Solo hiking the Great South West Walk in Victoria, Australia

The Great South West Walk begins at the historic city of Portland, Victoria. I underwent this 15 day hike in April overlapping the Easter break after completing the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. I chose this walk then as campsites were booked out in January and its a well established trail, huts and generally flat, something my knees could handle.

On leaving Portland, the track provides walkers with panoramic views of the scenic coastline and Portland Harbour, finally meeting up with wonderful native forests which offer solitude and peace from the noise and bustle of civilisation.

Nearing the end of the forest, the walk meets the majestic Glenelg River which meanders through the Lower Glenelg National Park. Spectacular views of gorges and limestone cliffs can be seen from the cliff tops as the track winds its way towards the coast.

Leaving the river near Nelson close to the South Australian border, the walk continues on to the endless white beaches and rolling sand dunes of Discovery Bay. Remoteness…wild seas…huge breakers…gentle waves and rock pools…all in solitude broken only by birdlife or perhaps an occasional penguin.
As a diversion from the white sands, detour to the freshwater lake, Lake Mombeong, and the forest at Mount Richmond. Koalas are on hand to greet you at Tarragon camp.

As the walk heads back to Discovery Bay, Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson, you can watch seal colonies at play viewed from the rugged cliffs, and obtain magnificent views of the gannet rookery on the mainland at Point Danger, as well view Lawrence Rocks.
Along the way, you will marvel at the natural wonders of The Springs, The Blowholes, and the Petrified Forest.

Finally, the walk winds its way back to tPortland where walkers will pass through the Enchanted Forest, past the gannet colony observing popular surf breaks along the way.

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