great south west walk
the glenelg river & three magnificent capes

highlights

• Long distances on easy terrain

• Hike at Tower Hill - a natural game reserve
  
  

• Walk beside the picturesque Lower Glenelg River

• Hike the magnificent Three Capes section - Capes Nelson, Bridgewater and Cape Sir William Grant

• Fabulous wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, birds, emus and seals
  
  

Auswalk's Great South West Walk is a group guided accommodated walking holiday.
Note that we also offer a Self-guided trip on a similar itinerary.

This has got to be Victoria’s best kept secret - a 250km continuous loop track that includes dramatic coastlines, the joy of walking beside a meandering river and remote bushland full of wildlife, bird and native flowers. It’s promoted as a “Symphony in Four Movements”.

We've selected five excellent days of walking to give you an overview of what this track has to offer.

First comes the peaceful Glenelg River, a haven for walkers, fishermen and canoeists. The river widens as it nears the coast and then carves its way through a spectacular limestone gorge.

Onto the pristine sandy beaches and rocky outcrops of Discovery Bay Coastal Park and freshwater lakes that offer great swimming.

The grand finale is the Three Capes and Bays section where the track hugs the cliff top all the way. These rugged, wave-bashed headlands are perfect for whale spotting in season and the colony of Australian fur seals at Cape Bridgewater is there year-round. The coast offers blow holes, a “Petrified Forest” and an “Enchanted Walk” where vines of bower spinach are decoratively draped over limestone boulders and twisted moonah trees.

As well as all of that, on the first day, as we travel to the region, we'll enjoy a two hour hike at Tower Hill. This walk takes you around the rim of an ancient volcanic crater and provides an excellent opportunity to see koalas, emus and other wildlife in the wild.

The track hugs the banks of the peaceful Glenelg River

location
This trip starts and finishes in Melbourne.

grading
This trip will suit those who love walking long distances on relatively easy terrain. Clock up lots of miles the easy way! Most of the walking is on bush and coastal tracks with very few hills. There's one day that includes several hours on a sandy beach but we'll also offer an option of doing an alternative walk at nearby Piccaninnie Ponds and a visit to some limestone caves (extra cost). Those looking for a challenge won't be disappointed, with the opportunity to walk 20-25km each day.

accommodation
We'll spend the first night in a hotel in Port Fairy, two nights in a B&B at Cape Nelson, two nights in a B&B or cottages at Cape Bridgewater and the final night in a hotel in Portland. Note that the standard trip price includes shared bathrooms whilst at Nelson - upgrades are usually available.

regional wine & food
The coast is noted for its fabulous fresh fish and the area produces a lot of dairy products.

what's included
Guiding, all transport starting at Melbourne airport, 6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, Glenelg River Cruise, National Park fees, insulated lunch bag, maps, map case & a pack of information about the area.

not included
Alcohol, additional meals.

On the Three Capes Section, the track hugs the rugged coast

itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation)

Day 1: Starts at Melbourne airport at 10am. Travel to Tower Hill and enjoy an afternoon circuit walk of an ancient volcanic rim, with a good chance of spotting koalas, emus and kangaroos. Accommodation: Port Fairy

Day 2: Begin the section of the Great South West Walk that follows the Lower Glenelg River. Accommodation: Nelson

Day 3: Continue along the river section of the track. Highlights include the limestone cliffs of the gorge and a cruise along the lower reaches of the river. Accommodation: Nelson

Day 4: A choice of a beach walk along the Discovery Bay Coastal Park or a shorter walk at Piccaninnie Ponds plus a visit to Princess Margaret Rose limestone caves (extra cost). Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

Day 5: Visit Tarragul Caves before commencing the spectacular Three Capes section of the track. Highlights include the Blowholes, the Petrified Forest and a seal colony. The track hugs the cliff the entire way and photo opportunities abound. Walk in to your accommodation at Bridgewater Bay. Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

Day 6: The finale continues from Cape Nelson all the way into Portland. Highlights include Yellow Rock, Cape Sir William Grant, a colony of endangered Australasian gannets and the Portland Battery. Accommodation: Portland

Day 7: Travel back to Melbourne to arrive around 4.00pm.

Day 11: From Bridgewater Bay the route continues via the beach then cliff top track to Cape Nelson Lighthouse. There's a cafe here to reward yourself at the end of the hike. Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

Day 12: The finale continues from Cape Nelson all the way into Portland. Highlights include Yellow Rock, Cape Sir William Grant, a colony of endangered Australasian gannets and the Portland Battery. Back to the B&B in Portland where you can brag about your achievements! Accommodation: Portland

Day 13: Finish after breakfast.

Seals at Cape Bridgewater

fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
 
Download our Great South West Walk group guided INN-to-INN Fact Sheet. It contains a detailed itinerary with walking times and distances and more information on accommodations including photos of places you will stay at.

Note: If you are having trouble opening this Fact Sheet, please click on the link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.

prices
See the prices section

how to book
See the booking section

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Auswalk Pty Ltd | 4 Red Gum Lease Track | Halls Gap Victoria 3381 | Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 5356 4971 | Fax +61 (0)3 5356 4970 | Email info@auswalk.com.au