Wilsons Promontory National Park, often more simply known as Wilsons Prom or ‘The Prom’, is a spectacular peninsula full of dreamy beaches, wonderful wildlife, picturesque coastal walks and even some of the best hiking trails found in Victoria, Australia.
In its entirety, Wilsons Prom covers an area of around 50,000 hectares (500 square kilometres). So, there’s plenty to explore whether that be taking to as many of the excellent Wilsons Prom hiking trails as possible and spotting the local wildlife out in force as you go, or simply just relaxing on some of Australia’s finest beaches. Certainly, the hardest part of your visit will be summoning the effort to leave.
In this guide, we’ll detail some of the best things to do at Wilsons Promontory National Park, including the 11 greatest hiking trails and some truly incredible remote beaches. We’ll look at what and where Wilsons Prom is, before covering accommodation and camping options at Wilsons Promontory. Then, we’ll answer some FAQs before jumping into some bonus tips for your visit to Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Check out our guides on Mornington Peninsula, The Grampians and Phillip Island
Table of Contents
What Is Wilsons Prom?
Wilsons Promontory is one of Victoria’s most spectacular national parks. The small peninsula of Wilsons Prom hides some of Australia’s most stunning beaches, coastal walks and hiking trails. The wildlife here is also wonderful and a visit to Wilsons Prom is worth it for that alone. Indeed, Wilsons Prom is one of the most pristine and unspoiled areas of Australia and the perfect location to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The indigenous name for Wilsons Prom is Yiruk and Wamoon. The peninsula was first inhabited by the indigenous Koori people around 6,500 years ago. Wilsons Prom’s aboriginal history is documented by the many middens found along the western coast of the peninsula.
Where Is Wilsons Prom?
Wilsons Promontory National Park lies southeast of Melbourne in the region of Gippsland in the state of Victoria, Australia. Wilsons Prom occupies the southernmost part of mainland Australia, on a small peninsula that juts out into the Bass Straight.
Top Things to Do at Wilsons Promontory National Park
The splendid beaches at Wilsons Prom remain largely untouched and bushland hiking trails are thoughtfully laid out. In fact, with such little human-made interruption to the landscape, you really do get to enjoy nature at its finest. We’ll run through the top things to do at Wilsons Prom, as indicated on the map below. But be warned, they may just leave you wanting more.
Map of Wilsons Prom
Top 11 Hikes at Wilsons Prom
Below, we’ll go through the 11 best hikes to do in Wilsons Promontory National Park. You’ll certainly find a wonderful mix of coastal and bushland trails, as well as Wilsons Prom’s premier multi-day hike.
1. The Big Drift
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 4km
- Time: 1 hour
- Accumulated elevation gain: 100m
- Difficulty: Grade 2
- Trailhead: Stockyards Campground
- Map: Wikiloc
All hikes in this guide are graded by the Australian Walking Track Grading System
The underrated attraction of Wilsons Prom. Wilsons Prom’s Big Drift is a huge inland sand dune and the walk to it is straightforward and signposted well. Once up on the dunes, the views across Wilsons Promontory are outstanding. But, it’s easy to get lost out there, so mark your path, or else don’t wander too far! Of course, the hardest part is the final ascent up onto the dunes. It’s steep and easy to lose your footing in the soft sand. It feels a little like walking the wrong way up an escalator. But stick with it, it’s not a far reach to the top.
Photography is particularly good at sunrise and sunset. Indeed, at sundown, the golden sand glows brightly in the orange hues thrown from the sky. The ripples of the windblown dunes appear more prominent as deep shadows are cast where the light no longer hits. So, find a nice soft patch to sit on and watch as the sun eventually dips behind the coastal forest. A very beautiful spectacle.
Read more: Big Drift Walk: The Epic Wilsons Prom Sand Dunes
2. Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit Hike
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 35km
- Time: 8.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 860m
- Difficulty: Grade 4
- Trailhead: Telegraph Saddle Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
A long hike worthy of the effort. Hiking the Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit is possibly the best walk in the entire national park. This outstanding multi-day trail usually takes 2–3 days to complete and includes camping at some of the most secluded and picturesque campsites in Wilsons Promontory. But, as Dan and I discovered, hiking the Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit is possible in a day. And what a day it was.
The hike begins from Telegraph Saddle Car Park before hiking towards the breathtaking Sealers Cove. Following on, the coastal trail passes Refuge Cove and Little Waterloo Bay, before heading back inland and returning to the trailhead. Also, it’s possible to extend this walk further if you wish. See the link below for more information.
