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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.
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
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 and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
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.
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.
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.
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Lower Glenelg National Park
Glenelg River jetties underwater - Hazardous Conditions
The Glenelg River mouth is closed by a sand bank due to natural processes. The closed mouth is causing the water level in the Glenelg River to rise, resulting in some Jetties, Landings and Boat Ramps that are attached to campsites and visitor sites to become submerged.Sites located in the Lower Glenelg National Park and sites near the river mouth/estuary area of Discovery Bay Coastal Park are impacted. Campsites are not currently impacted, only the waterway assets including jetties, landings, and boat ramps.Partially submerged or submerged water based assets are hazardous to park users. Fluctuating water levels can cause silt and mud to accumulate on deck boards causing slippery conditions. Deck boards can become loose or dislodge when rising water puts pressure on jetties causing gaps and trip hazards that cannot be seen underwater.Park users including water craft users are advised not to use partially or submerged jetties and landings for their safety.