Auswalk’s Great South West Walk is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday. You walk from one delightful accommodation to the next. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This holiday is Self-Guided. Note that we also offer a group guided trip on a similar itinerary.
This has got to be Victoria’s best kept secret – a 250km continuous loop track that includes dramatic coastlines, the joy of walking beside a meandering river and remote bushland full of wildlife, bird and native flowers. It’s promoted as a “Symphony in Four Movements”.
The first stage is the Cobboboonee Forest containing the headwaters of the Surry and Fitzroy Rivers. Expect to see kangaroos bounding across the track and be delighted by the shrieks of rare red-tailed black cockatoos.
Next comes the peaceful Glenelg River, a haven for walkers, fishermen and canoeists. The river widens as it nears the coast and then carves its way through a spectacular limestone gorge.
Onto the pristine sandy beaches and rocky outcrops of Discovery Bay Coastal Park and freshwater lakes that offer great swimming. Up and over Mt Richmond, a small peak boasting about 450 different species of plants.
The grand finale is the Three Capes and Bays section where the track hugs the cliff top all the way. These rugged, wave-bashed headlands are perfect for whale spotting in season and the colony of Australian fur seals at Cape Bridgewater is there year-round. The coast offers blow holes, a “Petrified Forest” and an “Enchanted Walk” where vines of bower spinach are decoratively draped over limestone boulders and twisted moonah trees.
And if you think 250km is just too far to walk, don’t worry, we are also offering a shorter trip featuring the main highlights of the track.
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Location
This trip starts and finishes in Portland. It's a 5 hour drive from Melbourne. If you prefer, you can fly to Portland from either Melbourne or Adelaide. There are also public transport services from Melbourne - contact us for more details.Accommodation
B&Bs and cottages. Note that, due to the remoteness of the area, there are only three suitable accommodation places en route - Portland, Nelson and Bridgewater Bay. We will arrange for you to be transported to/from the next section of track as required. Also, note that there are shared bathrooms in Nelson, but we're sure you'll love the place - it's a delightful, charming, historic homestead with fabulous owners.
Regional Food & Wine
The coast is noted for its fabulous fresh fish and the area produces a lot of dairy products.What's Included
13 day itinerary: 12 nights accommodation, 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, National Park fees, insulated lunch bag, maps, map case & info pack.
8 day itinerary: 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers required for the itinerary,National Park fees, insulated lunch bag, maps, map case & info pack.
