NELSON

Nelson

Quick facts

Population approximately 350
433 kilometres west of Melbourne
Glenelg River
Princess Margaret Rose Cave

Nelson – where the Glenelg River meets the sea – is either the start of a Great Ocean Road odyssey or last port of call. Just an hour’s drive from Portland, Nelson is a charming village with a relaxed atmosphere.

Discovery Bay and the Glenelg River are picturesque backdrops to the Nelson and offer fantastic outdoor and water activities.

The Glenelg River winds 400 kilometres from the Grampians Ranges in the north to the ocean at Nelson. Its placid waters make it ideal for canoeing and fishing, and special camping grounds have been set aside for extended trips. There are boat launching ramps at several points along the river and canoes can be hired at Nelson.

Drive or take a leisurely cruise up the river into the national park and visit the Princess Margaret Rose Cave. Descend into a subterranean showcase of semi-translucent and back lit stalagmites and stalactites up to six metres long. A river cruise will take you through a spectacular gorge, where the river has cut a swathe through soft limestone. It is around 15 metres long and up to 50 metres deep in places and is one of the river’s most stunning features.

The rugged wilderness of Discovery Bay can be found on the ocean side of Nelson. The coastal park that protects this coastline includes a 50-kilometre long beach and some of the largest sand dunes in Victoria.

Activities and attractions

Hire a canoe and paddle up the Glenelg River
Pitch a tent and camp on the river bank (permits required)
Take a cruise through the spectacular limestone gorge, with cliffs up to 50 metres high
Pack a picnic and head for one of the many picnic grounds by the river (information available from the Nelson Visitor Information Centre)
Drop into the Princess Margaret Rose cave for a close look at intriguing limestone formations
Fish the famous river estuary, rated as one of Australia’s favourite spots, for a variety of species
Wander a section of the Great South West walk to see native flora and fauna
Marvel at massive sand dunes in the coastal wilderness of Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

Events