Victoria’s best-kept secret has to be the Great South West Track – a continuous 250km loop that traverses untouched landscapes. This remarkable journey takes you through diverse environments, from isolated coastal areas with imposing limestone cliffs and pristine beaches to meandering rivers and remote wildlife-rich bushland. Enriched with Aboriginal heritage sites, the powerful Southern Ocean, and serene freshwater lakes, this trail stands out as one of Australia’s most diverse walks. Capturing the essence of a “Symphony in Four Movements,” as beautifully showcased in the linked video.
Embarking on the initial stage of the Great South West Walk leads you through the Cobboboonee Forest, home to the headwaters of the Surry and Fitzroy Rivers. Here, kangaroos bound gracefully across the trail, accompanied by the resonant calls of red-tailed black cockatoos in the background. The journey then transitions to the scenic Glenelg River, which gracefully stretches as it approaches the coast and subsequently carves through a breathtaking limestone gorge. The route proceeds to the untouched sandy beaches, rocky formations, and freshwater lakes of Discovery Bay Coastal Park.
The grand culmination awaits in the Three Capes and Bays section, where the trail gracefully traces the clifftop along its entirety. Pounded by waves, these rugged headlands stand as Victoria’s tallest and offer prime opportunities for spotting whales during the appropriate season. Meanwhile, the year-round colony of Australian fur seals at Cape Bridgewater ensures an unmissable spectacle. The assortment of habitats creates an ideal environment to observe iconic creatures such as kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, and emus roaming freely.
Opting for the complete Great South West Walk presents a genuine challenge, appealing to those seeking a true “walker’s walk.” Recognizing the diverse preferences of adventurers, we also provide the Great South West Walk Highlights. This condensed version remains a challenge, providing the advantage of experiencing the walk’s myriad landscapes within a more manageable 8-day timeframe.
