Greenwald - Cobboboonee National Park
Cobboboonee National Park and the adjoining forest park showcase lowland forest and heathland on the doorstep of Portland and Heywood in far southwest Victoria.
Explore the park by horseback on the Great Cobboboonee Horse trail, extending along 60 kilometres of forest roads. There are also a variety of walking tracks catering for all fitness levels. The spectacular 250 kilometre Great South West Walk treks through the park and continues on through several others. There are some 'step on step off' hikes allowing for shorter or longer overnight combinations.
Enjoying the Park
Cobboboonee National Park has lowland forests, heathlands and wetlands offering a wide range of activities for visitors.
Walking
There are a variety of walking tracks in the area, catering for all fitness levels.
The spectacular Great South West Walk treks through the park and continues on through several of south-west Victoria's other great parks. A separate brochure covering the entire 250-kilometre walk is available from visitor information centres at Portland, Nelson, Hamilton and Warrnambool and
on-line at www.greatsouthwestwalk.com
Heathland Nature Walk 3km - 40 minutes (easy)
This short return walk takes you through picturesque heathland with colourful spring wildflower displays and panoramic views.
Tim's Loop Walk 1km - 30 minutes (easy)
The walk passes through the forest to the Surry River. Messmate, Swamp gums and Blackwood abound along the way and watch for koalas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and the smaller Red-Necked
Wallaby.
The surrounding forest is home to a wide variety of plants and animals including towering Blackwoods, tree ferns and many small fungi. Powerful owls, Yellow-bellied gliders and kingfishers can be seen, and evidence of smaller mammals such as potoroos and bandicoots are present.
Cobboboonee Camp to Cut-Out Camp (section of Great South West Walk) 8km - 4 hours (medium)
This is an enjoyable flat walk through heathland and Messmate forest, suitable for walkers prepared to run a car shuttle. Alternatively, the walk can be done as a pleasant overnight return trip. A good walk for bird lovers and to see spring wildflowers.
Camping and Picnics
Jackass Fern Gully Campground, Wright's Campground and Surry Ridge Campground are the main picnic and campgrounds. These campsites and their surrounds are flat and provide reasonable access for people with disabilities. Each has toilet facilities, picnic tables and fireplaces. Camping fees apply to hikers camps along the walk.
Horse riding
Great Cobboboonee Horse Trail 60km - 3 days (medium)
This ride extends along 60kms of forest roads, running north south. The tour starts at the intersection of the PortlandNelson Road and Wright Swamp Road. The trail uses the Wright's Campground and tranquil Jackass Fern Gully Campground for overnight camping.
Short walks to break the ride are also available at this site. Although the trail follows quiet forest roads, take care of all traffic. The trail can be shortened by taking some of the east-west running roads.
The Cobboboonee Horse Trail 10km - 4 hour return (easy)
Starts near the intersection of Jennings and Blackwoods Roads, and follows existing forest roads with views into surrounding beef and dairy farmland. Riders can take a short detour at the northern end of the ride to view the nearby Surry River. Take care when traffic passes. Horses are not permitted on
walking tracks.
Touring by vehicle
One of the most popular touring routes is the Wood, Wine and Roses Forest Drive. This drive weaves for 90-kilometres between Portland and Heywood and takes in the scenic rural landscape, local wineries, a rose farm and both the Cobboboonee National Park and adjoining Forest Park.
Location
Mt Deception Road, Greenwald 3304 Map
Web Links
→ www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/cobboboonee-national-park
→ Cobboboonee National Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
