Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Nelson Streamside Reserve, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Nelson Streamside Reserve, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

Switch riverside views for wild ocean vistas along the Simson Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area section of the Great South West Walk. Take a civilised break at Nelson, a quaint town before following the long, lonely beach towards your next camp.  

How to get there

Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Nelson Streamside Reserve, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Nelson Streamside Reserve, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Glenelg River Heritage River)

Need to know

Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Nelson Streamside Reserve, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal 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 fires permitted
  • No horses
  • No dogs allowed
  • No drones without a permit
  • No generators
  • No bicycles
  • No firearms allowed
  • Management vehicle only
  • No camping

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • Limbs may fall take care
  • Water hazards
    • Shallow water
    • Deep water
    • Rough Surf

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.

Planned Burning Lower Glenelg National Park

Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria will be conducting Planned Burning in the Lower Glenelg National Park.
A Planned Burn is scheduled to take place adjacent to Sapling Creek Boat Ramp along Glenelg Drive.
The timing of the burn will be dependent on weather conditions, however it is expected to be undertaken between the 19th March and 30th March 2026.
While burning operations are being conducted there will be certain road and track closures in place.
Glenelg Drive will be closed from the start of Glenelg Drive (Western end) through to the Bulley Range Track.
River Rd will also be closed from the North Nelson Rd Carpark through to Glenelg Drive.
These track closures are marked as a red line on the attached map.
The burn area is identified also as the highlighted blue area.
The Great South West Walk will remain open between Battersbys Camp and Pattersons Walkers Camp.
All campsites will remain open.
Smoke may be visible in the area.
Crews will be patrolling the area.
Sapling Creek Boat Ramp will be closed. Other boat ramps are available within Nelson Township as well as Pritchards, Saunders, Sandy Waterholes and Wilson Hall.
It is intended to complete this burn before Easter and School Holidays.
Stay up to date with Planned Burning by visiting https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/

Attachments: Glenelg Dve Burn Area and Road Closures March 2026 (281KB)

Planned Burning in Lower Glenelg National Park

Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria will be conducting Planned Burning in Lower Glenelg.
A Planned Burn will be undertaken adjacent to Sapling Creek Boat Ramp and the surrounding area.
It is anticipated that this burn will be conducted between the 19th March and 31st March 2026.
The timing will be dependent on weather conditions.
When the burn is commenced, there will be several road closures in place.
Glenelg Drive will be closed from the start of Glenelg Drive (Western end) to the Bulley Range Track.
River Rd will be closed from the Nth Nelson Road Carpark and Glenelg Drive.
These are marked on the attached map in red.
The burn area is marked in blue.
The Great South West Walk will be still accessible between Battersbys and Pattersons Walkers Camp.
Sapling Creek Boat Ramp will be closed.
Alternative boat ramps are available within Nelson Township, Pritchards, Saunders, Sandy Waterholes and Wilson Hall.
Smoke will be visible and present in the area.
Stay up to date with Planned Burning across Victoria by checking the following website.
https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au/
 

Attachments: Glenelg Dve Burn Area and Road Closures March 2026 (281KB)

Glenelg River estuary blocked causing some water based assets (Jetties and Landings) to become submerged

Currently the river mouth and estuary of the Glenelg River is closed by a sand bank due to natural processes.
This is causing the water level of the Glenelg River to rise and in doing so is beginning to inundate some of the Jetties, Landings and Boat Ramps that are attached to campsites and visitor nodes to become submerged.
 
This is affecting sites located in the Lower Glenelg National Park and some assets around the river mouth/estuary area of Discovery Bay Coastal Park.
 
Park users need to be aware that some water-based assets may be underwater, or may become underwater with passing boat wash, and that extra care needs to be taken whilst using them as they may become slippery.
 
Campsites are not currently affected, only the waterway assets such as the jetties, landings, and boat ramps.

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