Great South West Walk
Australia

Great South West Walk

From the limestone gorges of the Glenelg River to the dramatic sea cliffs of Cape Bridgewater, the Great South West Walk is one of the most remarkable long-distance trails in Australia.

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  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Flexible Itineraries
  • Comfortable Stays
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Overview

Victoria's best-kept walking secret, the Great South West Walk is a 250-kilometre loop through four entirely distinct landscapes, making it one of the most varied walking experiences in Australia. Starting and finishing in Portland, the trail moves through tall eucalypt forests, along the Glenelg River as it carves through a spectacular limestone gorge, across the vast pristine beaches and rolling sand dunes of Discovery Bay and finally along the dramatic clifftops of the Capes.

The grand finale is the Capes and Bays section, where the trail hugs Victoria's highest coastal cliffs above the roaring Southern Ocean. The surreal Petrified Forest, the thundering Blowholes and a year-round colony of Australian fur seals at Cape Bridgewater are among the highlights that make this closing stretch unforgettable. Throughout the walk, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and abundant birdlife accompany walkers through remote and largely uncrowded country.

Available Walks

Great South West Walk Highlights - 8 Days
Self-Guided

Great South West Walk Highlights - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
2
From$2,645
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Great South West Walk Highlights - 6 Days
Self-Guided

Great South West Walk Highlights - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
2
From$1,940
View Walk
Great south west walk.jpg
Self-Guided

Great South West Walk End-to-End - 13 Days

Duration13 days
Walking Grade
3
From$4,295
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The Great South West Walk experience

Wonder
Walk a 250-kilometre loop through one of Victoria's most underrated wilderness regions
Explore the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, with its wild dune systems and pristine beaches on the Southern Ocean
Walk through the ancient Lower Glenelg National Park along the Glenelg River gorge
Wellness
The walk suits walkers seeking a genuine multi-day wilderness experience without crowds or hype
Nelson, the small river town at the mouth of the Glenelg, provides a charming and welcoming midpoint
The walk's remoteness, with few other walkers on most sections, creates a genuine and uncommon sense of solitude
Nature
Windswept coastal heath, dramatic sea cliffs, and remote beaches along the Discovery Bay Coastline
The Glenelg River cuts through ancient limestone gorges lined with cave systems and native forest
Hooded plovers, fairy wrens, and sea eagles are among the birds encountered on the coastal sections
Coming soon
Local recommendations are coming soon.

Great South West Walk reviews

More About This Destination

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 ultimate time of the year for walking. Sea breezes usually keep the temperatures comfortable in summer, although there can be a period of quite hot weather, especially during February.

Warning about tide times – we may have to be a little flexible with your start date to make sure that walking on the beach at high tide is avoided.

This walking holiday includes some sections of beach walking, so you need to take into account the tide times when choosing a starting date. To check tide charts, go to the Bureau of Meteorology and select your location as Portland. We can assist you if you need help understanding the charts.

As with any journey, it is essential to be prepared for your walking holiday. While we will be transporting your luggage from accommodation to accommodation, you will still be carrying a lightweight day pack with you. Here is what we suggest that you carry with you each day:

  • Walking notes, a map, and a map case
  • Picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
  • Quality waterproof jacket with a hood
  • Warm jumper or jacket
  • Sunhat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen (at least 15+)
  • 1 to 2 litres of water
  • First aid kit
  • Toilet paper
  • Some money
  • Mobile phone (please note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
  • Personal insect repellent, band-aids, and a small container of salt mixed with rice grains
  • Personal necessities (example: required medication)

Now that we have the essentials packed, it is time to think of those additional items that may be worth packing along with you. These may include and are not limited to:

  • Waterproof over-trousers
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with an extra battery or sim cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook and pen
  • Matches
  • Small torch
  • Walking stick
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

The nearest major airport is Melbourne Airport, with Portland approximately 3.5 hours by road from the city. All transport and luggage transfers along the route are included in the package — check your specific itinerary for full departure logistics.

Cooked breakfasts and walkers' lunches are included each walking day, along with two-course dinners most evenings. Alcohol and drinks are not included with meals, except for tea, coffee, and juice at breakfast.

This is a pack-free walking holiday. Your luggage is transported between accommodations and you carry only a light daypack on the trails each day. You are shifted along the track to limit time in a vehicle, giving you more time to walk and explore.

The trail is often described as a symphony in four movements — each section has its own distinct character. Highlights include the Glenelg River Gorge, the blowholes and petrified forest near Cape Bridgewater, Victoria's highest sea cliffs, a colony of endangered Australasian gannets, Aboriginal heritage sites, and the chance to spot seals, whales, and abundant wildlife throughout.

Yes — itineraries range from 6 days covering the best highlights through to the full 13-day end-to-end experience. All options focus on the most spectacular sections of the trail.

For safety reasons, solo walkers cannot be accommodated on this walk. The remote nature of some sections and limited mobile coverage mean walking in a pair or group is required.

A good level of fitness is required. Daily distances can reach up to 27km on some stages, and the terrain is varied — river trails, clifftops, beaches, and forest paths. Building endurance through regular longer walks before departure is strongly advised.

Broken-in hiking footwear with good grip is essential for the varied terrain. Pack a waterproof jacket, sun protection, and plenty of water capacity — remote sections offer limited refill points. Note that mobile coverage is patchy in parts of the track.

Yes, and it's a condition of booking. Your policy should cover injury, cancellation, and loss of luggage.

Tipping is not expected, though always appreciated if you feel those looking after you have gone above and beyond.

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As Featured In

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