Tidal River
The heart of Wilsons Promontory, with the visitor centre, store, campground and cabins. Most walks start within a few minutes of here.
Wilsons Promontory
Granite mountains, white sand beaches and wildlife at the southern tip of mainland Australia. The heart of the Prom Coast.
- 3 hr from Melbourne
- Beaches, hikes and wildlife
Wilsons Promontory is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and one of Victoria’s oldest and best-loved national parks. Granite mountains drop into clear water, and the beaches, from Squeaky Beach and Norman Bay to the hike-in coves on the east coast, are some of the most beautiful in the country.
Most visitors base themselves at Tidal River, where the visitor centre, general store, campground and cabins sit a short walk from Norman Beach. Wombats graze around the campground at dusk, kangaroos and emus are common on the drive in, and whales pass the coast in winter and spring.
Getting there and staying
The Prom is about three hours from Melbourne through Meeniyan or Foster. Tidal River camping, cabins and the lighthouse cottages are booked through Parks Victoria and fill up months ahead for summer and Easter. If they are full, Yanakie is 35 minutes from Tidal River and Sandy Point and Fish Creek are an easy drive.
Things to do in Wilsons Promontory
- Mount Oberon Summit Walk6.8 km return from Telegraph Saddle, with the best view on the Prom.
- Squeaky BeachQuartz sand that squeaks underfoot and orange granite boulders.
- Tidal RiverThe visitor centre, store, campground and footbridge over the river.
- Lilly Pilly Gully CircuitA 5.8 km loop into a gully of tree ferns and rainforest.
- Big DriftHuge inland sand dunes near the park entrance.
- Prom Wildlife WalkKangaroos, emus and wombats on an easy loop near Darby River.
- Skull Rock cruiseSee the coastline, Skull Rock and seal colonies from the water.
- Lighthouse and Southern CircuitOvernight hikes to Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay and the 1859 lighthouse.
Close to Wilsons Promontory
Beaches, walks and good food within a short drive.
Wombats at Tidal River
Wombats graze around the campground and river flats at dusk. Keep your food locked away, they know the tents.
Camping at the Prom
Tidal River campground and the hike-in sites are booked through Parks Victoria. For a roof, stay in Yanakie, Sandy Point or Fish Creek.
Norman Beach
The long main beach at Tidal River. Gentle when the swell is down and the easiest swim in the park for families, with the river mouth at the northern end.
Tidal River to Squeaky Beach
Cross the Tidal River footbridge and follow the coastal track over Pillar Point to Squeaky Beach. Easy walking with ocean views most of the way.
Squeaky Beach
Fine quartz sand that squeaks underfoot, clear turquoise water and orange granite boulders at the northern end. Walk over from Tidal River or park at the top of the track.
Neighbouring towns
Easy to combine in one trip.
