Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the captivating journey of Victoria's Great South West Walk, a 250km circuit that takes 12-14 days to complete. Starting from the township of Portland, this Grade 4 hike showcases the stunning landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and Cobboboonee National Park. Along the trail, enjoy breathtaking views of Victoria's highest seacliffs, wildlife encounters, and historical landmarks like the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. Preparation is key - book your campsite in advance and enjoy the scenic beauty of this hard yet rewarding trail.

Length:

250km

Duration:

12-14 days

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 223m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 4191m

Start: Portland

End: Portland

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Portland

From state capital: 353km

Latitude: -38.34624006472525

Longitude: 141.6075333952904

Walk map

Weather

Similar

3,957 views

Safety advice

Water is stored at the campsites in tanks. However, the stored water cannot be guaranteed safe to drink, as there are numerous ways that it can become contaminated. Walking along Discovery Bay requires planning and preparation.

Hike overview

Victoria's Great South West Walk is a captivating journey through some of the state's most stunning natural landscapes. Spanning 250 kilometers, the trail winds its way through towering forests, along rugged coastlines, and across pristine rivers, offering hikers a truly immersive wilderness experience.

As you embark on this epic trek, you'll be greeted by a diverse range of scenery that will leave you breathless. From the dramatic cliffs of Discovery Bay, the Great South West Walk showcases the very best of Victoria's natural beauty. Along the way, you'll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and koalas. You may even spot some of the region's more elusive creatures, such as echidnas and platypus.

The Great South West Walk (GSWW) is an epic showcase of the natural beauty of far west Victoria. Meander through tranquil forests of the Cobboboonee, enter the limestone gorge of the Glenelg River and the long, lonely coast of Discovery Bay. Hike the epic 250 kilometres in one go or sample chunks of it as part of a day walk.

The Great South West Walk winds through the diverse landscapes of Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park. Starting from the township of Portland in south west Victoria, the walk takes you on an unforgettable journey across rugged cliffs carved by the Southern Ocean, over remote beaches, past ancient, pristine lakes and through majestic, tall forest.

Memorable features include the highest seacliffs in Victoria, blowholes, Petrified Forest, and seal colony at Cape Bridgwater, historic Cape Nelson Lighthouse, Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Aboriginal heritage places and the beautiful seaside village of Nelson, where the Glenelg River meets the sea. Along the way you’ll discover a diverse variety of plants and wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, Blue and Southern Right Whales, and a huge variety of native birds, including the Australasian Gannet.

The Great South West Walk can be explored through shorter or overnight hikes, or the more adventurous can tackle the entire 250 kilometre, 12-day circular walk. If you prefer to return to a comfortable bed in the evening, there are many easily accessible, short loop walks from many locations that are part of this trail. Either way, you are destined to experience some of Australia's most beautiful natural scenery and wildlife.

Part of the track follows the course of the Glenelg River, with other parts located adjacent to the Southern Ocean. There are also many other opportunities to engage in other activities, such as canoe journeys along the Glenelg River, along this walk.

The Great South West Walk is divided into 12 sections, each offering its own unique challenges and rewards. Some of the highlights of the walk include:

The Cobboboonee Forest: A haven for towering trees and lush ferns
The Glenelg River: A scenic journey along a meandering waterway
Discovery Bay: A rugged coastline with stunning beaches and cliffs
The Southern Ocean: Experience the raw power of the Southern Ocean as it crashes against the coastline
Cape Nelson: Explore the windswept heathlands and rocky coastline of this remote cape

The Great South West Walk is an unforgettable journey through some of Victoria's most stunning natural landscapes. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, the Great South West Walk is sure to deliver. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and sense of isolation, this is a walk that will stay with you long after you've completed it.

Prepare and plan for your walk by booking your campsite before you arrive. Find out more information about the Great South West Walk at greatsouthwestwalk.com

The walk is maintained through a partnership between volunteers from Friends of the Great South West Walk and Parks Victoria.

