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 www.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.
    Three friends chat together around a rock formation in an underground cave in Lower Glenelg National Park.

    Princess Margaret Rose Caves

    Take a tour and explore the beauty of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave, often referred as 'the jewel in the crown' of the Lower Glenelg National Park.
    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

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    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.

    Camping & accommodation

    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.

    Tent
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    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.

    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 Parks

      Closure due to COVID-19

      Under the direction of the Chief Health Officer and in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services’ requirements, this facility will remain closed until further notice. This is to reduce the number of people moving around in the community and reduce the risk of transmission. For more information, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid-19

      Partial closure due to COVID-19

      Under the direction of the Chief Health Officer and in accordance with Department of Health and Human Services’ requirements, this park is open to local residents in regional Victoria. You can use this park for walking, hiking, bike riding, surfing, kayaking or yoga so long as it is closest to your home. While exercising with a person outside your household, you should keep at least 1.5 metres distance from them and others. Some parts of this park are closed  to reduce the number of people moving around in the community and reduce the risk of transmission. For more information, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid-19

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