Read more: Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit: The Complete Hiking Guide
3. Mount Oberon Summit Walk
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 7km
- Time: 2 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 340m
- Difficulty: Grade 3
- Trailhead: Telegraph Saddle Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
Short and steep with excellent views. The Mount Oberon summit walk is the best hiking trail for extensive views across Wilsons Prom. From the Telegraph Saddle Car Park, there’s a short but steep 3.5 km walk up to the peak. The walk predominantly follows a gravel road, closed for visitors to drive on, to the top. From here, there’s a short scramble to the summit. Simply put, it’s not the most interesting or inspiring of Wilsons Prom walks, but it’s easy and the views are definitely worth it.
The summit of Mount Oberon is windy and exposed, so be prepared to stick some layers back on after the hike up. On a clear day, the views of Wilsons Promontory National Park are extensive. Certainly, you’ll have excellent lookouts down to Tidal River and Norman Beach. Also, have a look for Big Drift whilst you’re up there, you’ll have a better perspective of just how unusual this giant inland dune is.
As you can imagine, the walk back down is a breeze, and the hike itself should only take a couple of hours out of your day. Additionally, sunrise and sunset are great times of the day for this walk in Wilsons Prom.
Read more: Mount Oberon Summit Walk: The Best View At Wilsons Prom
4. Tidal Overlook Circuit & Pillar Point
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 8km
- Time: 2 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 140m
- Difficulty: Grade 2
- Trailhead: Tidal River
- Map: Wikiloc
Recommended by the locals. The Tidal Overlook walk at Wilsons Prom wasn’t originally on our itinerary. But, after grabbing a coffee from the General Store, we got chatting with a friendly employee there and so, on his recommendation, we took the Tidal Overlook track.
This Wilsons Prom walk begins at the Tidal River campground before crossing over the Tidal River footbridge. The trail then hugs the coast as you come across various viewpoints back down over Tidal River. Soon enough, the trail curves around to expansive views of the neighbouring beaches – Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay and Whiskey Bay. Also, you should spot Mount Bishop beyond. The hiking trail continues to gently climb before sweeping back down to join Wilsons Prom’s Lilly Pilly Gully track and then back to Tidal River. It’s a simple walk just shy of 8 km. Indeed, the walk throws out awesome views of different parts of Wilsons Prom the whole way around.
Pillar Point Offshoot
The Pillar Point lookout is a straightforward 3.5 km return offshoot from the Tidal Overlook track. You’re guided up to a spot of huge granite boulders in which you’ll be rewarded with views back over Norman Beach to your right and Squeaky Beach to your left. We would certainly recommend adding this short hiking trail onto the circuit for some more superb views of Wilsons Prom, for just a few extra kilometres.
5. Little Oberon Bay
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 9.5km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 240m
- Difficulty: Grade 2
- Trailhead: Tidal River
- Map: Wikiloc
A beach worth hiking for. Another addition from our friendly General Store guide was Little Oberon Bay. Hiking the 9.5 km out and back starts from just behind the toilet block in Tidal River in Wilsons Prom. Little Oberon Bay is another of Wilsons Prom’s beaches you can only reach via hiking and so it’s worth doing over the many beaches you can reach by car. Far fewer visitors.
The trail terrain to Little Oberon Bay is predominantly rock and gravel with some sandy sections. So, all in all, easy to hike on. After leaving Tidal River, the hiking trail leads through the bushland along the back of Wilsons Prom’s Norman Beach, before ascending to Norman Point – another nice lookout worth detouring to, though not quite as epic as Pillar Point. From here, the trail starts to wind down toward Little Oberon Bay.
The beach is quiet and feels remote considering its proximity to Tidal River. The sand is pure white and the landscape is tranquil. We were the only two people on the beach when we arrived. We spotted a couple of wallabies on the sandhills for company.
To return, simply retrace your steps back to Tidal River.
6. Wilsons Prom Squeaky Beach Walk
(Norman Beach To Whisky Bay)
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 400m
- Time: 5 minutes
- Accumulated elevation gain: 15m
- Difficulty: Grade 1
- Trailhead: Squeaky Beach Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
You’ve not been to Wilsons Prom if you haven’t been to Squeaky Beach. This walk is from Norman Beach at Tidal River, to Whisky Beach via Squeaky Beach. The hiking trail heads up towards Pillar Point Lookout before descending the headland down onto Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Prom’s premier stretch of sand.