Section information

Portland - Cubbys Camp: 18.5km

Cobboboonee National Park
Cubbys Camp - Cut-Out Camp: 13km
Cut-Out Camp - Fitzroy Camp: 22km

Lower Glenelg National Park
Fitzroy Camp - Moleside Camp: 22km
Moleside Camp - Pritchards Camp: 10.5km
Pritchards Camp - Pattersons Camp: 21.5km
Pattersons Camp - Nelson: 19km

Discovery Day Coastal Park
Nelson - Monibeong: 23km
Monibeong - Swan Lake: 16km

Mount Richmond National Park
Swan Lake - Tarragal Camp: 20km
Tarragal Camp - Springs Camp: 12km

Cape Bridgewater
Springs Camp - Trewalla Camp: 15km

Cape Nelson State Park
Trewalla Camp - Mallee Camp: 17km
Mallee Camp - Portland: 17km

Reference: Tourism Victoria

Tips

All 14 campsites now have a shelter, most have a fireplace with a grate and all have a table and a fresh water tank. All have pit toilets on site. Firewood is very scarce along the coast, so a gas or fuel stove should be carried.
All walkers are asked to fill out the logbook in each campsite shelter as they pass through. This is an important safety measure and assists us to locate walkers in an emergency. It is recommended to also upload the Vic Emergency app onto your phone.
Walking along Discovery Bay requires planning and preparation. Ensure you have plenty of time, that it is a low outgoing tide for easier walking along the damp sand, that you are carrying water, the weather conditions are reasonable, you are appropriately dressed and equipped. You may experience extremely hot weather on parts of the walk when there is no shade or extremely cold wind when there is no shelter.
The Great South West Walk can be completed in either direction, but most hikers start in Portland.
The walk is best completed between October and April, when the weather is mild.
Be sure to book your campsites in advance, especially during peak season.
Carry all of your own food, water, and fuel.
Be prepared for all types of weather conditions, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Let someone know your plans and expected return date.

Trail features

Trail Running
Beach & Coastal
Rivers
Gorges
Scenic Viewpoints
Exposed Ledges
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Great South West Walk (250km)

Total distance: 254002 m
Max elevation: 223 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 4191 m
Total descent: -4194 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Casterton, Coleraine, Dartmoor, Heywood, Koroit, Mortlake, Nelson, Nirranda, Port Fairy, Portland, Tyrendarra, Warrnambool

Getting to the trailhead in Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

The Great South West Walk commences and finishes at the Portland Maritime Discovery and Visitor Information Centre in south-west Victoria. Portland is 350km from Melbourne and 540km from Adelaide.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Drinking Water

About the region

Discovery Bay offers a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic values, including rugged cliffs, extensive beaches, mobile dune fields, wetlands and woodland forest communities. Victoria's highest coastal cliffs and the Cape Nelson lighthouse are located at the eastern end of Discovery Bay. The Cape Bridgewater fur seal colony is also a significant feature of the Park. A significant dune system extends from Nelson to Whites Beach limiting vehicle access to a few locations.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Discovery Bay Coastal Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Great South West Walk (250km)

9 Reviews on “Great South West Walk (250km)”

Overall rating

Peter Fisher

Barry Stone

24/03/2022, 05:19

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1. Sally Hammond
  
  Bev – 254km – next year! Ha ha
  
  24/03/2022, 05:19
  
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  1. Sally Hammond
    
    Grade 4 – not so sure about 254 km of that – may have to actually train a bit ?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:19
    
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  2. Alicja Alice
    
    Great hike .we did 70 kms last long weekend.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:19
    
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2. Marion Kloos
  
  David… I want to set this one up as a multi sport adventure!!!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:19
  
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  1. Alex Skribins
    
    Haha just inquiring
    
    24/03/2022, 05:19
    
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    1. Anne Griffin
      
      It is my favourite walk in Victoria.
      
      24/03/2022, 05:19
      
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      1. Nathan Liersch
        
        Lucky enough to have this at our doorstep.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      2. David Scallion
        
        Marion Kloos actually not sure why I hit like. This big a walk is not exciting to me ??
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      3. Thomas Walters
        
        Nathan Wilson?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      4. Bev Murray
        
        One to put on the list.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      5. Tom Scott
        
        Peta Claire
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
        Like
      6. Marion Kloos
        
        Richard Clarke… I was thinking that section too… have been to the area once, but decided it was too risqua with child and inflatable canoe… will come back and change my setup
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      7. Bev Murray
        
        Sally Hammond and set aside a week
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      8. Marion Kloos
        
        thanks! Which part would be best in the kayak?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      9. Siobhan Sheridan
        
        This is an absolutely world class trail. It’s super accessible too, even by public transport.
        https://thetrek.co/great-south-west-walk/?ref=author_posts
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      10. peta claire
        
        Yes honey?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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      11. Alex Skribins
        
        You actually considering this?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
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3. Richard Clarke
  
  Do the coastal section walking, not the inland section on foot.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:19
  
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4. Richard Clarke
  
  Glenelg River very pretty, closer to the caves area it is lined with cliffs.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:19
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice