If you haven’t done so already, check out our Great South West Walk hiking trail summary. Else, let us continue on with this first section of the trail from Portland to Cubby’s Camp.
Counter clockwise is the recommended direction to take on the Great South West Walk starting from Portland. I’m not entirely sure why, but it does make sense for some reasons.
Many people will say that this first inland section is quite boring, but really it will depend on the individual and what type of hiking you are used to. If you are all about views, then yes it may be boring; if you are all about forests, birds, and other flora & fauna, then no it is not boring at all. But it is one of the longest sections taking a total of 5 days to get through Cobboboonee National Park.
This section from Portland to Cubby’s Camp will be your first day where you will leave Portland, passing several historical sites, and heading inland (along some roads also) and finally into Cobboboonee Forest Park at the 19km mark.
This first section is quite long at 20.5km total measured distance. A total elevation gain of 245 meters further adds to the difficulty of this section.
The first European sailors noted many campfires along the cliff tops
In 1800, Lieutenant James Grant made the first chart of the south western area of the coastline of Victoria. Sighting the area from the Lady Nelson, he named Portland Bay after the first English Secretary of State, the Duke of Portland.
The first non-indigenous settlements in these areas were by sealers and whalers.
Indigenous people lived along the coast and inland for thousands of years before William Dutton established a shore-based whaling industry, with a hut and garden in 1829.
At the time, Portland Bay was one of the best whaling areas in the world with annual catches running into the hundreds. Between 1833 and 1837 an estimated 700 tons of whale oil was shipped from Portland Bay. The flat beach (now submerged) along Dutton Way provided an ideal site to bring the whales ashore.
Whales are seen irregularly from almost any of the cliff top areas along the coastline around Portland and Cape Bridgewater.
Edward Henty arrived on the 19th of November, 1834 and was later followed by his brothers. The Hentys were farmers but also had a share in the whale industry. The arrival of the Hentys began the settlement of Victoria. The first piece of soil was turned by settlers on the 16th of December, 1834 at the Ploughed Field. This commenced Victoria’s agricultural development.
For a number of years leading up to the Victorian gold rush Portland competed with Melbourne for the status of major settlement of the south.
Great South West Walk: Section 1 – Portland to Cubby’s Camp
Section 1: Portland to Cubby’s Camp.
- Section Features: Nuns Beach, Ploughed Field, Henty/Dutton Memorial, Dutton’s Lookout, Whales, Bluff Lighthouse 1859, Dutton Way Sea Wall.
- Reported Distance: 20km
- Measured Distance: 20.5km
- Elevation Gain: 245 metres
- Elevation Loss: 195 metres
- Minimum Elevation: 1 metre
- Maximum Elevation: 65 metres
- Time to complete: 5-6 hours
Starting from the information centre in Portland turn right (looking towards the Portland township) in the direction of the forest.
Oddly enough, along this section you won’t see any red triangles which otherwise guide the way. Continue along the beach walking path until you see the first arrow.
The Great South West Walk is marked very well throughout with little red triangular markers generally nailed to wooden posts throughout. If you keep an eye on these you shouldn’t get lost. Having said that though, on occasion you may miss one in which case it is always good to have a map handy. You can get the Great South West Walk map here.
Always look out for the red markers up ahead to make sure you take the correct path, especially while leaving Portland.
And welcome to Cubby’s Camp, located 20.5km from the start of the walk at Portland. This overnight walkers camp is located in Cobboboonee Forest Park amongst tall eucalypts. All campsites now have these wonderful huts which have a picnic table, seating, and a hikers registration booklet, along with detailed information of the current and next section, and a map of the entire trail. How great is that!
All campsites have at least one water tank, some have two – but please remember that you must filter the water that you use for cooking or drinking. Clean toilets are also available at every site. Cubby’s Camp is one of two campsites which are non-bookable. Walk in, camp, pack up and leave without a trace.
As a general note for most campsites – Possums. Possums are around most sites. Be sure to securely pack away your food at night, every night. Not only do they come and play around the camp site huts, but they also sleep behind the Great South West Walk information boards!!!
Continue on to Great South West Walk Section 2 – Cubby’s Camp to Cut Out Camp.