Glenelg River Canoe Trail - Bowds Canoe Camping Area (Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

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Glenelg River Canoe Trail - Bowds Canoe Camping Area (Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

Pull up in your canoe and spend a night at Bowds Canoe Camping Area. Wedged between the Glenelg River and the northern-edge of Lower Glenelg National Park, the camping area provides a scenic overnight stop along the Lower Glenelg River Canoe Trail.

How to get there

Glenelg River Canoe Trail - Bowds Canoe Camping Area (Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

Need to know

Glenelg River Canoe Trail - Bowds Canoe Camping Area (Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

No firearms allowed
No vehicles
No drones without a permit
Fees apply
No generators
Boating zones apply
No dogs allowed
No horses

Warnings

Water hazards
Shallow water

Deep water
Other warnings
Trees may fall take care

Limbs may fall take care
Terrain hazards
Slippery surface
Animals and pests
Snakes

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

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.

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.

Glenelg River mouth artificially opened

On the 30^th May 2025, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority together with Parks Victoria manually opened the blocked mouth of the Glenelg River.

The public are requested to stay well clear of the river mouth to ensure their safety. Sand ledges in the channel are unstable and can collapse without notice. River water may be moving very swiftly through the channel into the ocean.

Water levels around jetties and boat ramps are expected to drop from Friday 30^th May and into the weekend. Park and river users are urged to be cautious when using jetties and boat ramps, due to the likelihood of silt having settled on the previously submerged decks and ramps, potentially causing hazardous conditions. Additionally, previously submerged decking boards and ladders could be damaged or missing.

Parks Victoria staff will undertake assessments as soon as possible to respond to any damage or unsafe conditions. Park visitors can report unsafe conditions by contacting 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au.

Glenelg River mouth artificially opened

On the 30^th May 2025, the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority together with Parks Victoria manually opened the blocked mouth of the Glenelg River.

The public are requested to stay well clear of the river mouth to ensure their safety. Sand ledges in the channel are unstable and can collapse without notice. River water may be moving very swiftly through the channel into the ocean.

Water levels around jetties and boat ramps are expected to drop from Friday 30^th May and into the weekend. Park and river users are urged to be cautious when using jetties and boat ramps, due to the likelihood of silt having settled on the previously submerged decks and ramps, potentially causing hazardous conditions. Additionally, previously submerged decking boards and ladders could be damaged or missing.

Parks Victoria staff will undertake assessments as soon as possible to respond to any damage or unsafe conditions. Park visitors can report unsafe conditions by contacting 13 1963 or info@parks.vic.gov.au.