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.

Hike-in campsites are designated for hikers only. Canoe and vehicle-based visitors are not permitted to use the hike-in campsites.

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.

  • Cape Nelson Picnic Area (Cape Nelson State Park)

    Closed - Cape Nelson Picnic Area and Toilet

    Cape Nelson picnic area including toilet is closed until further notice.  The site will not be maintained while closed.

  • Discovery Bay Coastal Park

    Temporary track closures in Discovery Bay Coastal Park due to invasive animal control operation

    An invasive animal control operation will be conducted in Discovery Bay Coastal Park during the hours of 6pm and 5am on Sunday 18 to Friday 23 May. Some areas of the park will be closed during this period to ensure a safe operation, with signage marking track closures. Campgrounds and visitor sites, including the Great South West Walk, will remain open.

  • 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.

    Temporary track closures in Lower Glenelg National Park due to invasive animal control operation

    An invasive animal control operation will be conducted in Lower Glenelg National Park during the hours of 6pm to 5am from Monday 19 to Friday 23 May. Some areas of the park will be closed during this period to ensure a safe operation, with signage marking track closures. Campgrounds and visitor sites, including the Great South West Walk, will remain open.

Similar experiences at other parks

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

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.
Two friends walk along the track south of Redmans Bluff with views of the Serra Range in the background on central section 3 of the GPT

Grampians Peaks Trail

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.
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

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.
The Trailhead to the Burchell Trail at Brisbane Ranges National Park

Burchell Trail

Enjoy three days walking through Victoria's richest wildflower habitat with spectacular views across Wadawurrung Country.
Four friends walk across the sand dunes along the Wildernous Coast Walk close to Mallacoota Inlet.

Wilderness Coast Walk

The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales. This spot boasts a beautiful scenic walk along bright sanded beaches.
Two women walk along the track between granite rocks and grass trees on the Southern Circuit hiking trail at Wilsons Promontory National Park

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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