7 Day Great South West Walk
7-Day Great South West Walk – Guided Pack-Free Adventure for Private Groups by Life’s An Adventure
Uncover one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets with our 7-day guided Pack Free walking tour along the Great South West Walk. This extraordinary journey offers a diverse experience of coastal and bushland environments as you traverse the stunning landscapes between Portland and Nelson in the far southwest corner of the state. We have meticulously selected the highlights of this magical 250 km route to showcase the region’s unique flora and fauna, both on land and in the ocean.
Your adventure begins in the quaint hamlet of Nelson, situated near the coast where the picturesque Glenelg River meanders into Oxbow Lake before flowing into the Southern Ocean. From this peaceful base, you will explore the bushland of the Lower Glenelg National Park, following the river as it winds through a magnificent limestone gorge. This tranquil setting is home to an array of wildlife, making for an enriching hiking experience.
As you leave the serene bushland behind, the rugged coastline beckons. The walking experience includes stretches of expansive pristine beaches and leads you through a desert-like landscape of towering mobile sand dunes, some reaching heights of up to 70 meters. This diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration and photography as you soak in the stunning coastal views.
Your journey continues in the welcoming township of Cape Bridgewater, where you will ascend the volcanic cone of Mt Richmond. This section of the walk showcases a rich diversity of flora and fauna as you make your way back towards the renowned limestone coast, a testament to the timeless work of Mother Nature.
At Cape Nelson, the open sandstone ledges offer breathtaking views, culminating in a visit to the historic Lighthouse. This coastal stretch leads you to the enchanting Enchanted Forest, where the unique ecosystems flourish, and a visit to Australia’s only mainland colony of Australasian Gannets adds to the magic of the experience.
The adventure culminates with breathtaking views high above the ocean, overlooking the mainland breeding sites of both Australian and Long-nosed fur seals. An exhilarating Zodiac experience provides an up-close encounter with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Depending on the season, you might even spot migratory whale species that frequent this remote coastline, adding an extra thrill to your adventure.
With the comfort of a Pack Free approach, you can enjoy the beauty of the Great South West Walk without the burden of carrying a heavy pack. Each day is filled with memorable experiences, stunning landscapes, and opportunities to connect with nature, making this a perfect choice for private groups looking for an extraordinary hiking experience.
Join us on the 7-Day Great South West Walk with Life’s An Adventure and immerse yourself in one of Victoria’s most beautiful and diverse regions. From the coastal wonders to the serenity of bushland, this guided walking tour promises to be a journey filled with unforgettable moments and breathtaking scenery.
Pack Free Guided Walk
Carry as little as your water, camera and lunch
This walking holiday has been designed for those looking for a guided multi-day walking experience where everything is taken care of for you. Our guests won’t be asked to carry their clothes or overnight packs for the entire tour, as our tours are designed to be pack-free experiences. This is a big advantage for our guests, in that you will avoid carrying a heavy rucksack on your back every day. With Life’s An Adventure, you will carry as little as your water bottle, camera and lunch.
Nelson Cottage
Located in the waterside hamlet of Nelson
Starting its days as the original Police Station back in the 1880s, Nelson Cottage has been transformed over the years to now offer a charming and historic accommodation experience. Your hosts offer delightfully furnished bedrooms, and an extensive continental-style breakfast will be served in the dining room, which offers lovely views. The 6 bedrooms at the cottage share 2 bathrooms.
Annesley House
in Portland
Built in 1878, this Georgian-style home has been immaculately restored to its former glory, combining modern and traditional décor. Featuring 7 studio apartments, each with its own unique and rich story, Annesley House exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting guests to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures.
Superb meals included
Providing you with “sustainance”
All meals will be accounted for by your accommodation, local restaurants, or delivered to you (packed lunches) having been prepared by professional caterers off-site. Substantial breakfasts will provided by both Nelson Cottage and Annesley House, packed lunches will be prepared to carry with you, and your delicious evening meals will be accompanied by a glass of wine.
Dietary requirements can be accounted for if we are notified when booking – please provide as much relevant detail as possible.
Personalised Tours
A maximum of 12 guests
Our tours are designed to be personal and intimate with a maximum group size of 12 people. However, if you have a bigger group please contact us for details.
