Explore
Great South West Walk - Pattersons Camping Area to Simsons Camping Area (Glenelg River Heritage River, Lower Glenelg National Park)
The Patterson Camping Area to Simson Camping Area section of the Great South West Walk follow the contours of the Glenelg River through tall eucalypt forest. Take in the views over the Glenelg River and in spring, see the landscape transform as colourful wildflowers bloom.
How to get there
Great South West Walk - Pattersons Camping Area to Simsons Camping Area (Glenelg River Heritage River, Lower Glenelg National Park)
Need to know
Great South West Walk - Pattersons Camping Area to Simsons Camping Area (Glenelg River Heritage River, Lower Glenelg National Park)
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 vehicles
- No dogs allowed
- No drones without a permit
- No camping
- No fires permitted
- No horses
- No generators
- No bicycles
- Management vehicle only
- No firearms allowed
Warnings
-
Other warnings
- Limbs may fall take care
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 Project
The Princess Margaret Rose Cave is a well-known limestone cave, next to the Glenelg River and located in the Lower Glenelg National Park. The site is currently closed to the public due to upgrade works.
Works have commenced on site on a major upgrade of toilet and wastewater infrastructure at Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area.
The existing toilet building will be replaced with a new four-stall unisex facility, including two all-abilities accessible toilets.
The project will also deliver a new wastewater treatment plant, replacing three existing septic systems and improving long-term environmental outcomes and wastewater management.
Works are expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.
To allow these works to be completed safely, the entire Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area will be closed to the public until construction is complete. Visitors will not be able to access this site, including the picnic area, walking tracks, lookout, river jetty or campground while works remain underway.
Once all works are complete, and new operational arrangements are in place, the cave will be prepared for reopening to the public.
Works have commenced on site on a major upgrade of toilet and wastewater infrastructure at Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area.
The existing toilet building will be replaced with a new four-stall unisex facility, including two all-abilities accessible toilets.
The project will also deliver a new wastewater treatment plant, replacing three existing septic systems and improving long-term environmental outcomes and wastewater management.
Works are expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.
To allow these works to be completed safely, the entire Princess Margaret Rose Cave visitor area will be closed to the public until construction is complete. Visitors will not be able to access this site, including the picnic area, walking tracks, lookout, river jetty or campground while works remain underway.
Once all works are complete, and new operational arrangements are in place, the cave will be prepared for reopening to the public.
Pest Animal Control - Lower Glenelg National Park
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
(DEECA), in partnership with Parks Victoria, will conduct a ground shooting program
to control pest animals in remote areas of Lower Glenelg National Park from 7th of October to 18th of December 2026.
For your safety, please follow all warning signs, remain on
designated tracks and comply with directions from DEECA and Parks Victoria
staff while in the area.
Pest Animal Control - Lower Glenelg National Park
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
(DEECA), in partnership with Parks Victoria, will conduct a ground shooting program
to control pest animals in remote areas of Lower Glenelg National Park from 7th of October to 18th of December 2026.
For your safety, please follow all warning signs, remain on
designated tracks and comply with directions from DEECA and Parks Victoria
staff while in the area.
Pines Landing Canoe Camp closure due to Pine Plantation Harvesting
Harvesting Operations, incorporating roading, harvest and haulage are planned for the plantation area around Pines Landing Canoe Camp, which is within
the Glenelg River Canoe Trail in Lower Glenelg National Park are due to commence in January 2027.
During this period camping and access to the site area will not be available.
Due to the harvesting operations and heavy machinery and
truck movements, all the access points to the campsite will need to be closed and have access restricted.
Please do not enter the plantation.
Please take note of the safety signs erected on the road and be mindful of other traffic using the road.
Work will generally occur between the hours of 3 am and 10 pm. There may be exceptions however, such as during extreme fire danger periods.