From here, you’ll head across Squeaky Beach, admiring the huge orange boulders and of course, squeaky sand as you continue hiking to the far end. Here, you’ll pick up the track over Leonard Bay headland and continue to Whisky Bay.
To return, either retrace your steps or head inland and road walk back to Tidal River to create a loop. Personally, we’d recommend returning the way you came, and enjoying the hiking along the Wilsons Prom coastline some more, enjoying views in the opposite direction.
If you’re short on time, you could take the quicker walk direct from Squeaky Beach Car Park and solely enjoy Squeaky Beach.
You could also hike between Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay separately too.
Read more: How To Visit Squeaky Beach At Wilsons Prom
7. Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 5km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 50m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Lilly Pilly Gully Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
For flora and fauna. The Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk is a family-friendly rainforest walk taking a couple of hours to complete. The 5km trail across sympathetically laid boardwalk and compact sand are easy to walk on. Wildlife spotting is the aim of the game on this Wilsons Prom walk. As too is soaking up the local flora.
The Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk is easily extended by joining the Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit trail. You can also add on the Mount Bishop walk.
8. Mount Bishop Walk
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 7.5km
- Time: 2 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 280m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Lilly Pilly Gully Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
A steep walk for 360 views of Wilsons Prom. If the views from Mount Oberon do it for you, then you’ll probably enjoy a walk up Mount Bishop too. This peak in Wilsons Prom may be a touch shorter than neighbouring Mount Oberon, but certainly, the views are just as fine. The walk is a little tougher but well worth it.
9. Darby River to Tongue Point via Fairy Cove
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 9km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 300m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Darby River Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
Discover magical Fairy Cove. The walk from Darby River to Tongue Point reaches the secluded and drool-worthy Fairy Cove on the western side of Wilsons Prom. The 4km trail begins from Darby River Car Park and is a great spot for sunset. At Fairy Cove, you’ll find more of the awesome granite boulders littered throughout Wilsons Promontory National Park. Also, take your snorkel gear and swimmers to explore the offshore delights.
10. Sealers Cove Track
- Type: Out & Back
- Distance: 10km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 400m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Telegraph Saddle Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
Hiking and camping at one of Wilsons Prom’s most secluded beaches. The 10km out and back Sealers Cove Track is a popular walk in Wilsons Prom to access some of the most remote beaches in the southeast of the national park. Indeed, Sealers Cove is absolutely beautiful and well worth the walk. Better still, spend the night at Sealers Cove Campground as an alternative to the much busier Tidal River campsite.
Read more: Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit: The Complete Hiking Guide
11. Millers Landing Nature Walk & Vereker Outlook
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 8.5km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Accumulated elevation gain: 320m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Five Mile Road Car Park
- Map: Wikiloc
A quieter Wilsons Prom. For a short walk in the northern parts of Wilsons Prom, Miller’s Landing is certainly a great choice. You can access the beach via Five Mile Car Park. Also, the beach is a wonderful location for bird-watching. Additionally, you’ll get fantastic views of Little Drift. Views from Vereker Lookout are extensive across the whole of the national park. A real hidden gem and less walked hiking trail in Wilsons Prom.
Hiking Wilsons Prom Recap
So, that’s our rundown of the 11 best hiking trails and coastal walks in Wilsons Prom. But, they only really scratch the surface of incredible things to see and do here. Indeed, there’s even more to discover at Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Top Beaches in Wilsons Prom
After all that hiking, no doubt you’ll be looking for some pretty special places to kick back and relax. Luckily for you, Wilsons Promontory National Park has some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the whole of Victoria, if not Australia. So, you’ll not be short on places to unwind after a day of exploring.
Our Favourites
Some of our favourite Wilsons Prom beaches are listed below and can be seen in their own right or as part of some of the many epic hiking trails and coastal walks.
- Picnic Bay: a beautifully tranquil beach that also makes for a great alternative to the ever-popular Squeaky Beach. Additionally, the sunsets here are incredible.
- Squeaky Beach: one of Wilsons Prom’s most iconic beaches. Squeaky Beach is a picturesque place to relax and explore. And yes, the sand does indeed squeak underfoot! But, swimming is not allowed at Squeaky Beach, as the currents are too dangerous.
- Sealers Cove: a hidden paradise of golden sands and calm turquoise waters. Surrounded by dense rainforest teeming with wildlife, it’s an unbelievable place to spend the day relaxing. And of course, Sealers Cove is one of Wilsons Prom’s best remote campsites.