Our CEO Guides
Chief Experience Officers
We refer to our guides as CEOs – Chief Experience Officers whose aim is to deliver you a world-class walk. We pride ourselves on employing a talented team of passionate CEOs with an enthusiasm for their homeland. They are committed to your safety and have a genuine desire to provide an enriching and memorable walking experience.
21 Tourism Awards of Excellence
including Australia's best Adventure Tourism Company
Life’s an Adventure have won 21 Tourism Awards of Excellence including the Qantas Australian Tourism Award for Australia’s Best Adventure Company. Awards are great, but our biggest accolade which we value even more, is that our clients come back and travel with us time and time again.
Genuinely all-inclusive
Nothing more to pay
Our walking tours are all genuinely all-inclusive and once you pay for your tour there are no hidden extras. During your evening meals, you won’t need to put your hand in your pocket to pay for wine as this is included in the price of the tour and on day 3 your stunning helicopter flight is part of your tour package. Even down to the smallest detail has been taken care of, we won’t ask you to pay additional credit card fees.
To find out more click on any of the below links:
Why should you choose us?
Tour Itinerary
Genuinely all-inclusive tour with no hidden extras:
- Pack Free walk – carry as little as your water, lunch and camera each day.
- Transfers to/from your walks each day (as required), and flexible walking options
- 3 nights accommodation at Nelson Cottage
- 3 nights accommodation at Annesley House
- 6 x delicious dinners at local restaurants
- 6 x packed lunches
- 6 x breakfasts
- ‘Seals by the Sea’ Zodiac experience on Day 7
- Fresh fruit and trail mix to enjoy during your walk
- Professionally guided – Our CEO’s – Chief Experience Officers are locals who are passionate, well trained and knowledgeable
SUGGESTED PRE NIGHT ACCOMMODATION: The Grand Chancellor, Melbourne
DEPARTURE TIME: 7.30am from Melbourne CBD
TRANSFERS: There are several options to get to this walk. Choose to drive to Nelson or enjoy private transfers from Melbourne (355km, approx. 4h30mins drive).
ITINERARY: There is no planned walking today so settle in at Nelson Cottage, your accommodation for the next 3 nights and explore this small fishing village. Nelson Cottage is the towns original Police Station back in the 1880s. Today it has been transformed to offer a charming and historic accommodation experience.
The Great South West Walk established in 1981, is located on the traditional lands of the Dhauwurd wurrung or Gunditjmara Nation, renowned for their early aquaculture development still visible today at nearby Lake Condah. The first European to sight this area was Lieutenant James Grant who charted the south western coastline of Victoria in 1800 aboard the ‘Lady Nelson’. The township of Nelson was named in 1851 after Grant’s sailing vessel. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
TRANSFERS: Morning: 20-minute transfer to start of the trail. Afternoon: 10-minute transfer back to your accommodation.
TERRAIN: 19km one-way; 6-7 hrs walking plus breaks; easy-medium grade; mostly flat or gentle gradient changes on comfortable, compact surfaces
Flexible Walking: Sapling Creek to North Nelson Rd (10km; 3-4 hrs plus breaks; easy – this option reduces the planned walk by 9km); there are also several access/exit points where the track connects with River Road
WALK ITINERARY: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the cottage before you meet your driver for the transfer to the start of the walk. Today’s walk follows the contours of the picturesque Glenelg River as you wind your way through typical south-eastern Australian bushland, accompanied by serene vistas of the river and limestone cliffs for much of the day, and the lure of a refreshing swim at lunchtime. Wildlife abounds, with koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, emus, and wallabies often making an appearance along the track, and there are more than 700 species of native flora that bloom at different times of year. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
TRANSFER TIMES: Morning: 10-minute transfer to start of the trail. Afternoon walk directly into your accommodation.
TERRAIN: 16km one-way; 5-6 hrs walking plus breaks; easy to medium grade; mostly flat or gentle gradient changes on comfortable, compact surfaces
Flexible Walking: North Nelson Road to Simsons Landing (14km; 4-5 hrs plus breaks; easy) – this option reduces the planned walk by 2km. There may be an option to join a 1-hour cruise upriver from Hirth’s Landing & back to Nelson (7.5km walking; 2-3 hrs plus breaks; easy) – cruise must be pre-booked & is dependent on availability.
