Established 1981 Trailheads Portland
Nelson Trail difficulty Moderate | Length 250 km (160 mi) Use Hiking | |
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Location Western District, Victoria
South Australia Similar Lower Glenelg National, Discovery Bay Coastal P, Cape Nelson State Park, Cobboboonee National Park, Mount Richmond National | ||
The Great South West Walk is a 250-kilometre (155 mi) walking track, established in 1981, and located predominately in the Barwon South West region of Victoria, Australia. Much of the course of the track passes through the Lower Glenelg National Park, the Cobboboonee National Park, the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, the Mount Richmond National Park and the Cape Nelson State Park, and may be explored through shorter or overnight hikes, or the entire 12- to 14-day circular hike, starting and finishing in either Portland or Nelson. A short portion of the track is located in South Australia, near Donovans.
Contents
Map of Great South West Walk, Victoria, Australia
The track is administered, maintained and promoted by The Friends of the Great South West Walk Inc., a volunteer organisation, in partnership with Parks Victoria.
The great south west walk
Track
The Great South West Walk track, which notionally begins and ends at the Visitor Information Centre in Portland, traverses forest, river gorge, high cliff tops and bays. It was designed as a long distance walking track, with the option for short and day walks. It is accessed from roads in and near the towns of Portland and Nelson. The walk's difficulty is rated as moderate, and consists of fifteen sections of varying lengths. The walk contains 14 camp sites along the track; all supplied with fresh water, cleared tent sites and bush toilets. All overnight stays at 14 campsites require an online booking and a fee. Links to the online booking site can be accessed via the walk's website. www.greatsouthwestwalk.com
Part of the track follows the course of the Glenelg River, with other parts located adjacent to the Southern Ocean.
Sections
The track consists of the following sections and points: