Lonely Planet Melbourne & Victoria (Travel Guide) by Planet Lonely & Ham Anthony & Holden Trent & Morgan Kate

Author:Planet, Lonely & Ham, Anthony & Holden, Trent & Morgan, Kate [Planet, Lonely]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Published: 2014-05-31T21:00:00+00:00

Nelson

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Tiny Nelson is the last vestige of civilisation before the South Australian border – just a general store, a pub and a handful of accommodation places. It’s a popular holiday and fishing spot at the mouth of the Glenelg River, which flows through Lower Glenelg National Park. Note that Nelson uses South Australia’s 08 telephone area code.

Activities

There’s a rugged stretch of coast, but swimming is best suited to its Estuary Beach.

Nelson Boat & Canoe Hire BOATING

( 08-8738 4048; www.nelsonboatandcanoehire.com.au) Exploring the 65km stretch of scenic river along Lower Glenelg National Park on a multiday canoe trip or a houseboat is one of Victoria’s best hidden secrets. This outfit can rig you up for serious river-camping expeditions – canoe hire costs from $60 a day, or $45 for three days including waterproof barrels. Self-contained houseboats cost $410 for two nights. Also rents motorboats and paddles.

Nelson River Cruises CRUISE

( 0448 887 1225, 08-8738 4191; www.glenelgrivercruises.com.au; cruises adult/child $30/10; Sep-Jun) These leisurely 3½-hour cruises head along the Glenelg River, departing Nelson at 1pm several times a week; check website for schedule. The tours include the impressive Princess Margaret Rose Cave ( 08-8738 4171; www.princessmargaretrosecave.com; adult/child/family $17.50/11.50/40; hourly tours 11am to 4.30pm, reduced hours winter) , with its gleaming underground formations; tickets for the cave cost extra.

Sleeping & Eating

There are nine camp sites between Nelson and Dartmoor along the Glenelg River, which are popular with canoeists but are also accessible by road, with ablutions and fireplaces (BYO firewood). Forest Camp South on the river is the nicest of these. Pre-arrange camping permits online.

Nelson Cottage COTTAGE $

( 08-8738 4161; www.nelsoncottage.com.au; cnr Kellett & Sturt Sts; d from $90; ) This 1848 cottage, once used as a police station, has old-fashioned rooms with clean shared amenities.

Kywong Caravan Park CAMPGROUND $

( 08-8738 4174; www.kywongcp.com; North Nelson Rd; unpowered/powered sites $22/27, cabin d from $65) Set 1km north of town, this 25-acre park is next to the national park and Glenelg River, with plenty of wildlife and great birdwatching.

Nelson Hotel PUB $$

( 08-8738 4011; www.nelsonhotel.com.au; Kellett St; d/apt incl breakfast from $65/120, mains $17-35; ) As real as outback pubs come, the Nelson Hotel (established in 1855) is an essential stop for a beer and friendly yarn with locals. It’s got a character-filled front bar and bistro serving hearty meals, and rooms are basic, but comfortable. For more privacy, go the fantastic attached studio.

Information

Nelson Visitors Centre ( 08-8738 4051; http://parkweb.vic.gov.au; internet per 30min $2.50; 9am-5pm daily summer, Mon, Wed & Thu winter; ) Good info for both sides of the border; has internet access.

Getting There & Away

Nelson is 65km from Portland, and 4km from the South Australian border.

There’s no public transport here, so you’ll need your own wheels, or you can walk here on the Great South West Walk.

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