Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk
The 1km each-way Princetown Wetlands Boardwalk is a peaceful walk through one of Victoria's most important coastal wetlands. Beginning near the Princetown township, the boardwalk winds through extensive reed beds before crossing the lower Gellibrand River, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to experience the unique wetland environment that lies between the Great Otway National Park and Port Campbell National Park.
The walk is mostly flat and easy, making it suitable for families and visitors of all ages. As you stroll along the elevated timber boardwalk, you'll enjoy expansive views across the wetlands while listening to the calls of frogs and waterbirds. The wetlands support a rich diversity of wildlife, including swans, ducks, herons, cormorants and other native bird species, making the boardwalk a popular destination for birdwatching and nature photography.
The boardwalk forms an important link between Princetown Recreation Reserve, the township and the Great Ocean Walk. After crossing the river via the suspension bridge, walkers can continue towards the Gellibrand River estuary and Princetown Beach or simply return the same way after enjoying the tranquil wetland scenery.
Interpretive signs along the route explain the ecological importance of the wetlands, which are recognised as nationally significant for their habitat values. The wetlands provide breeding and feeding areas for many waterbirds and support a diverse range of native plants adapted to the estuarine environment.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs permitted on a lead.
How to Get There:
To get to the starting point for the walk, follow Old Coach Road from the Great Ocean Road for 550m and use the parking area on the right side just before the bridge where there are two picnic tables. The boardwalk is on the left side of the road.
Review:
The walk is not signposted. It follows a boardwalk through an expanse of reeds beside the Gellibrand River with a bridge across Latrobe Creek which joins the Gellibrand River. We didn't see any waterbirds. After crossing the wetlands the path, which can be slippery in sections, winds up a hill to the township of Princetown where there is an up-market General Store, toilets and a lookout point.
Location
Old Coach Road, Princetown 3269 View Map
