Things to do in Nelson
Adventures on the water
Canoeing & boating
Nelson is a great location for both leisure boating, skiing and canoeing. The river provides a beautiful backdrop for fun on the water. There are 3 boat ramps and two canoe launch sites in the township that are easily accessible to the public.
The staff at our local boat and canoe hire facilities can help you with craft hire and provide the latest information about water safety and state boating rules. There is a designated ski zone for skiing and wakeboarding enthusiasts to enjoy. Be sure to book your boats and canoes early as the river is popular during the summer holidays.
View your boat and canoe hire options in the next section of this page.
Swimming
Ocean or river, the choice is yours. Take a dip or enjoy some time with the family at Estuary beach.
Otherwise opt for a swim in the river at one of the many pleasant riverside locations.
Strong currents in the ocean make it unsafe for swimming, but the calm waters of the Estuary are suitable for all ages.
Fishing
Nelson is a hidden gem for both new and seasoned fishing enthusiasts, with the mighty Glenelg River the heart and soul of the town. Known as an ‘angling mecca’ and famed for its river landings surrounded by limestone cliffs - you won’t get a fishing experience like this anywhere else in Victoria.
There are many accessible fishing locations along the river - suitable for boating and shore fishing. The Glenelg River is home to a range of fish including bream, estuary perch, mullet and the prized mulloway. Try your hand at surf fishing from the Nelson beach.
If you are fishing in Victorian waters you will require a fishing license. Fishing licenses are available on the Service Victoria website, or locally from the Roadhouse. A permit to fish is not required in South Australian waters, if you’re travelling upstream.
Tours and charters
Bocara Cultural Walking Tours
Immerse yourself in an Aboriginal cultural tour to remember with locally-run Bocara Cultural Walking Tours.
Gunditjmara Traditional Owner Judy McDonald offers guided tours of Mirring (Country) in Nelson, where visitors can spot native bush foods and botanicals and learn about Gunditjmara history.
Tours run most Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s throughout the year, with private bookings also available on request.
Book your spot on an upcoming tour and learn more on the Bocara Cultural Walking Tours website.
Casuarina Boat Hire
Experience the stunning waterways of Nelson with Casuarina Boat Hire - your gateway to unforgettable adventures on the Glenelg River.
A family-run business, Casuarina Boat Hire offers reliable, safe and easy-to-operate boats - no boat license required.
Whether planning a fishing trip, romantic river cruise or a day cruise, there is a boat to suit your needs. Boats depart from Simson’s Landing Boat Ramp.
Visit the Casuarina Boat Hire website to view your options and make a booking.
Nelson Canoe Hire
Nelson Canoe Hire is the longest running canoe company operating on the Glenelg River. They’re the experts to talk to when you’re looking to make the most of everything the Glenelg River and Lower Glenelg National Park have to offer via their canoe adventure tours.
The Nelson Canoe Hire team know the river like no other and can help you plan an ideal itinerary for your family or group.
Conveniently located in Nelson, you can launch free from Simsons Landing or be delivered to your selected location for a fee.
Book your canoe adventure and learn more on the Nelson Canoe Hire website.
A nature lovers’ paradise
There is a huge range of wild animals and birds in the surrounding bush and beach. It is common to see rare birds, wallabies, koalas and many more native animals at your doorstep in town. Head down to the estuary beach at sunset to see kangaroos hopping along the sandy shores.
Bird watching
Nelson is a coveted location for bird watchers from across Australia. The Nelson township, surrounded by bush, sings with the peaceful sounds of birdlife.
Spot endangered species such as the Rufous Bristlebird, Hooded Plover and white bellied sea eagle. Common sightings include sulphur-crested cockatoos, Australian King parrots, fairy wrens, eastern spinebills, New holland honeyeaters, Gang Gang cockatoos, Jacky Winters, large pods of pelicans and many types of rosellas.
The estuary is an important breeding ground for sea birds of many kinds.
Bird lists are available from the Visitor Centre.
You can also view a list of birdlife found in the Lower Glenelg National Park on Avibase.
Turtle spotting at Sapling Creek
One of the best spots in Lower Glenelg National Park to spot turtles in the wild, Sapling Creek is a hidden oasis for wildlife just 10 minutes’ drive from Nelson.
Scan the landscape for koalas, kangaroos, emus and an arrange of birdlife all in the one place.
