Explore
Great South West Walk Camping
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
Glenelg River Canoe Trail
Princess Margaret Rose Caves
Bird watching
Fishing
How to get there
Great South West Walk Camping
Sites
When you're there
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.
Need to know
Great South West Walk Camping
Accessibility
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Stay safe this summer around lakes and rivers
Inland waterways may have hazards such as strong fast-flowing currents, colder than expected water temperature and submerged branches and debris. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Always wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or using a watercraft. Flash flooding can occur quickly due to heavy rainfall. Water levels may rise quickly and without warning.
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