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.

  • Lower Glenelg National Park

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave is currently closed to the public

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave is currently closed to the public. Essential safety works including new cave lighting, painting the visitor centre and electrical systems are complete. Work is continuing to upgrade toilets and the wastewater system.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Due to the mouth of the river being blocked, some jetties and boat ramps may be under water.

    The mouth of the Glenelg River has blocked and we are experiencing higher water levels than usual. Some jetties are currently under water and may be slippery. We recommend these facilities are not used if flooded as there may be boards missing due to the upward pressure of the rising water.
    Some built assets may be temporarily closed, do not enter or use closed jetties or boat ramps for your safety

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