- Refuge Cove: if you thought Sealers Cove was remote, try Refuge Cove. This golden sand beach is even more secluded. Indeed, you can only access Refuge Cove via the walk to Sealers Cove, or by taking on the longer Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit hike. Refuge Cove is a little slice of paradise, far removed from civilisation. So, it’s well worth the effort to get to.
- Norman Beach: Norman Beach at Tidal River in Wilsons Prom is one of the best beaches for swimming. Certainly, its location close to Tidal River Campground and other Wilsons Promontory accommodation options makes it a popular stop for most visitors. Be sure to head south along the beach and up onto Norman Point headland for some incredible views.
- Cotters Lake and Beach: come and spot kangaroos and emus on this windswept and quiet beach location in Wilsons Prom.
Other Attractions in Wilsons Prom
- Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse: visit the southernmost point of mainland Australia with a trip to the Wilsons Prom Lighthouse.
- Marine National Park: the southern sections of the Wilsons Prom peninsula make up the Wilsons Prom Marine National Park. Here, some of the best ways to explore this incredible area are by taking a boat cruise around the coastline. Also, if you’re super lucky, you might just spot a pod of Southern Right Whales as they migrate to warmer waters.
Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise
Explore the marine national park on this epic 2.5 hour boat trip departing from Tidal River with Viator
How to Get to Wilsons Prom?
Wilsons Prom is straightforward to get to from any major town or city in Victoria and southern New South Wales. It’s certainly not uncommon to visit as a day trip from Melbourne. But undoubtedly an overnight, weekend or longer stay, is the best way to fully experience Wilsons Promontory National Park. Below, we’ll take a look at a couple of popular driving routes.
Driving is also the most convenient way to visit Wilsons Prom. Although many of the excellent campsites and camping spots in Wilsons Prom require a walk to reach them, the actual access to Wilsons Prom and Tidal River is best done via your own vehicle. The last place to refuel before entering Wilsons Prom is Yanakie. So be sure to fill up the tank there if you need to.
Luckily, there are no scary 4WD roads at Wilsons Prom either. Not even to the main campsites at Wilsons Prom. So, a 2WD is more than sufficient. But, if you don’t have access to a car, consider hiring one.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory
You’ll be looking at a 2.5 hour drive if travelling from Melbourne to Wilsons Prom, with a distance of around 200km. Although not impossible to visit as a day trip, the journey length plus the wealth of camping accommodation options at Wilsons Promontory means you’ll likely want at least an overnight stay.
To drive there, take the M1 Monash Freeway to join the M420/A440 South Gippsland Freeway towards Meeniyan. Then, take the C444 Meeniyan–Promontory Road to enter Wilsons Prom. You’ll find one of Wilsons Prom’s main campsites, Stockyards, close to the entrance. The more popular camping option of Tidal River Campground is a further 35km drive deeper into Wilsons Prom.
Sydney to Wilsons Prom
From Sydney, you’ll be looking at a drive time of around 11 hours with a huge distance of 995km. Dan and I travelled down to Wilsons Prom as part of a wider road trip. We stopped off at Kiama, Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay and Eden to name just a few notable places en route.
Overseas Visitors
If you’re travelling to Melbourne (or Sydney for that matter) from overseas, we recommend using Skyscanner to search for the cheapest flights.
Booking Flights
Skyscanner is our go-to website for booking flights. If you’re looking to find the cheapest flights, we recommend getting the ball rolling with a Skyscanner search. It allows you to scan all airlines and platforms to find the cheapest airfares.
To find out more about booking the cheapest flights, read our Skyscanner review.
On arrival at the national park, be sure to grab a map from the gatehouse as you drive through.
Accommodation in Wilsons Promontory
So, where to stay at Wilsons Promontory National Park? Well, undoubtedly, camping at Wilsons Prom is the best way to enjoy the national park. Certainly, if you choose to take on some of Wilsons Prom’s overnight hikes, then a stay at some of the remote campsites, like Sealers Cove and Little Waterloo Bay, will easily leave lasting memories of the beauty of Wilsons Prom. Or, you might choose to stay at the main hub, Tidal River, and the campground there. Here, you’ll have access to an amenities block and electric hook-up. And if Wilsons Promontory camping isn’t for you, you’ll find other accommodation options at Tidal River that might suit you better.
Top 3 Accommodations in Yanakie
If you prefer a few more comforts, consider these wonderful options in Yanakie, the gateway to Wilsons Prom
Camping at Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Prom is home to two main campsites. Below, we’ll take a brief look at them.
