There is a range of walking options in the Nelson area to suit walkers of all standards, from those preferring casual strolls or short walks to dedicated bushwalkers.
From Arnold's Place, it is a short stretch to the national park, the river or along the river bank into the town centre.
At the end of Beach Road, accessed from the town centre, there are tracks to the ocean beach or along the estuary beach to the river mouth. This is also the location of the Livingstone Island Nature Walk - a short and safe walk for non-seasoned walkers.
For the more serious bushwalker, Nelson is one of the access points for the Great South West Walk. This 250km loop, developed as a walking trail in 1981, extends from Nelson to Portland along the Discovery Coast, then back inland through forests and along cliffs and river banks back to Nelson.
The Nelson Tourist Information Centre and the National Parks Office can provide maps and further information.
There are four diverse and spectacular sections:
The Discovery Bay Beach Walk
A 55k stretch from Nelson to Portland which includes 50km of beach walking along the wild southern ocean
The Capes and Bays Walk, taking in Capes Bridgewater, Nelson and Grant and including the petrified forest
The Forest Walk from Portland to Moleside on the Glenelg River, which lends itself to being tackled in a series of short walks, taking advantage of picnic facilities along the way
The Glenelg River Gorge Walk back to Nelson, following the river along its bank and the rims of spectacular gorges, incorporating several short loop walks that offer breathtaking river views inaccessible to the motorist.
Arnold's Place is well situated for the walker, 300m from one of the Great South West Walk loops, adjacent to the national park and a little over a kilometre from the town centre.
