Great South West Walk - Trewalla Camping Area to Mallee Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve)

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Great South West Walk - Trewalla Camping Area to Mallee Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve)

Traverse the white sandy beach of Bridgewater Bay along the Trewalla Camping Area to Mallee Camping Area section of the Great South West Walk. Step back in time at the historic Cape Nelson Lighthouse and learn of the shipwrecks that lie in the depths of the Southern Ocean off Cape Nelson.  

How to get there

Great South West Walk - Trewalla Camping Area to Mallee Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve)

Great South West Walk - Trewalla Camping Area to Mallee Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve)

Need to know

Great South West Walk - Trewalla Camping Area to Mallee Camping Area (Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cape Nelson State Park, Cape Nelson Lighthouse 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 fires permitted
  • No horses
  • No dogs allowed
  • No camping
  • No bicycles
  • No generators
  • No drones without a permit
  • No firearms allowed
  • No vehicles

Warnings

  • Terrain hazards
    • Unstable cliffs
    • Slippery surface
  • Water hazards
    • Rough Surf
  • Other warnings
    • Unpatrolled area

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.

Closed - Cape Nelson Picnic Area and Toilet

Cape Nelson picnic area including toilet is closed until further notice.  The site will not be maintained while closed.

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.

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