Great South West Walk Camping

A group of four hikers walk along the beach at Discovery Bay as part of the Great South West Walk

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Great South West Walk Camping

The Great South West Walk is an epic showcase of the natural beauty of far west Victoria. Meander through tranquil forests of the Cobboboonee, enter the limestone gorge of the Glenelg River and the long, lonely coast of Discovery Bay. Hike the epic 250 kilometres in one go or sample chunks of it as part of a day walk.

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.

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.

The Great South West Walk can be explored through shorter or overnight hikes, or the more adventurous can tackle the entire 250 kilometre, 12-day circular walk. If you prefer to return to a comfortable bed in the evening, there are many easily accessible, short loop walks from many locations that are part of this trail. Either way, you are destined to experience some of Australia's most beautiful natural scenery and wildlife.

There are also many other opportunities to engage in other activities, such as canoe journeys along the Glenelg River, along this walk.

Prepare and plan for your walk by booking your campsite before you arrive.

Find out more information about the Great South West Walk at greatsouthwestwalk.com


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Things to do in the area

 
A woman playfully splashing a friend in another canoe with her paddle on the Glenelg River

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.

How to get there

Great South West Walk Camping

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. 
Great South West Walk Camping

Sites

When you're there

Visit the Friends website at www.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.

Need to know

Great South West Walk Camping

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.

Be prepared and stay safe

Lower Glenelg National Park is in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    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.

  • Cobboboonee National Park

    Closed - Surry Ridge Campground

    Surry Ridge Campground in Cobboboonee National Park is closed due to lack of toilet facilities.  Camping overnight is not permitted at Surry Ridge campground. The Surry Ridge picnic ground is available for day visitor use. The nearest available campgrounds in Cobboboonee National Park are Wrights Campground located on Wrights Swamp Road and Jackass Fern Gully Campground located on T & W Road. Both campgrounds are free to use and do not require booking.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Notification of Marine Algal Bloom

    Algal blooms often occur naturally in the waters of Southwest Victoria and are typically low risk to people, pets and wildlife.
     
    Sometimes mistaken as oil or sewage, they can make the water look dark, discoloured or dirty; especially in shallow areas near the shore. You may also notice patches of stained sand where algae can wash up.
     
    The most common species seen along this coastline is Noctiluca scintillans, although many types of algae can form blooms. While most blooms are harmless to people, some may cause skin irritation and illness, so it’s important to take care.
     
    To keep yourself and your pets safe:
     
    ·         Avoid touching water or sand that you think may be affected by an algal bloom.
    ·         Avoid eating fish, shellfish, mussels or crayfish caught in areas where a bloom is present.
    ·         Direct contact can occasionally cause rashes, itchiness, sore ears or nose, or stomach upset if swallowed.
    ·         If you do come into contact with affected water, rinse skin, hair, clothing and wetsuits with clean water.
    ·         Seek medical or veterinary advice if you have any health concerns.

Similar experiences at other parks

 
A woman playfully splashing a friend in another canoe with her paddle on the Glenelg River

Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
A woman with a large hiking pack takes in the view from Blanket Bay Campground.

Great Ocean Walk

The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
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Grampians Peaks Trail

The Grampians Peaks Trail (160km) is a world-class 13-day hiking experience from Mt Zero in the north, through Halls Gap and finishing at Dunkeld. It can also be completed in shorter sections.
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
The Trailhead to the Burchell Trail at Brisbane Ranges National Park

Burchell Trail

Enjoy three days walking through Victoria's richest wildflower habitat with spectacular views across Wadawurrung Country.
Four friends walk across the sand dunes along the Wildernous Coast Walk close to Mallacoota Inlet.

Wilderness Coast Walk

The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales. This spot boasts a beautiful scenic walk along bright sanded beaches.
Two women walk along the track between granite rocks and grass trees on the Southern Circuit hiking trail at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes

Hike your way to overnight camping sites and sleep in bookable shady campsites with views of glassy torquoise water.
The lighthouse keeper's cottage and lighthouse at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

The perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged coastal environment while staying in self-contained dormitory-style or private cabin accommodation. The Lightstation can only be reached on foot (minimum 19.1km one way). The walk is challenging (5-6 hours), requiring a high level of fitness.
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