Hike at a glance

6,902

Quick overview: Experience Victoria’s Great South West Walk, a 250 km Grade 4 circuit that typically takes 12 to 14 days to complete. Starting and finishing in the historic township of Portland, the trail passes through Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and Cobboboonee National Park. Walkers encounter remote beaches, tall forests, and Victoria’s highest coastal cliffs along the way. Wildlife is common and several historic sites add interest to the route, including the Cape Nelson Lighthouse. Campsites must be booked in advance when planning this multi day hike.

Length

250km

Duration

12-14 days

Difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Trail type

Circuit

Route details

Max elevation: 223m
Min elevation: 0m
Total Ascent: 4191m

Start: Portland

End: Portland

Location: Discovery Bay Coastal Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Portland

State capital distance: 353km

Latitude: -38.34624006472525

Longitude: 141.6075333952904

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

About this trail

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Photos

Weather

About this trail

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.

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.

Planning note: If you are planning the full circuit, our Complete Guide to the Great South West Walk provides a comprehensive breakdown of daily stages, transport options, resupply points, and seasonal considerations.

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

Trail difficulty

Grade 4 (hard) badge

Grade 4 (Hard)

Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.

Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.

Planning information

Preparation matters: Plan your multi-day hike well and bring the right gear, weather-appropriate layers, food and plenty of water. Before you head out, read up on bushwalking safety and use this multi-day hike planning guide to make sure you're ready. Need help getting started? Check out the full hike preparation guide.

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

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

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Australian conditions can turn a small oversight into a serious situation faster than most walkers expect. The Hiking Safety Systems and planning calculators are designed to help you identify and close those gaps before you leave home. Work through the Interactive Safety Scenarios to see how incidents unfold, then use the tools to build your plan and make sure a trusted contact has your trip details before you head out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes.

Let someone know your plans →

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead — your emergency contact will need more detail. Register your trip plan here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there and where to stay

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.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

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

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Accommodation →

Or search accommodation in nearby towns: Casterton, Coleraine, Dartmoor, Heywood, Koroit, Mortlake, Nelson, Nirranda, Port Fairy, Portland, Tyrendarra, Warrnambool

Explore the region

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.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

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Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.

Weather on the trail

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

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
        
        Like
      3. Thomas Walters
        
        Nathan Wilson?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
        Like
      4. Bev Murray
        
        One to put on the list.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
        Like
      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
        
        Like
      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
        
        Like
      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
        
        Like
      10. peta claire
        
        Yes honey?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
        Like
      11. Alex Skribins
        
        You actually considering this?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:19
        
        Like
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

Great south west walk (250km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

March 14, 2026

Hike at a glance

Route details

About this trail

Hike summary

Trail notes

Section information

Trail difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Planning information

Trail tips

Walk features

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there and where to stay

Access conditions

Accommodation nearby

Explore the region

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony Hike (6.8km)

Blowholes to Cape Bridgewater Seal Colony Hike (11km)

Freshwater Springs Whites Beach Walk (6.3km)

Petrified Forest Walk (800m)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

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

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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