Great South West Walk Camping

A group of four hikers walk along the beach at Discovery Bay as part of the Great South West Walk

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Great South West Walk Camping

The Great South West Walk is an epic showcase of the natural beauty of far west Victoria. Meander through tranquil forests of the Cobboboonee, enter the limestone gorge of the Glenelg River and the long, lonely coast of Discovery Bay. Hike the epic 250 kilometres in one go or sample chunks of it as part of a day walk.
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The Great South West Walk winds through the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from the township of Portland in south west Victoria, the walk takes you on an unforgettable journey across rugged cliffs carved by the Southern Ocean, over remote beaches, past ancient, pristine lakes and through majestic, tall forest.

The walk is maintained through a partnership between volunteers from Friends of the Great South West Walk and Parks Victoria.

Memorable features include the highest seacliffs in Victoria, blowholes, Petrified Forest, and seal colony at Cape Bridgwater, historic Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Aboriginal heritage places and the beautiful seaside village of Nelson, where the Glenelg River meets the sea. Along the way you’ll discover a diverse variety of plants and wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, Blue and Southern Right Whales, and a huge variety of native birds, including the Australasian Gannet.

The Great South West Walk can be explored through shorter or overnight hikes, or the more adventurous can tackle the entire 250 kilometre, 12-day circular walk. If you prefer to return to a comfortable bed in the evening, there are many easily accessible, short loop walks from many locations that are part of this trail. Either way, you are destined to experience some of Australia's most beautiful natural scenery and wildlife.

There are also many other opportunities to engage in other activities, such as canoe journeys along the Glenelg River, along this walk.

Prepare and plan for your walk by booking your campsite before you arrive.

Find out more information about the Great South West Walk at greatsouthwestwalk.com

Things to do in the area

 
A woman playfully splashing a friend in another canoe with her paddle on the Glenelg River

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
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.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.

How to get there

Great South West Walk Camping

The Great South West Walk commences and finishes at the Portland Maritime Discovery and Visitor Information Centre in south-west Victoria. Portland is 350km from Melbourne and 540km from Adelaide. 
Great South West Walk Camping

Sites

When you're there

Visit the Friends website at www.greatsouthwestwalk.com to plan your walk and download maps and itineraries. This site also provides information on where to stay and useful information about natural features and wildlife and plants that you may see along the way.

The Friends of the Great South West Walk offer the helpful service of a walker liaison co-ordinator who can provide advice during planning for your walk and prior to your arrival.

Toilets are provided at campgrounds and tank water is available during the wetter months. Water must be treated before being used.

At each campground there is only one shelter and table so these facilities must be shared between campers.

Campfires are permitted in the fireplaces provided at each location except Mallee Camp which is a fuel stove only location. No fires (including fuel stoves) are permitted on days of Total Fire Ban or high fire danger. Only one fireplace is provided at each location so it must be shared between campers. Minimum amounts of fallen, dry firewood can be collected but fuel stoves are preferred at all locations.

Need to know

Great South West Walk Camping

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.

  • Great South West Walk - Cubbys Camping Area to Cut Out Camping Area (COBBOBOONEE FOREST PARK, Cobboboonee National Park)

    Detours in place

    The Great South West Walk between Boiler Swamp Road and Cut Out Dam Road in the Cobbonoonee National Park is closed due to destroyed bridges and hazardous trees.
    Hikers should use Boiler Swamp Road, Fish Hole Road and Cut Out Dam Road as an alternate route for the closed section.
    Cut Out Camp will remain open but the walking track is closed south of the camp.  

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Wet Conditions - Great South West Walk

    Sections of the Great South West Walk in the Cobboboonee National Park are subject to seasonal water inundation.  Autumn and Winter rainfall has resulted in wet conditions persisting in several locations.  The wet sections remain open and walkers are advised to be prepared for wet boots and socks.  Walkers are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure an enjoyable experience.

  • Discovery Bay Coastal Park

    Lifejackets Required For Rock Fishers from March 1, 2022

    A two-year trial of new laws that require rock fishers to wear a lifejacket at high-risk locations will commence on 1 March 2022.
     
    For Discovery Bay Coastal Park this includes:
     
    • Rock platform near blowholes carpark at Cape Bridgewater
     
    This factsheet includes maps of the affected areas.
     
    Fines apply if you don’t wear a lifejacket at these sites.
     
    To find out more, visit Victorian Fisheries Authority 

  • Lower Glenelg National Park

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave and Princess Margaret Rose campground closed for infrastructure repair and upgrades.

    Princess Margaret Rose Cave and Princess Margaret Rose Cave campground will be closed until further notice to accommodate infrastructure repair works. This includes access via vehicle or boat on the Glenelg River. Camping is not permitted on the site or in the picnic area.
    The toilets, picnic area and walking tracks in the remain open. 

    Battersbys Campground maintenance closures

    Battersbys Campsite will be closed from March 13 2024 through to 31 August 2024 to undertake site upgrades as part of the Victorian Great Outdoors Program

  • Wilson Hall Campground (Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

    Wilson Hall Campground maintenance closures

    Wilson Hall Campsite will be closed from March 13 2024 through to 31 August 2024 to undertake site upgrades as part of the Victorian Great Outdoors Program

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A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

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