Check out our Great South West Walk hiking trail summary for information on every section of this hike, or go back to GSWW Section 1 – Portland to Cubby’s Camp. Else, let us continue onto this second section of the Great South West Walk from Cubby’s Camp to Cut Out Camp.
It is true that much of the forest section of the GSWW is similar, however it does have slight changes that you need to look out for. This section takes you out of Cobboboonee Forest Park and into Cobboboonee National Park.
Section 2 is a full 5km shorter than Section 1 which is very welcoming. Elevation gain is also less, so you will have it significantly easier than the day before heading out of Portland.
This overnight walkers camp is set amongst tall eucalypts in a sheltered location. The camp is close to Surry River and walking track to Surry Ridge picnic area, located to the right after crossing the bridge just before arriving at Cut Out Camp. 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.
In the 1860s logging in what later became known as Cobboboonee State Forest buoyed up the economy in the area, providing local and broader communities with plenty of work. Tall old Messmate gumtrees (Eucalyptus obliqua) were logged yielding hardwood timber for housing, fences, railway sleepers, boats and coastal jetties. In addition wattle bark was used for tanning leather. Forest officers selected and marked good trees suitable for loggers to use for milling. As Victoria’s population grew, so too did the demand for timber.
After 100 years of settlement, land clearing and timber use had taken its toll – timber could not grow fast enough to meet demand.
In 2008 the Cobboboonee State Forest was re-designated to protect the surviving Cobboboonee habitats in a national park, with some edge sections remaining as forest park for non-national park activities such as firewood collection.
The Great South West Walk (GSWW) was born as an idea in 1980 when Bill Golding and Sam Bruton got their heads together. With help from year 10 students of Portland High School and their parents, the great south west walking trail began here through the Cobboboonee Forest.
Healthy Parks, Healthy People is a philosophy alive and thriving here where the tradition of great community involvement has prevailed for 25 years with the Friends of the Walk maintaining and caring for the entire GSWW.
Great South West Walk: Section 2 – Cubby’s Camp to Cut Out Camp
Section 2: Cubby’s Camp to Cut Out Camp.
- Section Features: Victoria’s floral emblem – pink or white heath, Old timber milling history signs, colourful fungi (autumn and winter growing), Surry River, Rufous Fantail, Rose and Pink Robins.
- Reported Distance: 15km
- Measured Distance: 15km
- Elevation Gain: 170 metres
- Elevation Loss: 135 metres
- Minimum Elevation: 60 metres
- Maximum Elevation: 95 metres
- Time to complete: 4-5 hours
Continue on to Great South West Walk: Section 3 – Cut Out Camp to Cobboboonee Camp.