Tucked away quietly on the Victoria-South Australia border is a tiny coastal hamlet named Nelson. It's a hidden gem that travellers often overlook. With a permanent population of just 191 residents (2021 census), this sleepy little town swells to bursting point during holidays, but for most of the year, it reverts to its calm and tranquil state.

The town's charm lies in its simplicity – a pub and service station, surrounded by picturesque caravan parks and miles of waterway with plenty of riverside camping options. But for boaties, Nelson offers a treasure trove of opportunities.

The Glenelg River, which flows from the Grampians, is a majestic waterway that winds through the Lower Glenelg National Park, passing by lush forests, limestone cliffs, and abundant wildlife. As you cruise upstream, you'll pass by riverside cottages and converted boat sheds, many perched on platforms over the water.

Many use the old style of fishing at Nelson, dragging a live bait slowly and quietly pay dividends

The river is broad and deep, with designated water sports and skiing areas. But for me, it's the peace and tranquillity of exploring the river's many waterways, fishing and cruising amongst the snags and drop-offs that make this experience truly special. The Glenelg River is a haven for nature lovers, with a vast array of birds, including sea and wedge-tail eagles, parrots, cockatoos, pelicans, egrets and many others. You'll also spot kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and even snakes in the warmer months.

As you make your way downstream to Nelson, the river becomes more populated, with riverside boatsheds and dwellings dotting the banks. This river rewards a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak up its beauty and take in the sights. As Ratty from The Wind In The Willows would say, "Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." The Glenelg River is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy.

Nelson is a tiny town with a big personality, thanks to its picturesque waterside boathouses that line the Glenelg River. These charming structures range from basic fishing platforms to heritage-listed shacks and modern waterfront dwellings, giving the town its unique identity. As the river flows downstream, it widens into Oxbow Lake, a tranquil estuary that meanders through the coastal plain before meeting the sea at Discovery Bay. This area's beaches and sand spits are perfect for a family swim on a warm day, but beware of the strong currents and pounding surf near the river mouth.

The Princess Highway bridge crosses the Glenelg River at Nelson, bait fishing is popular

Blink and You'll Miss It!

Despite its charm, Nelson is easy to miss if you're just passing through. The town's small size and location mean that most traffic bypasses it. Whilst Nelson is on the Princess Highway, most travellers opt for the more direct route between capitals through Heywood and the "Green Triangle", a region renowned for its extensive plantation forests.

However, Nelson is worth a more extended stay, especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway. The town's facilities are more than adequate, with a historic pub serving great counter meals, and a range of accommodation options from cottages and motels to Airbnb's and caravan parks. The River-Vu Park is a great spot to stay in the heart of town, while the Kywong Caravan Park offers a more secluded experience amidst 25 acres of bushland. And if you're looking for something more adventurous, there's riverside camping in the Lower Glenelg National Park. With its natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Nelson is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

The Nelson Tasman region has plenty of boat ramps and launching ramps, plus a terrific water sports area

Adventure Awaits on the Glenelg River

Nelson is a paradise for water enthusiasts, boasting the longest river in south-west Victoria. The Glenelg River is a big, safe waterway offering endless fun and adventure opportunities.

Parks Victoria has provided top-notch facilities, including bush camping spots, boat ramps, and docking facilities, making it a breeze to enjoy the river. The river is perfect for all sorts of activities, from water skiing and kayaking to fishing and nature watching.

There's lovely riverside beaches and the limestone cliffs at Golden Bay plus plenty of campsites

You can choose your adventure level, whether cruising on a houseboat or trying your hand at sportfishing.

Caravaning and boating all in one on the Glenelg River

Fishing at Nelson

The Glenelg River is home to a variety of fish species, including estuary perch, mulloway, and bream, making it a haven for anglers. The river's structure, including boat sheds and fallen tree branches, is key to fishing success, and lure fishing is particularly popular. If you're feeling lazy, you can try soaking a peeled prawn or squid – a tried-and-true method for catching some scaly success. The river is navigable for a long way, and exploring it properly would take days. At night, the river comes alive with fishermen trolling live mullet, trying to catch the famous Glenelg River mulloway. With plenty of canoe, kayak, and land-based fishing options, Nelson is a true fisherman's paradise.

Mulloway from the reed beds on the Glenelg River, if you want rainbow trout visit nearby Rocklands Reservoir

The Glenelg River is a watery playground perfect for getting lost in. You could easily spend a fortnight cruising the navigable waterways in a comfortable boat, or camping out in a smaller vessel. I reckon I could spend months exploring this region and still not get bored. If you don't have a boat, you can hire one or tour with Nelson River Cruisers. For a more leisurely pace, Paestan Canoe Hire is a great option – they supply fully equipped canoes and kayaks, and can help plan your entire trip, including accommodation and guides. Don't forget to bring your surf rods, too – the local beaches offer excellent fishing opportunities.

The beaches around Nelson offer terrific surf fishing with bait like squid or lures but pick your tides.

The region's also a haven for bushwalkers, with fire trails and scenic walks crisscrossing the Lower Glenelg National Park. Nelson is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, with attractions like the Princess Margaret Rose Caves, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and the historic town of Port MacDonnell. If you're looking for something more adventurous, there are world-famous underwater cave dives, crystal-clear sinkholes, and the stunning Blue Lake.

The Nelson region is a treasure trove of experiences, from fishing and boating to bushwalking and exploring. So, take your time, and don't tell anyone about this hidden gem – you might want to keep it all to yourself. Remember, the Eagles song, "Call a place paradise and kiss it goodbye!"

The bird watching is exceptional at Nelson

Explore Victoria’s Ultimate River Playground

Thinking about boating and camping in Victoria/South Australia? Then consider Nelson for your next great adventure.

And if it's time to buy your first or next dream boat, we've got it online at Only Boats! You will find terrific deals on boats for sale, including used boats and new boats. Those new to boating will find plenty of helpful information in our used boat buying guide.

Perhaps you're looking to upgrade your boat? We can help not only to sell your boat, but we offer our expert guide on how to improve its resale value. If off to a boat show then take advantage of our detailed boat show buying guide.

 


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