The Great South West Walk on foot and by canoe

The Great South West Walk is one of Australia’s lesser known long-distance walking tracks. Stretching over 240km, it takes in coastal, forest and river landscapes in south-western Victoria and is serviced by a series of established overnight shelters/campsites.  The plan is to do the walk in three stages: starting from Nelson, near the South Australian border, we walk along the wild and isolated shore-line of Discovery Bay for three nights – this is zen time. The beach morphs into a long series of coastal cliffs for the next three days, passing Capes Bridgewater and Nelson, to reach the town of Portland at the end of day 6 – time for a day off. From Portland, the route takes us inland for the next three days, through the Cobboboonee Forest and Lower Glenelg National Park to reach Moleside Campsite on the Glenelg River. From here the pace changes, as we won’t be walking the last section, but canoeing down the Glenelg River, as it flows through the National Park, for the next four days. There will be time to visit the Margaret Rose Caves on the way before arriving back at Nelson at the mouth of the river. It is planned to make food drops to lighten the load for the nine days of walking. Maps and information: http://www.greatsouthwestwalk.com/ 

The Great South West Walk on foot and by canoe

Thu 09th Nov 2017

Completed 16 Days+

Walk, Back-pack, Canoeing

The Great South West Walk is one of Australia’s lesser known long-distance walking tracks. Stretching over 240km, it takes in coastal, forest and river landscapes in south-western Victoria and is serviced by a series of established overnight shelters/campsites.  The plan is to do the walk in three stages: starting from Nelson, near the South Australian border, we walk along the wild and isolated shore-line of Discovery Bay for three nights – this is zen time. The beach morphs into a long series of coastal cliffs for the next three days, passing Capes Bridgewater and Nelson, to reach the town of Portland at the end of day 6 – time for a day off. From Portland, the route takes us inland for the next three days, through the Cobboboonee Forest and Lower Glenelg National Park to reach Moleside Campsite on the Glenelg River. From here the pace changes, as we won’t be walking the last section, but canoeing down the Glenelg River, as it flows through the National Park, for the next four days. There will be time to visit the Margaret Rose Caves on the way before arriving back at Nelson at the mouth of the river. It is planned to make food drops to lighten the load for the nine days of walking. Maps and information: http://www.greatsouthwestwalk.com/ 


Canberra Bushwalking Club legacy activity structure - from imported data. Do not use it for new activities.

Date and Time

Start Thu 09th Nov 2017 Finish* Sat 25th Nov 2017
*Activity finishing time may not always be accurate, always confirm with the activity owner.

Sign in to view additional details

Featured image for EOI - Murray Sunset remote walk

Wed 16th Jul 2025

EOI - Murray Sunset remote walk

I need to confirm dates and viability (Should know by 23 May), but am putting this on people's radar early. A 5 or 6 day trip walking 60 to 80 km over...

Open to Public 7 Spots Left 6 Days+
Featured image for Sentry Box Rock and Mountain

Sat 31st May 2025

Sentry Box Rock and Mountain

Celebrate Reconciliation Week over the ACT long weekend with a 3-day walk through the hills of neighbouring Ngunnawal and Ngarigo Country. A circuit w...

Closed 3 Days+
Featured image for ENGLAND: The Cumbria Way - Walking the Lake District. TRIP FULL - Wait List Started.

Tue 16th Sep 2025

ENGLAND: The Cumbria Way - Walking the Lake District. TRIP FULL - Wait List Sta...

The first of two walks in the UK. A 7 day, 8 night, 112 km, daypack adventure walking the full length of the beautiful Lake District in the UK from U...

Open to Public Activity Full 8 Days+