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The 250km long Great South West Walk provides an excellent opportunity to explore the fascinating variety of scenery and wildlife in south west Victoria. The track winds inland from Portland to Nelson via the Cobboboonee Forest and the Glenelg River and then returns along the rugged coastline to complete the loop. There are plenty of campsites along the way or, if camping is not to your taste, stay overnight in a local B&B or hotel. You do not have to walk the whole circuit to enjoy one of Victoria’s premium trails. Twenty shorter walking tracks will take you to most of the major attractions of the Great South West Walk. In fact, the walk is especially suited to short walks catering for just about everybody because it is accessible from many places by car. The section from the Bridgewater Lakes to Portland includes Cape Bridgewater, Cape Nelson and Cape Grant and the beaches of Bridgewater Bay and is about 55km. Accommodation and food is available at Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson. In season, Blue, Humpback and Southern Right whales can be spotted from the headlands. Cape Bridgewater is also home to an Australian fur seal colony, petrified forest, blowholes and beaches while Cape Nelson has enchanted forest, the Sea Cliff Nature Walk and excellent loop tracks from the lighthouse or picnic ground. The forest section of the walk is from Portland to Moleside which is about 80km. The track explores the headwaters of the Surry and Fitroy rivers where ferns flourish in the gullies. Vehicle access is best at Surry Ridge picnic area on T & W Road. Both are excellent sites for picnics and loop walks. Nearly all river sections are in the Lower Glenelg National Park and go from Moleside to Nelson which is about 50km. Explore the beautiful limestone galleries of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave or take to the water and canoe on the Glenelg River and see the stunning spring wildflowers blossoming along the banks. The rugged Discovery Bay section is from Nelson to the Bridgewater Lakes and includes an inland alternative route over Mt Richmond. Admire the ocean views at Discovery Bay or discover the forests and wetlands of Mount Richmond National Park. For safety reasons, you should register at the Portland Visitor Information Centre or with local police before attempting an overnight leg of this walk. Obtain a detailed map of the area, follow all the travel tips, watch weather conditions, record your arrival and departure dates at campsites and check track conditions with park staff. Further information can be obtained from the - Great South West Walk Walking Guide, available from the Parks Victoria Information Centre, phone 13 1963. Visit the website: Great South West Walk
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