Explore
Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River, Nelson Streamside Reserve)
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 (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River, Nelson Streamside Reserve)
Need to know
Great South West Walk - Simsons Camping Area to Lake Mombeong Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Lower Glenelg National Park, Glenelg River Heritage River, Nelson Streamside Reserve)
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 drones without a permit
- No firearms allowed
- No fires permitted
- No horses
- No generators
- No camping
- No bicycles
- Management vehicle only
- No dogs allowed
Warnings
-
Water hazards
- Rough Surf
- Shallow water
- Deep water
-
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 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.
Temporary track closures in Lower Glenelg and Cobboboonee National Park due to invasive animal control operation
An invasive
animal control operation will be conducted in Lower Glenelg National Park and Cobboboonee National Park during the hours of 6pm to 5am from Sunday 15th June - Friday 20th June, inclusive. Some areas of
the park will be closed during this period to ensure a safe operation, with
signage marking track closures. Campgrounds and visitor sites, including the
Great South West Walk, will remain open.
Glenelg River mouth artificially opened
On the 30th
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 30th
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 30th 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 30th 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.