees Rd access map (508KB)

Similar experiences at other parks

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Great South West Walk

Walk the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from Portland, the walk travels through majestic tall forests, meanders alongside the World Heritage Glenelg River, remote ocean beaches, past ancient lakes and culminates along rugged ocean clifftops.
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The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
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Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
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Wilderness Coast Walk

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Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
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Burchell Trail

Enjoy three days walking through Victoria's richest wildflower habitat with spectacular views across Wadawurrung Country.
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Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes

Hike your way to overnight camping sites and sleep in bookable shady campsites with views of glassy torquoise water.
The lighthouse keeper's cottage and lighthouse at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

The perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged coastal environment while staying in self-contained dormitory-style or private cabin accommodation. The Lightstation can only be reached on foot (minimum 19.1km one way). The walk is challenging (5-6 hours), requiring a high level of fitness.
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