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Getting There

Nelson is located in Victoria's South West, close to the South Australian border. It is less than half an hour from Mt. Gambier and less than an hour from Portland.

Attractions

Ewens Ponds Conservation Park (SA)

A short drive from Nelson, Ewens Ponds are a must for swimmers, snorklers and divers. Crystal clear fresh water, filtering up through a moving sand bed in the first of three interconnected ponds, flows three kilometres to the sea. There is easy access to the first and third ponds. Wetsuits are recommended as the water is cold.

Great South West Walk

This internationally renowned walk traverses 250kms of walking track linking national parks and other features. The walk starts and finishes in Portland, winding its way through vibrant native forests and along the majestic Glenelg River, through Nelson, and along sweeping beaches and rugged cliff tops of Discovery Bay.

Donovans (SA)

Set on the banks of the Glenelg River where it loops into South Australia, Donovans is just one kilometer from the SA border. An ideal spot for a day out, you'll find picnic facilities, electric barbecue, children's playground, boat ramp and public landing (no fishing license required).

Fishing

The Lower Glenelg river is well known to anglers for its excellent fishing. Sought after estuarine species include mulloway, bream, perch, mullet and salmon. A local species of spiny fresh water crayfish is fount in higher reaches of the river. Good fishing is available from the landings around Nelson and in the National Park. Boats and other watercraft can be hired in the centre of Nelson.

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

Stretching form Nelson to Portland, this park offers more than 50kms of sweeping ocean beach, massive sand dunes interspersed with freshwater lakes, magnificent coastal cliffs and guided walks. Be sure to visit the blowholes, petrified forest and freshwater lakes near Cape Bridgewater.

Princess Margaret Rose Cave

Experience a fine example of an old 'stream cave'. Marvel at the wonders of stalactites, stalagmites and helictites which decorate this natural treasure. Professionally guided tours daily (Closed Christmas Day). Fishing, swimming, flora, fauna, picnic grounds, wood BBQ's, nature walks and kiosk. Situated 30kms from Mount Gambier and 17kms from Nelson by road, or can be reached via tourist boat or cruise from Nelson.

Livingston Island Nature Walk

The Glenelg River Estuary is a great place for bird watching. The Livingston Island Nature Walk, a circular route leaving from the Estuary carpark, has a boardwalk and bird-hide. Spoon-bills, ducks, herons, pelicans and swans can often be seen here as can kangaroos and occasional echidnas.

Lower Glenelg National Park

Rising in the Grampians, the Glenelg River meanders some 400kms south to empty into the ocean at Nelson. The Lower 60kms flow through the Lower Glenelg National Park, renowned for its up river snags, living bushland, limestone gorges and sweeping estuary. Parks, heathland and forest offer great walks and drives. Visit the Parks Visitor Center in Nelson for parks information.

Glenelg River Cruises

Departing Nelson aboard the award winning Nelson Endeavour or the classic wooden cutter, Pompei's Pride, the cruises follow picturesque Glenelg River up through the Lower Glenelg National Park. Enjoy the scenery of the limestone gorge, observe the abundant bird life and visit the Princess Margaret Rose Cave. River cruise/canoe pakages also available.

Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park (SA)

The world renowned Piccaninnie Ponds is a unique aquatic wonderland. The crystal-clear waters of this fantastic ground water-fed spring have been slowly filtering through the limestone and forming the ponds' features over thousands of years. With water visibility that can exceed 40 metres, this is one of the most spectacular underwater sites in the area. Activities include snorkelling and diving (by permit - available from the S. A. N. P. S. weekdays, and Mount Gambier Police on weekends). Non-divers can enjoy beach walks to the mouth of the outlet creek and to freshwater springs bubbling out of the sand (east).