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OVERVIEW

This is a shortened version of the Great South West track which is often touted as Victoria’s best-kept secret.  The loop walk is a 250km distance in total, which can take up to 14 days to complete. We understand that not everyone has this amount of time, so we have broken it down into what we think are the 4 best walks and a good snapshot of the variety of landscapes this walk has to offer.

The first walk is along the stunning Glenelg River, followed by a walk in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park via the coast.   We follow this up with a magnificent walk at Cape Bridgewater, Victoria’s highest sea cliffs and what is often referred to as the 3 Capes section of the walk. The last day we have you walk into Portland along the glorious coast. The walk is characterised by its’ pristine sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, freshwater lakes and the serenity of the Glenelg River.

Highlights

  • Walk with just a light day pack in or out of accommodation most days
  • Almost certain to have this remote paradise all to yourself
  • Whales and dolphins frequently frolic in the waters off the Discovery Bay Coast National Park
  • Witness the colony of Australian fur seals at Cape Bridgewater year-round
  • The variety of landscapes and habitats make this a good place to see kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, emus and much more
  • Enjoy the country hospitality of the small family-run accommodations

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 1895

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 255

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6

DAY 1
PORTLAND WALK ALONG THE FORESHORE

This walking holiday begins in Portland any time after 2pm. There’s no scheduled walking today, but there are an assortment of walking options to take up, including exploring the old historic buildings on the foreshore. There’s also a beautiful beach walk or the informative Maritime Discovery Centre to explore.

Walking: Optional easy walking available

Accommodation: B&B Portland

DAY 2
SAPLING CREEK TO NELSON ON THE GLENELG RIVER

The walk begins with a transfer to the track on the Glenelg River. Today’s walk winds its way along the Glenelg River Gorge with frequent panoramic views from the cliff tops over the river and the surrounding area.  The river changes dramatically as you leave the gorge and it widens as it nears the coast.  Old boat sheds that have been converted into waterfront houses dot the river.

Walking: Moderate / 24.4kms / 6–7 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a two course dinner

Accommodation: Nelson

DAY 3
DISCOVERY NATIONAL PARK NELSON TO LAKE MONIBEONG

You have the luxury today of walking out of your Nelson accommodation. The track takes you through town via Oxbow Lake and Lower Glenelg National Park. From here on its a beautiful beach walk on hard sand in Discovery Bay National Park. In the afternoon the track heads back inland, emerging at a huge freshwater lake. Check the tide as this can be a little more difficult at high tide.

Walking: Moderate / 21.7kms / 6–7 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a two course dinner

Accommodation: Nelson

DAY 4
THREE CAPES SECTION FROM BRIDGEWATER LAKES TO BRIDGEWATER BAY

The walk begins on the Three Capes Section of the track, a track that hugs the clifftop for the entire way with photo opportunities aplenty. Pass by the blow holes and a “Petrified Forest”. The last section of  track today is called “Enchanted Walk”, where vines of bower spinach are decoratively draped over limestone boulders and twisted moonah trees.  Today you have the pleasure of walking into your accommodation once again.

Walking: Moderate / 16.5km / 5–6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a two-course dinner

Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

DAY 5
CAPE NELSON LIGHTHOUSE TO PORTLAND

The last walk is on the final section of the Great South West Walk. You start at Cape Nelson and walk all the way into Portland.  The track traverses the cliffs and travels via Yellow Rock and Cape Sir William Grant, an endangered Australasian gannet colony. As we enter the town we pass Portland Battery  which is worth a visit if you haven’t already done so. Once you are back to the B&B in Portland you can choose to relax or explore Portland further.

Walking: Moderate / 23km / 5.5–6.5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Portland

DAY 6
PORTLAND AND END OF WALK

Your walking holiday finishes after breakfast in Portland. If you loved this area you could consider walking the whole track, its only 250kms.

Meals: Cooked breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 6 day pack free walking holiday
  • The Great South West Walk highlights
  • 5 nights’ accommodation with ensuite (except at Nelson)
  • 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
  • Enjoy worry free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case , insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

This hike has you supported all the way. We have you walk in and out of remote towns and stay at small bed and breakfasts and lodges. Your hosts have been with us for decades. Denis at Bridgewater is a real character so be prepared.  John, Trish and Roger have also been part of our team for nearly twenty years. They love accommodating and feeding our walkers. All of the rooms all have ensuites except at Nelson. The lodge in Nelson was an old police station and has real character and it is most likely that you will have the place to yourself. The views from your room at Bridgewater make you feel like you never left the track.

The food is prepared by your hosts and the local restaurant at Bridgewater where the food is prepared by a chef.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch to eat on the track at a fabulous location. The walkers lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

GENERAL INFO

This trip starts and finishes in Portland, which is a 5-hour drive from Melbourne. If you prefer, you can fly to Portland from either Melbourne or Adelaide. There are also public transport services from Melbourne. Contact us for more details.

We have rated this walk as moderate as some days are quite long. Full-day walks average about 22km, 5 to 7.5 hours walking each day. The walking is mostly flat over reasonably well-walked paths, bush tracks and with some sandy sections.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

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 the 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.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  See FAQ’s for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2021
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $255

    6 day itinerary

    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2022
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $1895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $255

    6 day itinerary

    BOOK NOW

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  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
  • 24/7 support from our people on the ground
  • Our comprehensive set of notes, detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the best tapas plus a lot more)
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BACK What's Included
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Overview

OVERVIEW

This is a shortened version of the Great South West track which is often touted as Victoria’s best-kept secret.  The loop walk is a 250km distance in total, which can take up to 14 days to complete. We understand that not everyone has this amount of time, so we have broken it down into what we think are the 4 best walks and a good snapshot of the variety of landscapes this walk has to offer.

