Great South West Walk
Details
Check In: 13:00|Check Out: 12:00
The Great South West Walk winds through the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from the township of Portland in south west Victoria, the walk takes you on an unforgettable journey across rugged cliffs carved by the Southern Ocean, over remote beaches, past ancient, pristine lakes and through majestic, tall forest. Hike the epic 250 kilometres in one go or sample chunks of it as part of a day walk.
The walk is maintained through a partnership between volunteers from Friends of the Great South West Walk and Parks Victoria.
Memorable features include the highest seacliffs in Victoria, blowholes, Petrified Forest, and seal colony at Cape Bridgwater, historic Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Aboriginal heritage places and the beautiful seaside village of Nelson, where the Glenelg River meets the sea. Along the way you’ll discover a diverse variety of plants and wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, Blue and Southern Right Whales, and a huge variety of native birds, including the Australasian Gannet.
There are 14 campsites allowing one-night stays located along the walk. It is recommended that the walk is undertaken anti-clockwise with the following sequence of camps: Cubbys, Cut Out, Cobboboonee, Fitzroy, Moleside, Battersbys, Pattersons, Simsons, Lake Mombeong, Swan Lake, Tarragal, The Springs, Trewalla and Mallee.
Cubbys Camp and Tarragal Camp are available for camping but booking is not required. For information regarding the availability of these two sites, contact gpage@greatsouthwestwalk.com
Visit the Friends website at greatsouthwestwalk.com to plan your walk and download maps and itineraries. This site also provides information on where to stay and useful information about natural features and wildlife and plants that you may see along the way.
The Friends of the Great South West Walk offer the helpful service of a walker liaison co-ordinator who can provide advice during planning for your walk and prior to your arrival.
Toilets are provided at campgrounds and tank water is available during the wetter months. Water must be treated before being used.
At each campground there is only one shelter and table so these facilities must be shared between campers.
Campfires are permitted in the fireplaces provided at each location except Mallee Camp which is a fuel stove only location. No fires (including fuel stoves) are permitted on days of Total Fire Ban or high fire danger. Only one fireplace is provided at each location so it must be shared between campers. Minimum amounts of fallen, dry firewood can be collected but fuel stoves are preferred at all locations.
Hike-in campsites are designated for hikers only. Canoe and vehicle-based visitors are not permitted to use the hike-in campsites.
Facilities
- No Pets
- Picnic table
- Fishing
- Wildlife viewing
- Bays, Lakes & Rivers
- Non-flushing toilet
- Day walks
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Beaches and Coasts
- Overnight walk
Location & Directions
Great South West Walk, Melbourne 3000
Directions
The Great South West Walk commences and finishes at the Portland Maritime Discovery and Visitor Information Centre in south-west Victoria. Portland is 350km from Melbourne and 540km from Adelaide.
Cancellation Policy
30 days or more prior notice to the booking arrival date, 50% of the applicable fees per night will be forfeited. Less than 30 days prior notice to the booking arrival date, 100% of the applicable fees per night will be forfeited. All bookings and payments are non-transferable to another party/person. Camping date transfers may be made up to 2 days prior to arrival depending on availability. Accommodation date transfers may be made up to 7 days prior to arrival depending on availability. Booking cancellations and date transfers can be completed via the Manage My Booking link in your reservation confirmation email.