Tidal River Camping
Tidal River is the hub of Wilsons Prom. It’s where you’ll find the main campground along with a general store, information centre and the start of many coastal walks and Wilsons Prom hiking trails. Consequently, it’s the more popular location to stay when hiking and exploring Wilsons Prom. Tidal River is about a 30 minute drive south once you pass the entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park.
The vast majority of visitors to Wilsons Prom will choose to stay at the Tidal River Campground. This Parks Victoria-run campground is the most popular and well-equipped campsite in the national park. Tidal River Campground has 484 camping and caravan pitches, some with electric hook-ups and powered sites. Additionally, there’s a well-equipped amenities block as well as the choice to camp in more seclusion under the Tea Trees close to Norman Beach. Indeed, Norman Beach is a beautiful beach on which to enjoy the sunset in Wilsons Prom, so camping in this part of Tidal River Campground is surely going to be very special indeed.
Tidal River Campground is also close to the Tidal River Visitor Centre, where you can pick up information on great walks around this part of Wilsons Prom, collect your overnight hiking permit if you need and even visit the General Store for supplies or a coffee.
Stockyard Campground
When it comes to enjoying destinations at sunrise or sunset, accommodation, and their location can mean everything. An excellent reason for choosing Stockyards is its proximity to The Big Drift. Indeed, the campsite is, in fact, the starting point for the 2km walk to get there.
Staying here was wonderful and quiet, feeling fully immersed in nature but with all the luxuries of an amenities block. The camping area at Stockyards is much smaller than that of the Tidal River Campground. But, with that is a wonderfully remote stay.
In addition, the star gazing at Wilsons Prom is absolutely out of this world. Dan and I were blown away by the clarity of the Milky Way.
Read Camping Wilsons Prom: The Complete Guide for more about camping, permits and other accommodation options
Camping Gear Essentials For Wilsons Prom
We loved camping in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Camping gear can make or break a trip. Without the right camping kit, your experience may not be as enjoyable. These are our camping gear essentials for Wilsons Prom.
Camping Gear
Hiking Gear Essentials For Wilsons Prom
These are our hiking gear essentials for exploring Wilsons Prom.
Osprey Skarab 30
The Osprey Skarab 30 is our go-to hiking backpack for day hikes. This well-designed unisex backpack is comfortable and spacious, so you’ll have plenty of space to pack everything without feeling the strain on your upper back.
Osprey Ultralight Raincover
A waterproof backpack cover is an absolute must when you’re adventuring outdoors. The Osprey Ultralight Raincover Medium is a high-quality waterproof cover that’ll keep your backpack bone dry.
GRAYL Reusable Water Bottle
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best water filter bottle that allows you to purify 710mL (12 ounces) of water. This bottle will make water safe to drink wherever you’re hiking.
BUFF Original Ecostretch
The BUFF Original Ecostretch is a great option when it comes to multifunctional headwear. We use the Ecostretch as a neck gaiter to keep the sun off our necks and it helps us keep warm in cooler climates.
Sony Cybershot RX100 VII
Capture epic photos and videos with the Sony Cybershot RX100 VII. This is hands-down the best compact camera. We love using this simple point-and-shoot camera when we’re hiking as it’s lightweight and durable.
To find out more about all of the gear that we use and recommend, read our guides about our favourite hiking gear, travel gear and camera gear. Otherwise, read our comprehensive travel packing checklist.
Weather in Wilsons Prom
You can visit Wilsons Prom all year round. Indeed, Dan and I visited in winter and enjoyed the perks of exceptional weather with a far less crowded national park. Winter also brings with it the chance to see Humpback and Southern Right Whales as they migrate north to warmer waters.
Summer is obviously the busiest time of year for visitors to Wilsons Prom. In fact, during summer, ALL Wilsons Prom campsites must be pre-booked. And yes, the campsites do fill quickly, so you’ll need to be organised if visiting Wilsons Prom in the summer. As the most popular Wilsons Prom campground, Tidal River camping goes very quickly. So, try to avoid weekends where possible and find a quieter time during the week in the summer.
Spring and Autumn possibly offer the best times of year to visit. Certainly, camping at Wilsons Prom, especially Tidal River, is a little quieter and much warmer than camping in winter (I should know).
Wilsons Promontory weather can, and often does, affect trails and amenities. So, it’s not uncommon for remote hiking trails, especially those for overnight hikes, to be closed due to poor weather. This then means the uber picturesque campsites in Wilsons Prom, like Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove, are closed. It’s always good to check with Parks Victoria on the status of campsites and attractions before you visit to avoid any disappointment.