The first walk is along the stunning Glenelg River, followed by a walk in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park via the coast.   We follow this up with a magnificent walk at Cape Bridgewater, Victoria’s highest sea cliffs and what is often referred to as the 3 Capes section of the walk. The last day we have you walk into Portland along the glorious coast. The walk is characterised by its’ pristine sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, freshwater lakes and the serenity of the Glenelg River.

Highlights

  • Walk with just a light day pack in or out of accommodation most days
  • Almost certain to have this remote paradise all to yourself
  • Whales and dolphins frequently frolic in the waters off the Discovery Bay Coast National Park
  • Witness the colony of Australian fur seals at Cape Bridgewater year-round
  • The variety of landscapes and habitats make this a good place to see kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, emus and much more
  • Enjoy the country hospitality of the small family-run accommodations

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 1895

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 255

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6

DAY 1
PORTLAND WALK ALONG THE FORESHORE

This walking holiday begins in Portland any time after 2pm. There’s no scheduled walking today, but there are an assortment of walking options to take up, including exploring the old historic buildings on the foreshore. There’s also a beautiful beach walk or the informative Maritime Discovery Centre to explore.

Walking: Optional easy walking available

Accommodation: B&B Portland

DAY 2
SAPLING CREEK TO NELSON ON THE GLENELG RIVER

The walk begins with a transfer to the track on the Glenelg River. Today’s walk winds its way along the Glenelg River Gorge with frequent panoramic views from the cliff tops over the river and the surrounding area.  The river changes dramatically as you leave the gorge and it widens as it nears the coast.  Old boat sheds that have been converted into waterfront houses dot the river.

Walking: Moderate / 24.4kms / 6–7 hrs / shorter option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a two course dinner

Accommodation: Nelson

DAY 3
DISCOVERY NATIONAL PARK NELSON TO LAKE MONIBEONG

You have the luxury today of walking out of your Nelson accommodation. The track takes you through town via Oxbow Lake and Lower Glenelg National Park. From here on its a beautiful beach walk on hard sand in Discovery Bay National Park. In the afternoon the track heads back inland, emerging at a huge freshwater lake. Check the tide as this can be a little more difficult at high tide.

Walking: Moderate / 21.7kms / 6–7 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a two course dinner

Accommodation: Nelson

DAY 4
THREE CAPES SECTION FROM BRIDGEWATER LAKES TO BRIDGEWATER BAY

The walk begins on the Three Capes Section of the track, a track that hugs the clifftop for the entire way with photo opportunities aplenty. Pass by the blow holes and a “Petrified Forest”. The last section of  track today is called “Enchanted Walk”, where vines of bower spinach are decoratively draped over limestone boulders and twisted moonah trees.  Today you have the pleasure of walking into your accommodation once again.

Walking: Moderate / 16.5km / 5–6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a two-course dinner

Accommodation: Bridgewater Bay

DAY 5
CAPE NELSON LIGHTHOUSE TO PORTLAND

The last walk is on the final section of the Great South West Walk. You start at Cape Nelson and walk all the way into Portland.  The track traverses the cliffs and travels via Yellow Rock and Cape Sir William Grant, an endangered Australasian gannet colony. As we enter the town we pass Portland Battery  which is worth a visit if you haven’t already done so. Once you are back to the B&B in Portland you can choose to relax or explore Portland further.

Walking: Moderate / 23km / 5.5–6.5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Portland

DAY 6
PORTLAND AND END OF WALK

Your walking holiday finishes after breakfast in Portland. If you loved this area you could consider walking the whole track, its only 250kms.

Meals: Cooked breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 6 day pack free walking holiday
  • The Great South West Walk highlights
  • 5 nights’ accommodation with ensuite (except at Nelson)
  • 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
  • Enjoy worry free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case , insulated lunch bag & info pack
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

This hike has you supported all the way. We have you walk in and out of remote towns and stay at small bed and breakfasts and lodges. Your hosts have been with us for decades. Denis at Bridgewater is a real character so be prepared.  John, Trish and Roger have also been part of our team for nearly twenty years. They love accommodating and feeding our walkers. All of the rooms all have ensuites except at Nelson. The lodge in Nelson was an old police station and has real character and it is most likely that you will have the place to yourself. The views from your room at Bridgewater make you feel like you never left the track.

The food is prepared by your hosts and the local restaurant at Bridgewater where the food is prepared by a chef.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch to eat on the track at a fabulous location. The walkers lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

General Info

GENERAL INFO

This trip starts and finishes in Portland, which is a 5-hour drive from Melbourne. If you prefer, you can fly to Portland from either Melbourne or Adelaide. There are also public transport services from Melbourne. Contact us for more details.

We have rated this walk as moderate as some days are quite long. Full-day walks average about 22km, 5 to 7.5 hours walking each day. The walking is mostly flat over reasonably well-walked paths, bush tracks and with some sandy sections.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

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 the 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.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property.  See FAQ’s for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2020 - 31 Mar 2021
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $255
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Apr 2021 - 31 Mar 2022
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $1895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $255
    BOOK NOW
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

0

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

There are no review, be the first to write review.

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 Self-guided 14 Days From $1695 Moderate What's Included

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  • Breakfast on every day of the walk
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  • A la carte meals at Awaroa Lodge including 2-course dinners
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  • Comprehensive track notes, map case, insulated lunch bag and container
  • Enjoy the 26 years of our experience in organising self-guided walking holidays

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ENQUIRE NOW

If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.

Get in touch