great south west walk
the glenelg river & three magnificent capes

highlights

• Long distances on easy terrain

• Walk beside the picturesque Lower Glenelg River

• Stroll along remote sandy beaches where you're unlikely to see anyone else

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

• Fabulous wildlife including kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, birds, seals and whales (in season)

Auswalk's Great South West Walk is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday. You walk the track, walking from one delightful accommodation to the next. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This holiday is Self-Guided. Note that we also offer a group 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”.

The first stage is the Cobboboonee Forest containing the headwaters of the Surry and Fitzroy Rivers. Expect to see kangaroos bounding across the track and be delighted by the shrieks of rare red-tailed black cockatoos.

Next 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. Up and over Mt Richmond, a small peak boasting about 450 different species of plants.

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. And if you think 250km is just too far to walk, don’t worry, you can do one of our shorter trips!

The track hugs the banks of the peaceful Glenelg River

location
This trip starts and finishes in Portland. It's a 5 hour drive from Melbourne. There are also public transport services from Melbourne - contact us for more details.

grading
70% easy, 20% moderate, 10% more strenuous.  This INN-to-INN walk has the longest daily walking distances of all our trips but the walking is generally very easy. The terrain is nearly flat most of the way and, unless you strike high tide, the beach walking is not too hard either.  There is an average of 6-7 hours walking time each day with distances between 15-27km (note that it is possible to shorten these distances). See the Fact Sheet for more detailed information about daily distances and timings.

If you want to do the entire 250km circuit track then do our 13 day option, which spreads the walking over 11 days. If you prefer, we have a shorter 8 day option which allows you to do a selection of walking from each part of the track.

accommodation
B&Bs and cottages. Note that, due to the remoteness of the area, there are only three suitable accommodation places en route - Portland, Nelson and Bridgewater Bay. We will arrange for you to be transported to/from the next section of track as required. Also, note that in Nelson, our preferred accommodation has shared bathroom facilities. It's a delightful, charming, historic homestead with fabulous owners so we recommend you stay there. However, for those who must have a private bathroom, we can usually arrange an upgrade (higher cost).

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

what's included
13 day itinerary: 12 nights accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, National Park fees, detailed walking notes, maps.
8 day itinerary: 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, National Park fees, detailed walking notes, maps.

not included
Alcohol, additional meals. Where meals are not included, there are always places nearby for you to dine at.

the best time to go 
This walk can be done any time of the year except for the winter months of June, July and August. September to April is the pick of the year for walking. Sea breezes usually keep the temperatures comfortable in summer.

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

departure dates
Please see our Departure Dates section of the website

prices
Please see our Prices section of the website

itinerary guide - 13 days
(includes 12 nights accommodation & 11 days walking)

Day 1: Starts in Portland any time after 2pm.  No walking scheduled for today, but best to allow some time to explore the town area and foreshore.  Accommodation: Portland

Day 2: The track commences in Portland on it's 250km circuit. Today starts with the Nelson Lighthouse and coastal cliffs before heading inland across farmland then into the bush. Accommodation: Portland

Day 3:  A bush day today in the recently proclaimed Cobboboonee National Park. Wildlife abounds. Accommodation: Portland

Day 4: Another day through the Cobboboonee National Park. Highlights include the Inkpot and pretty Moleside Creek. You'll be met here at the end of the day and taken on to new accommodation at Nelson. Accommodation: Nelson

Day 5: Today we begin the picturesque Glenelg River section of track, hiking from Moleside Creek to Sapling Creek. Accommodation: Nelson

Day 6: A real highlight today as you progress through the Glenelg River Gorge and continue to follow the river all the way into the settlement of Nelson. Accommodation: Nelson

Day 7: To the beach today. You'll spend the morning following the sandy beach of Discovery Bay. For the afternoon, the track heads inland parallel to the coast, to emerge at a huge freshwater lake. Accommodation: Nelson

Day 8: A full day on the beach today, hiking from Lake Mombeong to Swan Lake, another large freshwater lake. These lakes are a delightful place for a refreshing dip at the end of the day. On to new accommodation tonight. Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

Day 9: After the morning on the beach, you'll leave the sand behind and tackle the only hill on this walk - Mt Richmond. The summit area has magnificent wildflower displays and a colony of koalas. Down the other side of the hill to Tarragul Caves which are a delight to explore. The final section brings you to picturesque Bridgewater Lakes. Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

Day 10: Begin the Three Capes Section of track today. 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 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.

itinerary guide - 8 days
(includes 7 nights accommodation & 6 days walking)

Day 1: As for day 1 above

Day 2: As for day 5 above

Day 3: As for day 6 above

Day 4: As for day 7 above

Day 5: As for day 10 above

Day 6: As for day 11 above

Day 7: As for day 12 above

Day 8: As for day 13 above

Seals at Cape Bridgewater

fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
 
Download our Great South West Walk self 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

View a sample page of Self-Guided walking notes

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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