Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nelson
POP 230
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
( 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 expedi-
tions - canoe hire costs from $60 a day, or $45 for three days including waterproof bar-
rels. Self-contained houseboats cost $410 for two nights. Also rents motorboats and
paddles.
BOATING
Nelson River Cruises
( 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 Mar-
garet 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; tick-
ets for the cave cost extra.
CRUISE
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 camp-
ing permits online.
Nelson Cottage
COTTAGE
$
