Cape Nelson State Park

Set on 210 hectares with craggy coast cliffs, this park is home to sea birds and unique soap mallee gum trees. A small tree that occurs nowhere else in Victoria yet is firly common along the coast in South Australia.

Echidnas are plentiful within the park and along the tracks are the holes that they dig looking for ants and grubs.

A range of walking tracks including a 5km lighthouse walk, offer the opportunity to walk as little or as much as desired, allowing you to explore the spectacular costal cliffs, diverse bird life and picturesque surrounds of the park.

BBQ facilities and a picnic area at Cape Nelson State Park are in ideal location for a pleasant meal with family and friends.

Cape Nelson scenic drive is a pleasant 24km round trip from Portland. At the end of the drive, the spectacular Cape Nelson Lighthouse stands 32 metres tall and dates back to 1883. Tours of the lighthouse are available.

Cape Nelson Walks

Sea Cliff Nature Walk
This gentle 3km loop walk begins at the car patk adjacent to the Cape Nelson Road and Scenic Drive. It rncompasses costal scrub, cliff tops and views out to the Southern Ocean.

Major Mitchell Cairn
A stone column was unveiled in 1952 to commemorate the journey to the Cape by Major Mitchell and Edward Henty in July 1836. This marker is located just off the Portland to Cape Nelson Road.

Yellow Rock
Yellow Rock is a popular surfing spot and painting subject for local artists. Boardwalks and platforms make the area accessible for prams and wheelchairs. with a staircase leading to the beach. Its only 10 minute return walk from the car park.

The Enchanted Forest
Dense, almost tropical vegetation creates a unique and enchanting canopy, with the 45 minute round-trip walk through the canopy leading to lookouts to view the ocean and spectacular cliff formations.