Parks Victoria Glenelg area chief ranger Don Tumney shares south west coast camping tips
There’s plenty of places to pitch a tent or caravan near Portland, Nelson and Cape Bridgewater in the state’s south west. The area’s expert park ranger shares his tips on the best camping spots and things to do in the area.
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You won’t be short of things to see or do while camping in Victoria’s south west.
Lower Glenelg National Park has an expansive river that’s perfect for fishing, canoeing or boating, Budj Bim is great for koala spotting and the Discovery Bay Coastal Park is prime for fur seals spying.
Whether you’re staying at a national, state or coastal park, or one the 100 smaller reserves in the region, Parks Victoria area chief ranger (Glenelg) Don Tumney shares his advice on each park’s attractions, best camp sites and how to stay safe.
Southern access via Portland-Nelson Rd, northern access via Wanwin Rd.
Level: All rounder.
Closest town: Nelson: 46.8km, Portland: 92.3km.
Drawcard: The river, hot showers, powered sites, on-site management.
Downside: Popular in peak season, BYO cooking and drinking water.
Lower Glenelg National Park’s major drawcard is its river, which allows for powerboating, canoeing and fishing.
“Fishing is also very safe by boat or along the jetties,” Mr Tumney said.
Keen canoeists can travel between campsites via the river, with the most popular a three-day paddle from Moleside to Nelson.
Princess Margaret Rose Caves is another drawcard, with campers able to take guided tours of the limestone formations.
But Mr Tumney warned there were limited powered sites at Princess Margaret Rose Caves.
“We get a lot of repeat campers at this site, so make sure you book sooner rather than later,” Mr Tumney said.
Access via Natural Bridge Rd
Closest town: Hamilton: 46.3km
Drawcard: Volcanic scenery, hot showers.
Downside: Inland site is warmer and dryer conditions, BYO cooking and drinking water.
Budj Bim was previously known as Mount Eccles National Park and is managed by Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria. Budj Bim is a long, dormant volcano and surrounded by the largest manna gum forest in the area, where you may see a koala.
Mr Tumney said the campsite was close to scenic wonders like the walking lava canals and Lake Surprise, which is a lake atop of the dormant volcano. In July, the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Access via Mount Deception Rd, Greenwald
Closest town: Heywood: 18km, Cape Bridgewater: 47km.
Drawcard: Close to other parks, perfect location to begin or end your tour of south east Victoria. Join the Great South West Walk.
Downside: Recommended for experienced, self-sufficient campers.
Cobboboonee National Park is very close to Discovery Bay, Budj Bim and Lower Glenelg National Park, so makes the perfect day trip destination or starting place for camping in South West Victoria. You can also join the Great South West Walk, that’s a 250km, 12-day circular walk through Lower Glenelg, Discovery Bay, Cobboboonee and Cape Nelson. Mr Tumney said Cobboboonee’s appeal was not needing to prior book a campsite.
“Be prepared to be more self sufficient,” he said.
“If you want a shower, make sure you bring a camp shower and always take a bit more water with you than you’d expect to need.”
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CAMPSITES AVAILABLE DURING HOLIDAYS
Access via The Blowholes Road, Scenic Drive and the Portland-Nelson Road.
Closest town: Cape Bridgewater: 20km, Portland: 41.5km.
Drawcard: Close to the coast, access to Lake Mombeong.
Downside: Lake Mombeong water is cold for swimming, Bridgewater Bay offers safe coastal swimming, access to The Great South West Walk.
“It has the potential for swimming but the water can be fairly cold,” he said.
The only safe coastal swimming is at Bridgewater Bay, which has a lifesaving club and red and yellow flags