This is rapidly becoming one of Australia’s ‘classic walks’.

Complete track notes and maps for the 14 day itinerary are detailed in 'Take A Walk in Victoria's National Parks'.

The walk's promoted as a ‘Symphony in Four Movements’, referring to its four distinct sections.  They are:

Cobboboonee Forest,

the Glenelg River Gorge,

Discovery Bay and Mt Richmond, and

the Three Capes and Bays.  

Students from Portland High School built the first leg of the walk; the Sea Cliff Nature Walk, at Cape Nelson.

The 250km circuit was the brainchild of Sam Bruton, head ranger for the region and Bill Golding, principal of Portland High School.  After years of planning, the walk was finally completed and is now maintained predominantly by the Friends of the Great South West Walk.  They conduct one 'guided walk' every year where they transfer camping gear and food from camp to camp. This is an ideal way to get into long distance walking without having to carry a big pack.