Great South West Walk Guidebook
Book Review
Great South West Walk Guidebook
I’m an information driven individual so any time I contemplate doing a trail, I will research it to death and read whatever I can find as part of the planning process. This includes buying a guidebook if it exists. So when I started planning to walk the Great South West Walk (Victoria/South Australia) I purchased this guidebook and map pack from the Great South West Walk website.
Straight up this is one of the best guidebooks I have come across for the following reasons. First, it’s compact format so it makes it easy to slip into your pack. Second, it’s laid out in a well thought out and logical way and when it comes to the actual hiking sections, it’s laid out on a ‘by day’ basis based on a 14 day itinerary. And third, the simple maps provided in the book provide a general overview of what to look for in your days travel which can be backed up with a higher resolution if you buy the full map as part of a package in either laminated or unlamented version. I opted for the laminated version as I just find that they last much longer in that format. And most importantly, the details in this guidebook are really accurate advising distances to key turns that are very specific and very helpful. Finally, there is a good smattering of representative photos throughout the book.
Now for the downsides. This book was printed in 2020 and with that there have been some changes. The key one being the kiosk that used to be in Nelson is no longer there. In fact, the building has been demolished! This doesn’t take away from the quality of the guidebook but is something that just happens over time. If you purchase a copy of this guidebook separately you are looking at a delivered price of AUD $46.95 but can also buy this as part of a pack that includes a map.
I certainly made good use of this guidebook throughout my trip and each night I would review the day ahead so I would have a good indication of what to expect. The three other hikers I came across on-trail looked at my copy in camp and wished they had purchased a copy pre-trip! What it comes down to is that this is a very useful resource and is well worth purchasing – it will enhance you pre-trip planning and will add to your on-trail experience and confidence.
Chapter Headings
The table of contents include:
- Overview Map
- GSWW Campsite and Distances
- Map Legend
- Contents
- Introduction
- Location
- Highlights
- History
- Geology
- Plants and Animals
- Planning your trip
- Overview
- When to go
- Tides
- Ways to do the hike
- Booking your hike
- Doing the hike with kids
- Transport
- What to take
- Portland – Facilities and Accomodation
- Nelson – Facilities and Accomodation
- Other accommodation along the GSWW
- What to Expect on the Track
- Further Information
We Like
- This guidebook provides really specific and useful information to help you plan this walk and get the most out of each day
- Compact size
- The details around direction and distances are very accurate and provide surety in undertaking your trip
We Don't Like
- Time for an updated edition. Having said that, the current guidebook is still very relevant and worth purchasing
Buy One
You can purchase a paperback version of Great South West Walk Guidebook from the Great South West Walk Website either as a standalone book or as part of a pack including the map
Disclosure: We don’t earn any commission on this product.
Investment
- AUD $46.95 RRP including postage and handling (paperback only)
- You can also buy this guidebook with the trail map (map comes in a laminated and unlamented form)
Great South West Walk Guidebook front cover
Great South West Walk Guidebook suggested itinerary
Great South West Walk Guidebook – example of a day on the walk including map. The maps for each day typically run over about three pages
Great South West Walk Guidebook guidebook page example
Great South West Walk Map can be purchased with the guidebook as a package deal either as a laminated or unlaminated version. In addition to the guidebook, I referred to the map on a couple of occasions particularly when detours were in place
Disclaimer
This review was done with a copy of the book and map purchased by Australian Hiker
Last updated
10 May 2026