THE GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK

Follow the path less travelled

The Great South West Walk only attracts a relatively small number of visitors each year and yet it is undoubtedly one of Victoria’s gems.  A walk that was conceived of, brought to life and maintained entirely by local volunteers it is a great success story sustained by the passion of walkers. The full trail is 250km long and walked in an anti-clockwise direction that takes in the inland forests of the Cobboonee, the marvelous Glenelg River gorges, and the rugged coastal cliffs and wildlife of the Shipwreck coast of Victoria. This is a wild and beautiful landscape that will take you on a journey rich in history and natural wonders. Each day on the Great South West walk promises varied terrain and spectacular views.

Our self-guided option takes in the full 250km length of the track with an accommodation base at Portland and Nelson.

On our Guided walk Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with guided visits to various places including  UNESCO World Heritage listed Lake Condah with its 6,600 year old fish traps and volcanic landscape. Experience the volcanic caldera of Tower Hill, now a rich wildlife reserve and another site of significance to local Aboriginal people. Explore Historic Portland & Port Fairy Victoria’s earliest permanent settlements, with their many historic buildings and see the extraordinary history and relics of the Shipwreck coast displayed at Warnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Museum.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Closed

Map

Explore the Great South-West Walk

Length: 262.5km
Duration: 12 to 14 days
Grade: 4
Route type: Loop walk (anti-clockwise)
Start/End: Portland – Maritime Discovery & Visitor Information Centre
Location: Far west Victoria
Closest towns: Portland, Nelson, Bridgewater

Cobboboonee National Park set amidst tall eucalyptus trees. Look out for the Powerful Owl and Yellow-bellied Gliders, as well as potoroos. 

The Glenelg River with tall eucalypts and blackwoods bountifu with views of the Glenelg River from the limestone cliffs are quite stunning l. More than 60 plant species, along with 50 species of orchids are located in this area

 Lake Monibeong is set amidst coastal scrub and heathland.

Mt Richmond supports some 450 species of plants have been noted, including 50 orchid species! The diverse habitat also supports vibrant bird-life including emus, Crimson rosellas, Gang-gang cockatoos, thornbills, robins and currawongs.

Trewalla Camp is in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park set amidst coastal scrub. So much to see along this section, including the dramatic volcanic section of the Petrified Forest

Australia’s only mainland gannet colony at Point Danger Coastal Reserve, just a few kilometres from Portland.

Great South-West Walk

The RAW Travel Difference

Great Ocean Walk
suitcase icon

STRESS FREE & LOCAL SUPPORT

We've operated trips along Victoria's Great Ocean road since 2007. Our guides who lead our local trips are highly experienced and mature individuals who deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible and professional experience for our clients. We offer safety and local support, with RAW's private transfer vehicle, EPIRBs and our own walking app for self-guided walkers.

map marker icon

INDIGENOUS & EARLY SETTLER CULTURE

Our group trips feature local Indigenous rangers who take us around the World Heritage site of Budj Bim National Park. We also explore the history of Portland, Victoria's first settlement and the Shipwreck coast You'll come away with a much greater understanding of this amazing area's history, traditions and ecology.

Boot icon

FLEXIBLE & TAILOR MADE

We offer flexibility with our trips; we listen to what you want and tailor the walking on the Great South West Walk to your ability and timeframes, giving you the experience you want, not what's easiest for us! All our guided trips include carefully planned itineraries and wonderful accommodation and meals that help support local suppliers & producers.

About

HIGHEST STANDARDS

We are the only Australian walking company to attain the rigorous standard of Benefit Corp ( B-Corp) accreditation. Our trips are high-quality nature-based tourism experiences that are also measured on our positive contribution back to the environment and local communities.

View Our Walks

Great Ocean Walk

13 Days

Australia – Guided walks

Great South West Walk – Self Guided

Moderate Self-Guided
  • 13 day day circular walk through Victoria’s Shipwreck coast
  • 262km of of fabulously varied coastal & inland trails
  • Four national parks , abundant fauna & flora
  • Accommodation in Portland and Nelson, daily transfers
from

$3,690.00

view trip
5 Days

Great Ocean Walk

Great South West Walk – Guided

Guided Moderate - Challenging
  • Discover wild dramatic coastlines and white secluded beaches
  • Stroll along the limestone Gorges of the Glenelg river
  • Immerse yourself in 6,600 year-old UNESCO World Heritage listed Budj Bim
  • Spot Australian and New Zealand fur seals at Cape Bridgewater
  • Exclusive historical & cultural talks and visits
from

$2,550.00

view trip
7 Days

Great Ocean Walk

Great Ocean Walk and Beyond

Guided Moderate
  • Walk the best sections of the Great Ocean Walk and Great South West Walk
  • Explore the ancient wonders of UNESCO World Heritage listed Budj Bim
  • Immerse yourself in the wild dramatic coastlines of the Shipwreck Coast
  • Visit a hidden grove of giant California Redwoods and Otway forest waterfall
from

$3,150.00

view trip
Great Ocean Walk

Exclusive Guide

Get Inspired

Discover Australia’s best coastal walk! Our comprehensive destination guide is bursting with inspiration, travel essentials, practical advice and more to help you prepare for a memorable journey along this breathtaking trail.

Each day on the Great South-West Walk brings varied terrain and spectacular views – deserted wild beaches, sheer cliffs, shipwrecks and a historic lighthouse, giant mountain ash forests, pristine river estuaries, abundant wildlife, dunes and coastal heathlands. This is a walk of great variety as you hike towards the finish at the iconic 12 Apostles.

Download Now

Customized, Personalization, Solution, Tailored Clothing

Not quite what you're after?

Tailor-made trips

If you don’t see the exact trip you’re looking for then consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line:

Customise this trip

sign up to our newsletter

explore the world with Raw