Great South West Walk

Completed as a solo hike counter-clockwise per the recommended direction to get the prevailing winds at your back along the beach section. Good stepping stone as a training hike for future longer thru-hikes.

Day 1 - Portland to Cobboboonee (48km)
Day 2 - Cobboboonee to Battersbys (53km)
Day 3 - Battersbys to Nelson (38km)
Day 4 - Rest Day (0km)
Day 5 - Nelson to Swan Lake (41km)
Day 6 - Swan Lake to Trewalla (43km)
Day 7 - Trewalla to Portland (42km)

A serious mileage hike to complete in 6 days of walking, on some days going from before sunup to after sundown. The rest day in Nelson was essential to allow muscle recovery, with some hearty meals had at the pub. Pre- and Post- camped in Sawpit campground near Portland. Left a food cache at the Nelson visitor information center prior to starting, to minimise pack weight and give the best chance of successful completion.

Several long and boring detours along tens of kilometers of logging tracks during the first and second day had to be endured due to some planned burns in the forest. The second section along the Glenelg River was very picturesque, and interesting to gain this new perspective alongside and above the river after paddling the Moleside to Nelson kayak tour late last year.

Legs became very fatigued during the 60km beach stretch along Discovery Bay on the third section where no other hikers were encountered - the most challenging part of the hike. High or low tide there were long stretches where no hard sand was found, seemingly the softness is more a function of beach slope rather than tide level, with flatter sand providing firmer footing. Quite a mental challenge setting out alone on this long, isolated section, where ahead lies only endless beachscape with no end in sight. The peace of mind had from carrying a PLB was priceless.

Cameled up at every campsite's water tank and carried only 0.5L - 1L between campsites to further lighten load, except for the longer and more isolated beach sections where 2L was carried. Called ahead to the Portland visitor center to confirm water tanks were filled and reliable before embarking.

Many many kangaroos seen everywhere, as well as a variety of birds along with a few fairy penguins on the beach. Lots of flotsam and jetsam washed up on the shore, as is to be expected, including surprisingly four 40ft containers beached on some rocks near Swan Lake.

The highlight has to be the Capes and Bays final section, with dramatic sea cliffs, rock formations, and wild, windswept headlands. Also here were many lookouts with informative signs covering historical, geological, and flora & fauna facts.

All in all a very satisfying circuit hike with quite a breadth of scenery, and its distance from major cities means it doesn't have the throngs of people that other places often attracts, as well as being a viable option in winter when the high country is blanketed in snow.