WALK ITINERARY: After breakfast at the cottage meet your driver for the transfer to the start of the walk. The mighty Glenelg River once again guides your course for most of today’s walk, but you are now treated to even more spectacular outlooks from the rim of the towering cliffs of the gorge, created by the river’s endless eroding of the soft limestone landscape. The river is tidal and its character changes dramatically as you approach the ocean, with the echoes of crashing waves sometimes audible from many kilometres upstream. The route has you visiting South Australia briefly, and as you draw nearer to the hamlet of Nelson, you’ll see the colourful old boatsheds that have been creatively converted to provide the ultimate in waterfront living. You may prefer to experience this section of the Glenelg River on a guided canoe/kayak tour, covering 25km from Sapling Creek to Nelson. The river is typically very calm, and the downstream paddle is suitable for beginners or even those with no experience on the water. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
TRANSFERS: Morning: 20-minute transfer to start of the trail. Afternoon: 30-minute transfer to your accommodation in Bridgewater.
TERRAIN: 16km one-way; 6-7 hrs walking plus breaks; medium to hard grade; mostly beach-walking on potentially soft sand, and traversing dune systems on loose, dry sand.
Important – this walk is tide dependant; please consult with our staff when selecting your tour dates to ensure conditions will be suitable; you may be able to adjust the order of the walks to account for appropriate tide conditions for completing this walk.
Flexible Walking: No shorter options available – you may change the order of your days to accommodate the tides. This would need to be decided before your tour to account for transfer bookings.
WALK ITINERARY: This morning after breakfast meet your driver for the transfer to the start of the walk. The freshwater lake at Monibeong supports many fish species. A large array of waterbirds come here to feed, so keep watch as you meander towards the coastline at the start of today’s walk, before accessing the seemingly endless white beaches of Discovery Bay, which extend for over 55km in total. You will be engaged by the remoteness of this region, with potentially wild seas forcing huge breakers to the shore to interrupt the solitude, or the unique call of the Pied Oystercatchers as they frequent the beach searching for food. As you leave the beach, you will be confronted by the desert-like landscape of huge mobile sand dunes which appear to be encroaching inland, and require that little extra energy to traverse, before emerging into Swan Lake Camp. From here a driver will take you to your accommodation for the next 3 nights at Annesley House in Portland. On arrival your hosts, Peter and Nicole, will ensure you have a memorable experience at their unique, Georgian-style property which has been beautifully restored. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
TRANSFERS: Morning: 25-minute transfer to start of the trail. Afternoon: 10-minute transfer to your accommodation.
TERRAIN: 18.0km one way; 6-7 hrs walking plus breaks; easy-medium grade; mostly gentle gradient changes on compact, comfortable surfaces, including fractured limestone.
Flexible Walking: There are two options to reduce the distance of today’s walk –
- Mt Richmond to Tarragal Camp only (7.5km one-way; 2-3 hrs plus breaks; easy) – this option reduces the planned walked by 9.5km
- Tarragal Caves to The Blowholes only (9.5km one-way; 3-4 hrs plus breaks; easy) – this option reduces the planned walk by 7.5km
WALK ITINERARY: This morning after breakfast meet your driver for the transfer to the start of the walk. Today’s walks take you from the summit of Mt Richmond, once a feisty volcano, to the rugged limestone coastline that has been thrashed for 1000s of years by the elements. The volcanic remnants, now covered with wind-blown coastal sands, support a rich diversity of flora, including eucalypts and other flowering plants, as well as a myriad of fauna, from koalas and red-necked wallabies, to crimson rosellas, emus and stumpy-tailed lizards. Tarragal Caves offers some delightful views across Bridgewater Lakes to the ocean before you take the coastal forest lined track to meander near the shoreline of the lakes, to emerge onto the cliffs overlooking Discovery Bay. As you traverse the limestone high above the volcanic basalt rock platforms, you are rewarded with spectacular views, both ahead and behind. Further evidence of mother nature’s work unfolds as you proceed, with stunted bonsai-like vegetation seemingly fighting for life on this vast escarpment. From here a driver will take you to your accommodation. Enjoy some downtime in Portland before dining at a local restaurant.
