The Wilsons Promontory, affectionately known as ‘The Prom’ is Victoria’s little secret of pure pristine wilderness. This 50,000 hectare reserve is threaded with a labyrinth of walking tracks that showcase all manner of magical realms sheltering abundant wildlife. Here is your complete guide on everything you need to know about The Prom.
Photo credit: Roberto Seba, Visit Victoria
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Located at the southernmost tip of Australia's mainland and 3 hours drive south east of Melbourne, Wilsons Prom offers travellers a little bit of everything. Situated in the Gippsland region, there are beautiful white sand beaches, stunning coastline, thick bushland, fascinating giant granite mountains and an abundance of wildlife. There is enough to keep you busy if visiting for one day or one week, with bushwalks and hiking of all different durations, difficulties and lengths, wildlife spotting locations and even the most ethereal landscapes of endless sand dunes.
Wilsons Prom Accommodation
There are two camp and accommodation sites situated in the National Park, Tidal River and Stockyard. However there are plenty of accommodations on offer a short drive away just outside the park from budget hotel rooms to deluxe suites.
Tidal River Accommodation
Tidal River is the main visitor hub being the most popular due to its central location. You’ll be spoilt for choice in accommodation options within Tidal River. The award-winning Wilderness Retreats offers nature with a side of luxury. Glamp in spacious safari style tents without the stress of setting up and complete with your own bathroom. An ideal peaceful escape with your loved one. Tidal River Cabins and Huts are great for group travellers of up to 6 located in an idyllic riverside bush setting. For a true wilderness experience, Tidal River also features a campground with excellent facilities to keep you camping in comfort.
Stockyard Campground
The Stockyard Campground is located near the park entrance and 30km from Tidal River. It is a nice alterative to the busier Tidal River and hidden away amongst fragrant eucalyptus and banksias. The cosy campground has everything you need for a comfortable camping experience complete with shelters, a camp kitchen, picnic areas, hot showers and flushing toilets. A great wilderness escape pitching your own tent and exploring all that Wilson Prom has to offer. Stockyard Campground makes a perfect base for the Big Drift Walk to a beach day at Whisky Bay.
Lighthouse Cottages
For a truly unique stay, the Wilsons Prom Light Station (as pictured above) is the perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged coastal environment while staying in historic cottages next to the lighthouse from self-contained dormitory style or private cabin accommodation. Perched on a small peninsula jutting out into the wild seas of Bass Strait, the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse and its historic residences are the southernmost settlement on the Australian mainland. Adding to its remote appeal, the lightstation is only accessible by foot on the overnight Southern Prom Circuit Hike. The three cottages offer everything you need for a comfortable stay including a fully equipped shared kitchen with an oven.
Luxury Spa Cabin
If you’re travelling with a special someone, this four-star spot overlooking the Prom might be the place for some wild romance. This self-contained cabin sleeps two guests in a king-size bed, and there’s a giant spa bath that links the open kitchen, bedroom and living area with the undercover outdoor lounge. The view from the spa looks out on 10 acres of forest across to the Prom, meaning you can stargaze while you bathe.
Wilsons Prom Weather
Wilsons Prom weather is always a little cooler than Melbourne which means even during the summer time it is typical to being mildly warm where winters can be freezing. The most popular time of the year to visit is in summer when the temperatures are warm and there’s less rainfall. Ideally the shoulder months of February, March, October and November make for pleasant experiences. The weather is still relatively warm with fewer crowds.
For wildlife encounters, be out around dawn in the morning and dusk, when wildlife is the most active.
Photo credit: Garry Moore, Visit Victoria
Wilsons Prom Hikes
A hiker’s paradise, Wilsons Prom offer a diverse range of hiking trails from day to overnight walks. The northern part of Wilsons Prom is classified as a wilderness zone and there is emphasis on preservation and conservation. There are five overnight campsites in the northern wilderness: Barry Creek, Lower Barry Creek, Five Mile Beach, Tin Mine Cove, Johnny Souey Cove. These campsites will give you the ultimate wilderness experience with no facilities available. So make sure you check out the Parks Victoria website for all conditions of these walking tracks. On the southern side, a range of walking tracks lead you to secluded pristine beaches. Here, you’ll find the trails to Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Little Waterloo Bat, Halfway Hut, Oberon Bay and the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse. For the serious hikers who love to spend more time in nature and explore every corner of the park, Wilsons Prom offers a range of overnight hikes.
Wilsons Prom Walks
A range of walking opportunities are available to day visitors of all ages and fitness levels, taking in pristine beaches, temperate rainforest, towering sand dunes and lookouts offering spectacular panoramic views. From family-friendly nature walks to more challenging overnight hikes, there's a walk to suit everyone. Find out the Best Hikes in Wilsons Prom.
Photo credit: Mark Watson, Visit Victoria
Tidal River Wilsons Prom
Tidal River is the only township within the Wilsons Prom National Park. It features camping and cabin accommodation, Visitor Centre as well as a general store for basic needs. Tidal River connects Norman Beach, accessible from the camping area and is also the start/end point of several walking tracks, making it an ideal base for exploring The Prom.
The Tidal River is also a great base to take on a scenic drive from Wilsons Prom and Tarra Bulga National Parks, both stunningly beautiful yet are very different. The Prom is coastal with beaches and sand dunes. While Tarra Bulga journeys into a wonderland of towering Mountain Ash, lush tree ferns and cascading waterfalls. Located an easy 2 hours from each other, get the best of both! The drive starts (or ends) at Tidal River, your pick! Walk from enchanting forests to the wild coastline on our Wilsons Prom Lightstation & Gippsland 5 Day Adventure.