Throw a line in and can catch bream or share a meal in the picnic area. Part of Great South West Walk, Sapling Creek has great amenities including toilets, a boat ramp and canoe launch site.
Moleside Platypus haven
If spotting a platypus in the wild is on your bucketlist, Moleside Canoe Campground is a must-visit.
Surrounded by thick eucalypt forest in Lower Glenelg National Park, keep your eyes peeled for these rare monotremes.
Launch a canoe and explore the river or enjoy a picnic on the grass.
Diving & snorkelling
The World Heritage Picanninnie Ponds is only 10 Minutes from Nelson over the South Australian (SA) border. Look for the beach springs and floating rock.
If you’re planning to snorkel or dive in SA while in while on your trip be sure to apply for a permit online. Ewens Ponds is also located off the Port MacDonnell Road but can be be snorkelled with a permit.
Wombats in the wild
Take a 10 minute drive across the border into south Australia and spot wombats in the wild at the Dry Creek Native Forest Reserve. Dusk or early evening is the best time to see wombats outside their burrows.
The Nelson Estuary
The Estuary in Nelson is part of the internationally significant Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Ramsar Site.
While the estuary itself includes the 75km stretch of the Glenelg River to just downstream of Dartmoor, locally the Estuary refers to the sandy landscape where the river mouth meets the sea.
A popular fishing, swimming and walking spot, the estuary is an ideal spot for families, friends and couples seeking a serene outdoor escape.
Large pods of pelicans can often be spotted swimming and flying together, and many bird species can be found here before they migrate to the northern hemisphere.
One of the best locations to watch the sunset, the sky’s reflection bounces off the shallow waters here creating a symphony of colour.
If you’re quiet, you’ll spot kangaroos hopping along the sandy shores as the sun goes down.
Ghost mushroom hunting
A rare natural phenomenon, ghost mushrooms can be found growing along the Glenelg River in Nelson during the winter months.
As their name suggests, ghost mushrooms are bioluminescent, meaning they emit a soft green glow at night. They’re often found growing on decaying plant material, rotting wood and at the base of trees.
Begin your search from May-August along the riverside trails. (Photo: Tisha Kavanagh)
Biking, hiking and walking trails
There are numerous trails around Nelson and some offer lovely views of the river and the river mouth. Popular walks include Livingstone Island Nature Walk, Gorge Walk, Lake Mombeong Loop & Sapling Creek Loop. The Great South West Walk is a superb walk for serious bush walkers. For more information about the trails you can get a short walks booklet from the Nelson Visitor Centre.
Great South West Walk
The famous Great South West Walk is revered in the hiking community as one of the state’s most spectacular walks. The 12 day circular Great South West Walk begins in Portland and stretches for 250km along the coast. Hikers often complete segments of the walk.
The Nelson leg of the Great South West Walk marks a scenic transition point where the Glenelg River meets the sea. This section is characterized by sandy beaches, dunes, and the entrance to Discovery Bay, with the town of Nelson serving as a major, popular, and convenient rest, resupply, and midway point for hikers. It is a popular turnaround point for hikers seeking to complete a segment of the walk.
Visitors to Nelson can easily access the Great South West Walk and enjoy shorter walks along the trail. Gaze upon sandstone cliffs and scenic river views, and spot an abundance of Australian wildlife - from echidnas and koalas to rare birdlife.
The Gorge Walk
The Gorge Walk is the perfect way to explore the Nelson surrounds and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Glenelg River, meandering limestone cliffs and local wildflowers.
The track is 10 kilometres long, commencing at the car park near the North Nelson Track and River Road intersection. The walk is medium difficulty but well worth it.
Livingstone Island Nature Walk
There are numerous areas where native wildflowers and plant species thrive in Nelson. Livingstone Island Nature Walk is a local favourite. Take the Livingstone Island Nature Walk out through the salt marshes to discover a range of local wildlife. This easy boardwalk trail not only offers beautiful views of Lake Oxbow but is perfect for birdwatching as it is home to a range of native waterbirds.
Download the free Livingstone Island Nature Walk Audio Guide and learn about the geography, history and ecology of the area as you wander this magnificent trail through the estuary, wetlands and bush.
Bike riding
Whether you prefer a leisurely ride surrounded by bushland and a river setting, or a mountain biking adventure, you’ll find the perfect trail in Nelson.
There are kilometres of tracks around the town and in the Lower Glenelg National Park.