Things to do in Nelson Victoria
The must-see local attraction in the Nelson area
Local attractions
Halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, Nelson is a great place to explore both the Victorian Great Ocean Road and the South Australian Limestone Coast.
Whether you’re keen to drop a line, hike a section of the Great South West Walk, enjoy a scenic Glenelg River cruise or self-guided kayaking tour you won’t want to miss Nelson.
Great South West Walk
The Great South West Walk is a 250 kilometre walking track that forms a giant loop between Portland and Nelson. It passes through 4 national parks and follows the coast along the Discovery Bay Coastal Park and inland along the Glenelg River. Along the way see stunning natural features including sandy beaches, rock formations, ocean views, forests and the picturesque Glenelg River with its gorges and limestone cliffs.
Lower Glenelg National Park
Covering 27,300 hectares and situated in the south-western corner of Victoria, the Glenelg River is the park’s central feature as it carves gorges up to 50 metres deep through limestone.
Nelson Canoe Hire
Experience the tranquillity and marvel at the natural treasures along the Glenelg River at Nelson and its surrounding National Parks by hiring a canoe or kayak.
Paddling the mirrorlike water of the Glenelg River is one of the best canoe trips in Australia. You’ll glide through rolling bushland, ancient gorges into the sweeping estuary. Hire a canoe or kayak from the large fleet at Nelson Canoe Hire.
Glenelg River Cruises
Come aboard, relax and enjoy a cruise on the Glenelg River, set in the majestic Lower Glenelg National Park.
Cruise aboard the top deck of the Nelson Explorer or inside the cosy cabin of the Nelson Endeavour, departing from Old Bridge Road on the coastal township of Nelson in Victoria.
Vessels are also available for functions and private charter, and can be catered for day or night.
Fishing
The Glenelg River is one of Victoria’s longest and deepest rivers – over 500km long offering plenty of great spots to cast out, especially in the river’s extensive lower estuary and also further upstream. The pristine Glenelg River system holds very healthy resident populations of southern black bream, estuary perch and yellow-eye mullet, as well as playing host to regular influxes of mulloway or jewfish, juvenile Australian salmon and silver trevally.
Cast from along the banks, bridge and jetties or launch your fishing vessel or kayak from over 29 ramps, many with picnic facilities.
Livingstone Island nature walk & Estuary Beach
This bird watchers paradise loop walk starts and finishes at the Estuary Beach, only 1km from Nelson town centre. You may spot swans, pelicans, spoon bills, herons and ducks as you meander along Livingstone Island to Estuary Beach. Equally impressive is the sunset over the mirror-like water at Estuary Beach.
Further Afield
- Limestone Coast
- Coonawarra
- Lake Mombeong
- Portland
- Mt Gambier
- Penola
Photos from Nelson area
Nelson Cafe
Nelson from River Mouth
Nelson Pub
Pelicans River Mouth
Playground acoss the river
West Side Boat Ramp
Birdhides from River
Glenelg River
River mouth
River mouth