Other Places to Visit Near Wilsons Prom
Indeed, there are many other fantastic road trips and places to visit close to Wilsons Prom in Victoria, Australia. Some of our favourites are listed below.
Melbourne to Phillip Island
No visit to Victoria is complete without a stop at Phillip Island and enjoying the Penguin Parade. This was easily one of the highlights of our road trip through Victoria. You can read more on things to do on Phillip Island here.
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula is perhaps the closest of trips from Melbourne. It certainly makes for a popular weekend getaway for Melbournians. Despite the rainy weekend Dan and I spent at Mornington Peninsula, we had a wonderful time. The coastal walks here are indeed on par with some of those found at Wilsons Prom. So, for more information on hiking and sightseeing at Mornington Peninsula, check out our guide here.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road frequently tops any list of the greatest road trips in the world. And, having completed it for ourselves, it’s easy to see why. Certainly, famous sights like the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge are of course worth a look in. But, we also recommend spending a good chunk of time exploring the Great Otway National Park and the beautiful waterfalls and forest walks found there.
FAQs
Is Wilsons Prom Worth Visiting?
Yes, yes, YES! Wilsons Promontory National Park is easily one of the most underrated places in Australia. Its beaches are as picture-perfect as they come. Coastal walks and hiking in Wilson Prom are hugely enjoyable and the camping on offer is adventurous and remote. We’re sure visiting Wilons Prom will easily become one of your favourite trips in Australia.
What Is Wilsons Prom Famous For?
Wilsons Prom is famous for its drool-worthy beaches, spectacular coastal walks and abundance of epic wildlife.
How Many Days Do You Need For Wilsons Prom?
There is so much to see, do and enjoy at Wilsons Prom. So, at the very least, we think a weekend in Wilsons Prom will enable you to experience a great deal of just how breathtaking this small peninsula in Victoria, Australia is. Although, it’ll likely leave you longing for more. So, stay longer if you can. Indeed, you could easily spend weeks exploring every inch of Wilsons Prom, going from campsite to campsite, switching between beach walk and coastal trail.
Dan and I spent a weekend in Wilsons Prom, enjoying the cosy camping and fantastic hiking trails. We were very happy.
Is Wilsons Prom Dog Friendly?
As far as we’re aware, dogs are not allowed in Wilsons Prom. The area is protected and conservation is in place to support the thriving community of local wildlife and a lot of native fauna which grows throughout the peninsula.
Do You Have to Pay to Get into Wilsons Prom?
There is no entrance fee to visit Wilsons Prom. Indeed, entry to the national park is absolutely free. But, you’ll need to pay for camping in Wilsons Prom. Additionally, overnight hikers staying at the remote campgrounds along the walking trails will need to obtain a permit.
Camping permits are acquired from the Tidal River Visitor Centre. So, be sure to pick one up before you head off on your hike. Additionally, in peak season, Wilsons Prom camping is extremely busy and so campsites like the Tidal River Campground must be booked in advance of your visit.
Bonus Tips
- Shuttle about: in peak season, you can take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle for the Mount Oberon and Sealers Cove walks.
- Wilsons Promontory camping ballot: during the peak summer holiday season camping at Wilsons Prom is permitted via a ballot system only. You cannot book to stay there online – only via the ballot which is open for two weeks from the 1st July. It’s not a first come first served system either. Any entry made during those two weeks is equal. But, camping any other time of the year is fine to book online – no ballot.
- Local supplies: we took everything we needed with us to Wilsons Promontory National Park. We did a grocery shop before we arrived as there’s only the General Store to purchase supplies and the prices are not so friendly. Certainly, we recommend arriving prepared if camping.
- Wildlife and driving: Wilsons Promontory National Park is a hive of wildlife activity. Indeed, this is especially true at dawn and dusk and so please take care as you drive around the national park.
- Parks Victoria: for more information on visiting Wilsons Prom, be sure to check out the Parks Victoria information page here.
- The BEST star gazing: the night skies we saw overhead while camping in Wilsons Prom were some of the best we’ve ever seen! The sky was unbelievably clear and to distinctly make out the Milky Way with the naked eye was a real treat. As too was spotting Jupiter and Saturn. We were well and truly awestruck.
We hope you enjoyed this post and enjoy taking to the many coastal walks and hiking trails in this phenomenal part of Australia.
We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
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