Lower Glenelg National Park

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Lower Glenelg National Park

Lower Glenelg National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Gunditjmara People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Gunditjmara Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

The Glenelg River has carved a spectacular limestone gorge through the heart of Lower Glenelg National Park. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the landscape. Camp riverside and go fishing, paddle the Glenelg River Canoe Trail, follow the Great South West Walk or visit the spectacular Princess Margaret Rose Cave.

Escape the stresses of modern life with riverside camping along the banks of the Glenelg River. Go fishing, canoeing and kayaking in this spectacular river gorge surrounded by peaceful forest and join a tour of the Princess Margaret Rose Cave.

Discover the unique beauty found within the lower reaches of the Glenelg River – from jagged limestone cliffs to riverside gum trees harbouring koalas. See the area on foot by tackling the Great South West Walk. Set out on a day, overnight or multi-day journey.

If you don't have time to canoe or walk the river, a drive along its course is also pretty spectacular. There are picnic areas to stop and take it all in.

As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Lower Glenelg National Park is a safe and enjoyable one.

Top places

Two canoes float down the Glenelg River on a camping trip. — Glenelg River Canoe Trail

A group of four hikers walk along the beach at Discovery Bay as part of the Great South West Walk — Great South West Walk

A man kayaks down the river. — Pritchards Campground

Two men fishing on the jettys at Glenelg River

Battersby Campground

Unwind at the cosy Battersby Campground on the banks of the river. Try your luck fishing from the jetty, or relax at camp and enjoy the company of kangaroos and other native wildlife. There are two campsites.

Forest North and South Campground

Enjoy the scenic riverside at Forest North Campground. Launch a canoe or kayak and explore the spectacular limestone gorge. Take a short walk or relax at camp and spot kangaroos and emus. Camp at Forest South and experience the best of the Glenelg River. Watch the sunrise turn the limestone cliffs red, and enjoy flat water canoeing or kayaking as you explore the river.

Hutchessons Campground

Take an easy drive to this quiet campground along the Glenelg River. Pitch a tent and watch for native wildlife as you listen to the river flow by. Launch a canoe or kayak and paddle up or down the peaceful water, or try your luck fishing from the jetty.

Four friend canoe down the Glenelg River in the Lower Glenelg National Park.

McLennans Punt Campground

Pitch a tent at this peaceful campground on the northern banks of the Glenelg River. Go canoeing or kayaking, or cast a line and see if you can catch bream or mulloway for dinner. Bring a pushbike and go for a ride, or take a walk and keep an eye out for native wildlife. There are three campsites.

A couple prepare a meal at their camp ground at Lakeside in Fraser Camping Area in the Lake Eildon National Park.

Princess Margaret Rose Cave Campground

Set up camp on a grassy site at Princess Margaret Rose Cave Campground and enjoy the company of native wildlife in a peaceful bush setting. Explore one of the many walking trails in the area or try your luck fishing from the jetty.

Two friends kayak along the river late in the afternoon.

Red Gum Landing Campground

Pitch a tent at Red Gum Landing Campground and enjoy the serenity of the river. Launch a canoe or kayak and keep an eye out for native wildlife as you paddle along the water. Unwind at camp and drop a line to catch that elusive fish.

A man fishes from a jetty in the Glenelg River.

Wild Dog Bend Campground

Bring your tent or campertrailer to this quiet campground on the banks of the Glenelg River. Sit on the jetty and listen to the tranquil sounds of the river while you watch for wildlife. Set off to explore in your canoe or kayak, or go for a swim to cool down.

Wilson Hall Campground

Wilson Hall Campground is nestled among stringybark and banksia forest overlooking the river. Set up camp on the flat plain and make use of the convenient boat ramp. Launch your boat, canoe or kayak and explore the river, or go fishing for bream or mulloway. There are 12 campsites.

Tours in the area

Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.

If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.

Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.

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How to get there

Lower Glenelg National Park

The river has boating zones. Canoe camps are located on the both sides of the river and are generally only accessible by canoe. All other campgrounds are 2WD access. The Great South West Walk traverses this park and joins Cobboboonee, Cape Nelson, Discovery Bay and Mt Richmond parks in a loop to Portland.

Lower Glenelg National Park

When you're there

Download the Lower Glenelg National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.

When to go

As the weather warms and daylight stretches, make the most of the calm waters of the Glenelg River. Canoe, kayak or boat. Camp riverside and go fishing to catch dinner. Salmon, perch, bream and mullet are abundant during the warmer months.

Camping & accommodation

Camping is permitted at several places along the Glenelg River. Fireplaces, toilets and water are available at all sites. Walkers’ camps are located along the Great South West Walk within a day’s walk of each other.

The best campsites for canoeists are the seven special canoe camps along the river at Pines Landing, Moleside, Skipworth Springs, Georges Rest, Bowds, Patterson and Lasletts. Vehicle access is only available to Pines Landing and Moleside.

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Need to know

Lower Glenelg National Park

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

Stay safe this summer around lakes and rivers

Inland waterways may have hazards such as strong fast-flowing currents, colder than expected water temperature and submerged branches and debris. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Always wear a lifejacket when boating, fishing or using a watercraft. Flash flooding can occur quickly due to heavy rainfall. Water levels may rise quickly and without warning.

How we keep it special

The Ngootyoong Gunditj Ngootyoong Mara South West Management Plan is a strategic guide for managing and protecting over 130 parks, reserves and Indigenous Protected Areas in south-west Victoria, including Lower Glenelg National Park.