Photo credit: Gary Moore, Visit Victoria
Squeaky Beach Wilsons Prom
A beach that squeaks! This iconic quartz white sand beach squeaks with every step. Squeaky Beach can be reached from a range of short walks including the Lilly Pilly Gully car park, Picnic Bay or Tidal River, which offers spectacular coastal views. It is also accessible from the Squeaky Beach carpark with a short 5 minutes walk through coastal scrub.
An idyllic place to unwind and relax, set up a picnic, dip in the turquoise waters and soak in the views out to distant islands. Its granite maze is another reason to fall in love Wilson Prom’s iconic beach. With its large granite boulders creating passages to climb through the nooks and crannies for you to explore. Marvel at the brilliant orange rocks that contrast perfectly with the clear blue ocean and visit at dusk to watch the changing hues at sunset.
Top Things To Do In Wilsons Prom
Whether you have one day or a week, there’s plenty of things to do in Wilsons Prom. From white sand beaches to coastal walks, you’ll find your piece of paradise here!
Beaches
Magical names like Fairy Cove, Squeaky Beach, Waterloo Bay and Whisky Bay conjure romantic images of dreamlike beaches. From hidden coves to large expanses of sandy shores as far as the eye can see, Wilsons Promontory gets top billing for its turquoise coastline and resplendent beaches. What we love is that some of its best beaches are only a short walk from the carpark and boasts some of Victoria’s most gorgeous white sand beaches.
Squeaky Beach: only 300m from the carpark and generally busy any day of the year. It's where you'll find fine white quartz sand white so soft that it squeaks as you walk.
Whisky Bay: 400m from the carpark. Whisky Bay is sheltered by the sandy cliffs that surround the bay with lookouts offering the best views when coming from Picnic Bay.
Picnic Bay: 400m from the carpark. It boasts all kinds of rock pools to explore.
Hikes
Being one of the largest coastal wildenrss areas in Australia, it is no surprise hiking is the top thing to do. With over 30 different trails ranging from 20 minutes to overnight hikes, you’ll find a few that’ll keep you on your adventurous feet.
Snorkeling & Diving
The Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is a diver’s paradise! It is Victoria’s largest Marine Protected Area, extending along 17km of mainland coastline. A spectacular underwater paradise where granite cliffs plunge below the surface giving way to colorful sponge gardens and rich marine ecosystems. Dive into a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, corals, sea tulips to sea stars. If diving isn't your forte, snorkeling at Normal Beach, Picnic Bay and Refuge Cove will give you a taste of an underwater wonderland.
Wildlife and Wildflower Spotting
With an abundance of wildlife throughout the entire Wilsons Prom, always keep your eyes peeled whether bushwalking, camping or relaxing on the beach. The easiest way to spot Australia’s furry locals is walking the Prom Wildlife Walk which is a short and sweet 40 minutes, you’ll be sure to see wombats, kangaroos and wallabies. Visit in spring to experience spectacular displays of wildflowers including orchids, wattle, heathland and other species.
Wineries
Just a 40-minute drive from the gateway to Wilsons Prom is Waratah Hills Vineyard, a perfect pit stop to end your trip! It is a converted tractor shed and hotspot for long lunches and tastings at the cellar door. Head in for a tipple of their latest 2019 release – the pinot-rosé – or opt for a glass of the 2016 Blanc de Noir pinot noir, awarded a silver medal in Wine Gippsland’s 2019 wine awards. Produce is sourced from renowned Aherns Fruit Market, located just 15 minutes away in Foster, and cheeseboards feature a rotating selection of Gippsland’s finest. There’s also a shop selling ceramics, tea towels, soaps and wicker baskets. In the warmer months here you can take in views of the vineyard, the Prom and the picturesque rolling hills. Explore the lavender garden or spread a picnic rug across the lawn and lose the rest of the afternoon
Wilsons Promontory Cruises
There is probably no better way to explore Wilson's Prom in complete relaxation than on a cruise spotting sea life of dolphins, whales and seals. Cruise popular landmarks of Glennie Island, get up close to Kanowna Island seal sanctuary, observe unique birdlife and marvel at the granite monolith of Skull Rock. An ideal way to snorkel the pristine Refuge Cove and bask the sunshine on white sandy beaches.
The Wilsons Prom offer a range of cruise tours ranging from 2.5 hours to full day 9 hour expeditions. From catamarans to yellow boat ecotours, witness the iconic South Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and cruise into the waters of Bass Strait and Victoria's first marine national park. Discover untouched islands, rugged coastline that are inaccessible by land, marvel at stunning rock formations and spectacular marine and wildlife. Swim, snorkel and bushwalk, an experience combined into one! For an ultimate wildlife coast cruise experience embark on a Wilsons Prom to the iconic penguin wonderland of Phillip Islands.
Refuge Cove Wilsons Promontory
Refuge Cove has a real castaway feel. Untouched golden sand beach, thick forest teeming with wildlife.
Refuge Cove is accessible by an overnight hike, the Tidal River to Refuge Cove return, and is an adventurer's delight. Starting at Telegraph Saddle, this 34km trail traverses lush green forest whilst striding across expansive beaches and the coastline. Ascend Windy Saddle before reaching a boardwalk to the pristine Sealers Cove (another popular campsite). Your journey wanders along the coastline and into dense forest to the untamed golden sands of Refuge Cove. A perfect little campsite awaits set amongst a secluded little beach located on the east coast of the park with plenty of room to pitch your tent for the night.
