Lower Glenelg National Park

Lower Glenelg National Park is a stunning wilderness area in Victoria's far west, where the Glenelg River carves through limestone cliffs to create a dramatic gorge landscape. This park is a haven for paddlers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering serene waterways, ancient caves, and dense forests of eucalypts and ferns. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, with the river as your guide through one of Australia's most peaceful and unspoiled natural settings.

Highlights & What to See

• Glenelg River Canoe & Kayak Trip – Paddle the 50 km of navigable river through the gorge, past towering limestone cliffs and abundant birdlife. Multi-day trips with camping are a classic Aussie adventure.
• Princess Margaret Rose Cave – A beautifully decorated limestone cave with guided tours that reveal stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal-clear underground lake. It's a highlight for geology and cave lovers.
• Moleside Campground & River Access – The main base for water activities, with a boat ramp and peaceful campsites under river red gums. Great for swimming and spotting platypus at dawn or dusk.
• Walking Trails – The 4 km return Gorge Walk offers panoramic views over the river from the cliff tops, while the Pines Walk leads through a forest of native pines and ferns.
• Wildlife Watching – Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas, and over 100 bird species, including the majestic wedge-tailed eagle and the elusive kingfisher.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park, but to truly experience its magic, plan for two to three days. A day trip allows time for a cave tour and a short paddle or walk, while an overnight stay gives you the chance to canoe a longer section of the river, camp under the stars, and enjoy the tranquility without the day-tripper crowds. If you're paddling the full gorge, allow at least two days for the 50 km journey.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson – The small riverside town at the park's edge, with accommodation, supplies, and the historic Nelson Coastal Reserve.
• Cobboboonee National Park – A lesser-known forest park with superb mountain biking trails and the Giant Desert Ash trees, just a short drive north.
• Mount Richmond National Park – A volcanic peak offering panoramic views and wildflowers in spring, perfect for a half-day hike.
• Portland – Victoria's oldest European settlement, with a rich maritime history, the Portland Discovery Centre, and whale watching from June to September.
• Discovery Bay Coastal Park – Wild ocean beaches, limestone cliffs, and the iconic Cape Bridgewater blowholes and seal colony, about 40 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.