If you haven’t done so already, check out our Great South West Walk hiking trail summary or go back to GSWW Section 12 – Tarragal Camp to The Springs Camp. Else, let us continue on with this thirteenth section of the Great South West Walk from The Springs Camp to Trewalla Camp.
This section has quite a few viewing points along the way so you may wish to add extra time to complete it. We arrived at the blowhole lookout at low tide, so there really wasn’t anything to see which was a shame. I did see it blow on the approach from afar – must have been a rogue wave. Else I think you need to try to time this one for higher tides. The petrified forest has some interesting rock formations, and the seals and dolphins seen on the approach to Bridgewater Bay are certainly worth checking out, right on the trail.
Bridgewater Bay has a kiosk/restaurant. Eat. Food. Lots of it. Drink. Wine. Beer. Fill your stomach. YES!
This section has a fair amount of elevation gain to go with all of these sights. It will wear you out. Take it easy and leave your campsite at The Springs early!
Trewalla Camp is an overnight walkers camp in Discovery Bay Coastal Park set amongst coastal scrub. A lookout provides excellent views of Bridgewater Bay. The campsite offers shared table, seasonal tank water (treat before drinking), shelter and toilet. A shared fireplace is provided but fuel stoves are preferred by Parks Victoria.
Keep an eye out for a variety of signs highlighting points of interest located along the three Capes sections of the walk.
The Bonney Upwelling – microscopic plankton attracting giant mammals
This marine process occurs when currents rise from deep in the ocean bringing cold nutrient rich water to the surface where the sunlight interacts with the nutrients to create an extremely complex food web. Evidence of these nutrients can be seen off the coast – appearing as discoloured watery soup.
This ‘soup’ attracts dolphins, seals and many seabirds as well as Blue Whales – the earth’s largest animal – seen annually as they travel here to feast at the Bonney Upwelling.
Looking towards Bridgewater Bay and Cape Bridgewater
You will be looking out over the enormous Southern Ocean – stretching out to the shores of Antarctica almost 3000km away. The ocean is home to some well known locals including tuna, whales, dolphins and seals.
The wave swell, turbulence and surge pool observed at the Blowholes testify to the power of the Southern Ocean. This is an excellent area to observe the ancient lava flow that spilled into the ocean.
Cape Bridgewater’s eastern facing cliffs are the highest coastal cliffs in Victoria and offer spectacular views across Bridgewater Bay to Cape Nelson and it’s lighthouse.
The Seals Lookout is a great observation point 55 metres above mainland colonies of both Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals.
Great South West Walk: Section 13 – The Springs Camp to Trewalla Camp
Section 13: The Springs Camp to Trewalla Camp.
- Section Features: The Blowhole Lookout, Petrified Forest, Bridgewater Bay, Seals, Whales, Dolphins.
- Reported Distance: 15km
- Measured Distance: 17.5km
- Elevation Gain: 575 metres
- Elevation Loss: 565 metres
- Minimum Elevation: 0 metres
- Maximum Elevation: 110 metres
- Time to complete: 4-6 hours
Continue on to Great South West Walk Section 14 – Trewalla Camp to Mallee Camp.