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Great South West Walk

Victoria’s best-kept secret, the Great South West Walk, is a 250km loop of diverse, untouched beauty. Discover dramatic coastlines with limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and meandering rivers and remote, wildlife-rich bushland. This varied Australian track features Aboriginal heritage sites, the powerful Southern Ocean, and serene freshwater lakes.

The journey begins in Cobboboonee Forest, home to the Surry and Fitzroy River headwaters. Next, the picturesque Glenelg River carves a spectacular limestone gorge. Then, explore Discovery Bay Coastal Park’s sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and freshwater lakes. The grand finale is the clifftop walk along the Three Capes and Bays.

For a challenge, tackle the full 13-day loop. Alternatively, experience the highlights in a more manageable 8-day or 6-day option.

Auswalk is Australia’s oldest dedicated walking holiday company, delivering self-guided and guided walks worldwide.

With over 30 years of experience, 30,000+ satisfied guests, and more than 3 million kilometres walked, you’re in expert hands

Great South West Walk Highlights – 6 Days

Self-guided

Stunning Lower Glenelg River, Discovery Bay and the stunning 3 Capes and Bays section. Remote hiking on pristine beaches, via forest and lots of wildlife

 Self-guided 6 Days From $2180 Easy to Moderate What's Included

Great South West Walk Highlights – 6 Days

BACK What's Included
  • 6 day pack free walking holiday
  • The Great South West Walk highlights
  • 5 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Cooked breakfasts and substantial walkers lunches each day and two-course dinners in Nelson and Bridgewater
  • Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
  • We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags

Great South West Walk Highlights – 8 Days

Self-guided

Picturesque Lower Glenelg River, Discovery Bay and the stunning 3 Capes and Bays section. Extremely remote walking on pristine beaches, through forest and abundant wildlife

 Self-guided 8 Days From $2905 Moderate What's Included

Great South West Walk Highlights – 8 Days

BACK What's Included
  • 8 day pack free walking holiday
  • The Great South West Walk highlights
  • 7 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Cooked breakfasts, two-course dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches
  • Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
  • We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags

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

Self-guided

250km continuous loop walk through an untouched environment. Dramatic isolated coast with massive limestone cliffs & pristine beaches.

 Self-guided 13 Days From $4195 Moderate What's Included

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

BACK What's Included
  • 13 day pack free walking holiday
  • Vehicle transfers and luggage transport
  • We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • 12 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Cooked breakfasts except at Seaview where we have a continental breakfast, substantial Walkers Lunches every walking day and 6 two-course dinners
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
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OVERVIEW

The Great South West Walk meanders through a diverse landscape encompassing four main national parks: Cobboboonee National Park, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and Cape Nelson State Park. These protected areas showcase a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

Within the Cobboboonee National Park, you’ll find classic Australian eucalypt forests, heathlands, and wetlands. Watch for kangaroos, wallabies, and an array of native birds, including crimson rosellas. Spring brings a vibrant display of wildflowers.

The Lower Glenelg National Park, following the Glenelg River, features towering limestone cliffs and diverse vegetation. It supports platypus, ducks, moorhens, and kingfishers. Over 700 native plant species, including many wildflowers and orchids, thrive here.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and coastal heathland. Swimming isn’t advised due to strong currents, but you might spot migrating whales offshore. Inland, you may encounter kangaroos and various bird species. The water is also very cold due to the upwelling all year round.

Cape Nelson State Park features dramatic coastal cliffs and the unique “Enchanted Forest” with its haunting moonah trees. This area is significant for marine life, including a mainland Australasian Gannet colony at Point Danger and the presence of seals and, occasionally, whales. Koalas are often found near Mount Richmond, which is also part of the walk.