TRANSFERS: Morning: 25-minute transfer to start of the trail. Afternoon: 25-minute transfer to your accommodation.
TERRAIN: 13km one-way (MB-Yellow Rock + a little extra on the tours); 4-5hrs walking plus breaks (+ time for 2 tours); easy-medium grade; mostly gentle gradient changes on compact, comfortable surfaces, including fractured limestone
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Cape Nelson Lighthouse to Yellow Rock (8km one-way; 3 hrs plus breaks, easy) – this option reduces the planned walk by 5km
WALK ITINERARY: This morning after breakfast meet your driver for the transfer to the start of the walk. From the eastern end of Discovery Bay, you will encounter suspended lookouts offering breathtaking views over secluded rocky coves as you proceed towards the most southerly point of the coast in this region at Cape Nelson. If the timing is right, you may witness migrating whales feeding on the nutrient-rich waters created by the Bonney Upwelling. Enjoy an Optional guided tour of the Lighthouse precinct perched high on the cliffs, before you experience the eerie but delightful “Enchanted Forest”, where vines drape like curtains over the Moonah trees and create a magical corridor through which to pass. Your walk continues on to Yellow Rock, a striking limestone formation positioned at the base of high cliffs, which is accessible via an extensive staircase and platform network. From nearby, a short transfer provides the opportunity to visit Australia’s only mainland colony of Australasian Gannets on a guided tour, which will account for a little more easy walking. From here a driver will take you to your accommodation. Enjoy some downtime in Portland before dining at a local restaurant.
Optional – Cape Nelson Lighthouse Precinct Tour and Point Danger Gannet Rookery Tour
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Precinct Tour: Take some time out from your track walking today for a guided tour of the lighthouse precinct at Cape Nelson. Learn about the history of the precinct and the maritime history of the region, which accounts for many shipwrecks that lie in the depths of the Southern Ocean off the cape. Your knowledgeable guide will take you back in time, into the world of the lighthouse keeper and you will be offered the chance to climb to the top of the lighthouse and view the spectacular coastline from 32m above the ground.
Point Danger Gannet Rookery Tour: Once your official walking is completed today, you may like to join a guided tour of the Point Danger Gannet Rookery, located close by to the end of your walk. Your guide will provide you with the opportunity to view these spectacular birds on their mainland colony, which is home to about 300 pairs, and an ideal place to observe birds in all stages of life. Learn about their behaviours, habitat and fishing expertise while witnessing them in their natural environment.
TRANSFERS: Morning: 10-minute transfer to The Blowhole. Afternoon: 5-hour transfer to Melbourne or transfer back to your car in Nelson if you were driving.
TERRAIN: 9km one-way; 3-4 hrs walking plus breaks (+ 1 hour for Seals by the Sea Zodiac experience); easy-medium grade; mostly gentle gradient changes on compact, comfortable surfaces, including fractured limestone
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Bridgewater Bay to Zodiac Tour location (3km return; 30 minutes each way plus breaks; easy) – this option reduces the planned walk by 6km
WALK ITINERARY: This morning after breakfast meet your driver for the transfer to The Blowholes. Your final walk begins at The Blowholes, with the track hugging the cliff-line as you proceed around Cape Bridgewater, with the moon-like landscape exposing some phenomenal natural wonders, including the ‘Petrified Forest’, as well as potential for spotting sea-life, with seal colonies located on the southern tip of the cape. Before your walking concludes today, an exciting and educational 45-minute Zodiac boat experience awaits, with a guided exploration of the seal colony located in the shadows of the highest sea-cliffs in the country. There are over 2000 Australian and Long Nosed Fur Seals. You’re also likely to witness other forms of sea-life, including dolphins, whales, penguins and many different types of fish. As you approach Bridgewater Bay, you will notice the coastline presents as a perfect crescent, hugging the rim of an ancient volcanic crater, and the protected pristine waters extend a welcome invitation at the end of today’s walk. Your departure from Cape Bridgewater is scheduled for early afternoon today. A driver will transfer you back to Melbourne or drop you off in Nelson to your car if you were driving.
Tour Availability
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 10 required. Prices are equal to Past Travellers’ discounted rates. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
