Nelson - Discovery Bay Coastal Park
Discovery Bay offers a range of coastal environments with spectacular scenic values, including rugged cliffs, extensive beaches, mobile dune fields, wetlands and woodland forest communities. Victoria's highest coastal cliffs and the Cape Nelson lighthouse are located at the eastern end of Discovery Bay. The Cape Bridgewater fur seal colony is also a significant feature of the Park. A significant dune system extends from Nelson to Whites Beach limiting vehicle access to a few locations.
Things to do in the area
Walks
Livingstone Island Walk - 3km, 1.5 hours. An easy loop walk of about 2.5km, commencing from the Estuary Beach car park. The walk takes in views of the Glenelg River, unique marsh areas and offers bird watching opportunities.
Lake Monibeong Loop Walk - 15km, 4.5 hours. Starts from campsite 5 in the Monibeong camp area, this is a 15km loop walk of medium difficulty, the walk passes the southern shore of the lake, heading for Nobles Rocks, return along the beach, turning off at Cape Montesquieu - Suttons Rocks.
Seal Colony Walk - 6km, 2.5 hours
Canoeing, boating and water skiing
The Glenelg River is a safe location for canoe trips. Contact the Nelson Visitor Information Centre for camping permits and information on canoe hire. Boat launching ramps and provided and water skiing is permitted in designated zones in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park.
Camping
Lake Mombeong
Campsites - There are 10 campsites available accommodating a maximum of 6 people per site. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for one camper-trailer or a medium sized tent. Bookings are required for this campsite.
Facilities - Flush toilets, shared picnic table, lake water (treat before drinking) and shared fireplace available.
Campfire - Only allowed in designated fireplaces provided - supply your own wood - but fuel stoves are preferred.
Water - Lake water is available but is not suitable for drinking - supply your own.
Swan Lake
Access - Swan Lake campground is accessible by 2WD however the road is gravel and there is a steep descent into the campground. Visitors towing a caravan will need a 4WD vehicle. The road from Swan Lake campground to the beach is 4WD only. Hikers can access the campground along the Great South West Walk.
Campsites - There are 5 campsites available accommodating a maximum of 6 people per site. All campsites are unpowered and are suitable for one camper-trailer or a medium sized tent. Bookings are required for this campsite.
Facilities - Non-flush toilets, shared picnic table, bore water (treat before drinking), information and shared fireplaces available.
Water - Bore water is available but is not suitable for drinking - supply your own.
Campfire - Only allowed in designated fireplaces provided - supply your own wood - but fuel stoves are preferred
How to get there
Discovery Bay Coastal Park is in south-west Victoria between Portland and Nelson adjoining the SA border, about 420kms from Melbourne and 490kms from Adelaide. The major access roads into the Park are The Blowholes Road, Scenic Drive and the Portland - Nelson Road.
Note: Photos from Parks Victoria
Location
Beach Road, Nelson 3292 Map
Web Links
→ Discovery Bay Coastal Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
→ Lower Glenelg River Guide (PDF)
