McLennans Punt Campground | Remote Glenelg River Bush Camping & Kayaking

For adventurers seeking a truly remote and authentic bush camping experience, McLennans Punt Campground is a hidden gem nestled deep within the spectacular Lower Glenelg National Park. This secluded Parks Victoria site offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the wild, untamed beauty of the Glenelg River and its surrounding ancient forests. Accessible via unsealed forest tracks, the journey in is part of the adventure, leading to a serene clearing on the riverbank. This is a classic, back-to-basics campground designed for self-sufficient travellers, particularly those exploring by canoe, kayak, or as part of the Great South West Walk. The well-spaced, designated sites are set amongst a beautiful canopy of native trees, ensuring privacy and an immersive natural experience where the only sounds are the chorus of kookaburras and the gentle flow of the river.

The magnificent Glenelg River is the undisputed star of the show. The campground features a small jetty, providing direct access to the water for launching a canoe or kayak to explore the majestic limestone gorges that define this incredible waterway. The river is a renowned fishing paradise, with anglers targeting the abundant populations of Bream, Mulloway, and Estuary Perch. As a designated stop on the Great South West Walk, it serves as a vital and peaceful overnight resting point for hikers tackling the multi-day trail. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, befitting its remote wilderness location. Bookings are essential to secure a spot in this intimate and sought-after campground. For those prepared to venture off the beaten path, McLennans Punt offers a profound sense of solitude and a memorable adventure in one of Victoria’s most stunning national parks.

Campground Information

• Name: McLennans Punt Campground
• Address: Mumbannar VIC 3304 (Accessed via forest tracks in Lower Glenelg National Park)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.00538075685304, 141.0747087573082

Website

• Website: This is a bookable campground within a National Park. Information and bookings are via the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Remote riverside camp in the Lower Glenelg National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and small Off-road Camper Trailers. Not suitable for caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt forest tracks. Can be rough and slippery. 4WD is highly recommended.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and leaf litter base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines for booking limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables, river jetty. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water (or treat river water).
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is strongly recommended.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of designated, bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, kayak/canoe, PLB.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Lower Glenelg National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent river fishing for Bream, Mulloway, and Estuary Perch.
• Short Walks: This is a key campground on the multi-day Great South West Walk.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: A premier destination for paddling the Glenelg River.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Nelson Hotel (Nelson) – Approx. 28 km
  • Dartmoor Hotel (Dartmoor) – Approx. 28 km
  • Port Macdonnell Hotel (SA) – Approx. 50 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Nelson Hotel (Bistro) & Kiosk – Approx. 28 km
  • Dartmoor Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 28 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Great South West Walk – Onsite
  • Princess Margaret Rose Cave – Approx. 20 km
  • Town of Nelson and Glenelg River Mouth – Approx. 28 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kywong Caravan Park (Nelson) – Approx. 28 km
  • Fort O’Hare Free Camp (Dartmoor) – Approx. 28 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Fort O’Hare (Dartmoor) – Approx. 28 km
  • Greenwald State Forest (various sites) – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nelson Public Dump Point – Approx. 28 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Nelson – Approx. 28 km
  • Dartmoor – Approx. 28 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Nelson.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal influences, averaging 14-27°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for walking and kayaking, averaging 9-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days, averaging 6-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time to see the forest and river come to life, averaging 8-20°C.