Across these parks, the fauna includes mammals like possums, koalas, wombats, and echidnas. Birdlife is abundant, with over 270 recorded species. You might also encounter various reptiles and frogs. The coastal sections offer opportunities to see marine life, including seals and whales, especially during migration seasons. The diverse habitats along the Great South West Walk make it a haven for a wide array of Australian wildlife and plant life.

climate/weather

The best time weather-wise to walk the Great South West Walk is generally from September to April. This period avoids the cooler and potentially wetter winter months (June to August).

Here’s a summary of the seasons in South West Victoria:

  • Summer (December to February): Warm with average maximum temperatures in the low to mid-20s Celsius. Can experience hot spells. Sea breezes can make coastal walking pleasant.
  • Autumn (March to May): Cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Mornings can be foggy, leading to fine, sunny days.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold and often cloudy, with average temperatures between 6°C and 14°C. Nights can have frosts. Heavy rain is less common than in other seasons.
  • Spring (September to November): Variable, with average temperatures between 9°C and 20°C. Can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. October is typically the wettest month.

Considering these seasonal patterns, late spring (October-November) and early autumn (March-April) often offer pleasant walking conditions with milder temperatures and less likelihood of extreme weather. However, checking the specific forecast before your walk is always advisable, as conditions can change.

walking essentials

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

  • Walking notes, 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 missed 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 extra battery or sim cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook and pen
  • Matches
  • Small torch
  • Walking stick
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks
Overview

OVERVIEW

The Great South West Walk meanders through a diverse landscape encompassing four main national parks: Cobboboonee National Park, Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and Cape Nelson State Park. These protected areas showcase a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

Within the Cobboboonee National Park, you’ll find classic Australian eucalypt forests, heathlands, and wetlands. Watch for kangaroos, wallabies, and an array of native birds, including crimson rosellas. Spring brings a vibrant display of wildflowers.

The Lower Glenelg National Park, following the Glenelg River, features towering limestone cliffs and diverse vegetation. It supports platypus, ducks, moorhens, and kingfishers. Over 700 native plant species, including many wildflowers and orchids, thrive here.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and coastal heathland. Swimming isn’t advised due to strong currents, but you might spot migrating whales offshore. Inland, you may encounter kangaroos and various bird species. The water is also very cold due to the upwelling all year round.

Cape Nelson State Park features dramatic coastal cliffs and the unique “Enchanted Forest” with its haunting moonah trees. This area is significant for marine life, including a mainland Australasian Gannet colony at Point Danger and the presence of seals and, occasionally, whales. Koalas are often found near Mount Richmond, which is also part of the walk.

Across these parks, the fauna includes mammals like possums, koalas, wombats, and echidnas. Birdlife is abundant, with over 270 recorded species. You might also encounter various reptiles and frogs. The coastal sections offer opportunities to see marine life, including seals and whales, especially during migration seasons. The diverse habitats along the Great South West Walk make it a haven for a wide array of Australian wildlife and plant life.

climate/weather

climate/weather

The best time weather-wise to walk the Great South West Walk is generally from September to April. This period avoids the cooler and potentially wetter winter months (June to August).

Here’s a summary of the seasons in South West Victoria:

  • Summer (December to February): Warm with average maximum temperatures in the low to mid-20s Celsius. Can experience hot spells. Sea breezes can make coastal walking pleasant.
  • Autumn (March to May): Cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Mornings can be foggy, leading to fine, sunny days.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold and often cloudy, with average temperatures between 6°C and 14°C. Nights can have frosts. Heavy rain is less common than in other seasons.
  • Spring (September to November): Variable, with average temperatures between 9°C and 20°C. Can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. October is typically the wettest month.

Considering these seasonal patterns, late spring (October-November) and early autumn (March-April) often offer pleasant walking conditions with milder temperatures and less likelihood of extreme weather. However, checking the specific forecast before your walk is always advisable, as conditions can change.

walking essentials

walking essentials

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

  • Walking notes, 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 missed 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 extra battery or sim cards)
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook and pen
  • Matches
  • Small torch
  • Walking stick
  • Thermos (for hot drinks)
  • Additional snacks

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