In the area
THE GLENELG RIVER
Nelson is ideally situated at the estuary mouth of the Glenelg River, giving visitors easy access to both the river and ocean beaches, coastal and inland National Parks.
The Glenelg River begins in the Grampians and travels 400 kilometres to the sea at Nelson. Close to Nelson, the Glenelg River has carved a spectacular gorge up to 50 metres deep through limestone.
The river is a wonderful place to go boating or canoeing, swimming or water skiing. Take a 3-hour river cruise to the Princess Margaret Rose Caves, hike or camp in the unspoiled surrounds of the national parks.
The Glenelg estuary, the longest in Victoria, provides a salt water habitat far upstream for a wide range of fish including mulloway, bream, mullet, salmon, trout and estuary perch. This makes it one of Australia’s most popular fishing destinations. Boats can be hired in Nelson, and fishing gear and licences can be purchased at the local store.
DAY TRIPS FROM NELSON
In South Australia
- Ewen’s Ponds – Swimming, snorkelling, diving
- Piccaninnie Ponds – Snorkelling, diving, beach walks
- Donovan’s township – BBQ picnics, fishing, boating, antiques
- Penola/Coonawarra – Wine growing & tasting
- Mount Schank – Climb up and inside a dormant volcanic crater
- Port Mac Donnell – See the crayfish fleet, eat fresh crayfish
- Mount Gambier – Visit the Blue Lake & Lady Nelson Visitor Discovery Centre
- Umpherston Caves (Mount Gambier) – Feed the possums, enjoy the gardens, have a BBQ
In Victoria
- Lake Monibeong – Pristine spring-fed lake and ocean rock ponds
- Dartmoor – Waterfall Gardens, Coach House Museum
- Cape Bridgewater – Seals by Sea tour, petrified forest, blow holes
- Casterton – Warrock Homestead
- Mt Eccles National Park – Spot koalas on the Volcano Discovery Trail
- Portland – Maritime Museum
- Cape Nelson – Lighthouse & cafe