Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the scenic Lake Mombeong Circuit hike, a 13.5km track part of the renowned Great South West Walk. This Grade 3, moderate trail takes you around a picturesque freshwater lake, through long swamp areas, over sand dunes, and along the stunning Discovery Bay beach. Keep an eye out for playful seals as you traverse this unique Australian landscape. Perfect for seasoned bushwalkers or those seeking a four-hour adventure.

Length:

13.5km

Duration:

4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 22m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 117m

Start: Lake Mombeong

End: Lake Mombeong

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Nelson

From state capital: 394km

Latitude: -38.13394634

Longitude: 141.18546165525916

Overview

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Hike overview

The Lake Mombeong Circuit hike is a scenic walk that follows a short section of the Great South West Walk. The hike commences at Lake Mombeong and follows the freshwater lake and long swamp areas for approximately 5km before heading out over the sand dunes to the open waters of Discovery Bay .

You then follow the beach in an easterly direction before heading back over the dunes at around the 12km mark. This is a stunning stretch of beach and if you are lucky enough, you may even encounter a few seals playing in the water nearby.

Campsites: There are 10 campsites available accommodating a maximum of 6 people per site. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for one camper-trailer or a medium sized tent. Bookings are required for this campsite.

Facilities: Flush toilets, shared picnic table, lake water (treat before drinking) and shared fireplace available.

Campfires: Only allowed in designated fireplaces provided supply your own wood but fuel stoves are preferred.

Water: Lake water is available but is not suitable for drinking supply your own.

Tips

Enjoy remote camping, walks and canoeing.
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Trail features

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Lake Mombeong Circuit Hike (13.5km)

Total distance: 13268 m
Max elevation: 22 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 117 m
Total descent: -111 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park is in south-west Victoria between Portland and Nelson adjoining the SA border, about 420kms from Melbourne and 490kms from Adelaide. The major access roads into the Park are The Blowholes Road, Scenic Drive and the Portland – Nelson Road.

Access to Discovery Bay Coastal Park is via the Nelson-Portland Road, approximately 21km East of Nelson.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
Camping Area

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.

This remote coastal park protects 55 kilometre of ocean beach. Inland, the park encompasses high coastal cliffs, huge rolling sand dunes and freshwater lakes and swamps. Coastal vegetation and wildlife thrive.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

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

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Discovery Bay Coastal Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Lake Mombeong Circuit Hike (13.5km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

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