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Let’s explore all the amazing things to do in Wilsons Prom.
Located 3 hours from Melbourne, Victoria’s most famous National Park is nothing short of spectacular. Towering granite mountains, pristine bays and beaches, scenic hikes, abundant wildlife. For an outdoor enthusiast, Wilsons Prom is a dream come true.
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Related article: 20 Great South Gippsland Walks – Your easy guide
Things to do in wilsons prom
A day trip to Wilsons Promontoary National Park is high up on many peoples list. From the moment you pass through the gates the scenery ramps up in breathtaking fashion, delivering a whole lot amazing opportunity. Accessing the endless Wilsons Prom attractions is fairly easy too, as there is only one main road in and out.
Here are my 12 places to visit in Wilsons Promontory.
Featured article: 42 Ultimate Things to do in South Gippsland
1. Tidal River
We start this guide to all the best Wilsons Prom things to do at the very hub, Tidal River.
The drive is one of the best parts as you’ll pay witness to dramatic and expansive ocean views along the way.
Tidal River is here you will find the visitors centre, a great place to start your explorations for the day. Be sure to pick up a guide to all the walks in the area as they range from just a few hundred metres to multiple days. There is also a mini supermarket and cafe here if needed.
If you are planning to spend a few days here (why wouldn’t you), Tidal River Camp Ground is a good base, but there is also a few cabins which can be booked. The downside is, it’s hard to get in over summer and school holidays. In fact, it’s so popular you have to apply to go in a ballot in order to get a much sought after spot. Alternately, there is more accommodation just outside the park with fully self contained cottages and cabins. You can see a listing of accommodation o the Wilsons Prom home page here.
Why visit: your base to getting started
Location: 30 minute drive from park entrance
2. Squeaky Beach
It’s the beach that everyone wants to visit. Not just because it makes a funny “squeaking” sound when you walk across the sand, but also because it is simply gorgeous.
With gleaming white sand and crystal blue water, Squeaky Beach is the perfect place to hang for the day. During the summer months you’ll find getting in the water is on everyone’s wish list but even on cooler days it’s worth a walk along the beach. You might also recognize the cluster of huge red boulders from the many famous shots the Prom is known for.
The turnoff to Squeaky Beach is not far from Tidal River, and the walk from the car park is only 300 metres, meaning that carting all your beach gear in is not too difficult.
Why visit: an iconic Wislons Prom beach everyone must visit at least once.
Location: Western Side. 25 minute drive from park entrance
3. The Big Drift
The Big Drift is a series on inland dunes and one of the best things to do in Wilsons Prom.
Located just inside the entrance gate at Stockyard campground, the walk in is considered easy and should only take around 30 minutes. But then everything changes when you are met by a steep wall of sand. It was at this point I remembered tackling something similar in Namibia, Africa, so I took my shoes off and began ascending in my socks. So much easier!
The view up there is incredible with endless white sandy dunes as far as the eye can see. As much as you’ll want to explore a bit further, remember there are no marked tracks so keep an eye on where you are going.
Why visit: One of the parks lesser known but most unique attractions
Location: Just inside the gate at Stockyard campground.
4. Lilly Pilly Gully
I love Lilly Pilly Gully walk and this one is perfect for kids and those less active. The 5.2 km gentle walk is a handy circuit that should take no longer than 90 minutes to complete.
It’s a charming stroll in with lots of native flora to admire along the way. There is also a good chance you might run into some local wildlife so make sure you have your camera ready.
Once you reach the gully, the path becomes an elevated boardwalk as you are transported to a temperate rainforest. This 600 metre section offers welcome shade on a hot summers day.
For those who want to add a side of adventure, the Mount Bishop summit trail leads off Lilly Pilly Gully track.
Why visit: a low grade walking track perfect for beginners with plenty to admire
Starting point: 25 minute drive from park entrance
5. Tidal River to Squeaky Beach Hike
I would have to say this is the best hike in Wilsons Prom for a first time visitor in my opinion. WHY you ask?
For one, it’s not overly challenging nor too long, but the coastal scenery is simply jaw dropping. Also once you reach the end, you are rewarded with one of the beast beaches in the park
Starting out from the footbridge at Tidal River, you’ll turn left till you reach the sign post for Squeaky Beach. While you will be momentarily struck with how insanely awesome the view is, it’s not till you get round the next bend that it really opens up and you can see the coastline fully unobstructed. The turquoise water, granite shoreline rocks and surrounding mountains make for some of the best scenery possible. It really is a sight I could never get sick of.
It’s also the perfect hike to take a packed lunch. Expect it to take 2 hours there and back along the same track with some time to relax and explore the beach.
Why visit: A moderate hike with some of the best views in the park
Location: starts from the footbridge at Tidal River
6. Mount Oberon
Without doubt, one of the most rewarding hikes in Wilsons Prom is the 6.8 km return hike of Mount Oberon. I’ve done it several times over the years and it never gets any less breathtaking. I’m yet to do it at sunset but I hear it is magical.
From the top of the mountain it’s a panoramic masterpiece, taking in several bays including Little Oberon, Norman, Whisky and Picnic Bay. It’s also the best place to grab that epic photo of you on top of the world.
The hike up is not the easiest as it winds up the mountain without any breathing space, but it’s the one everyone wants to do. The fact that the track is wide and well shaded certainly helps a lot. Also, if you are visiting during the height of summer, you will have to take the bus from Tidal River as the road in is closed due to minimal parking spaces.
Expect it to take 45 minutes to an hour to reach the summit and half as long to make it back down.
Why visit: a challenging and rewarding hike with outstanding views
Location: starts at Telegraph Saddle car park (look for turnoff just before Tidal River)
7. Tidal River Footbridge
The Tidal River Footbridge is located behind the camp sites and across from the visitor centre. The wooden footbridge connects to some of the best walks within the park including Pillar Point and Squeaky Beach.
The golden brown water that passes under the bridge and heads for the ocean is actually the result of staining from the decomposing vegetation. So swimming here is perfectly fine and the kids love playing in the shallows at low tide.
Why visit: A very pretty spot and great for young ones
Location: head directly across from the visitor centre
8. Loo-Errn Board walk
From the footbridge head upstream till you reach the Loo Errn Boardwalk.
This short flat walk meanders its way along Tidal River before eventually curving back toward the car park. The 1 km walk is suitable for young kids, wheelchairs and those with limited mobility.
Why visit a gentle short walk suitable for most
Location: behind the car park at Tidal River
9. Pillar Point
Pillar Point is perfect for those looking for a dramatic and scenic spot without having to partake in a challenging hike. This 4 km return trail leaves from Tidal River camp ground and is accessed via the footbridge. You’ll see signs once you cross the bridge.
As you slowly walk the trail upward at a gentle rise, you’ll be rewarded with views looking down onto the river and beach. You’ll also pass the turnoff that takes you to Squeaky beach.
Once you reach the end, the outcrop of boulders provide a place to sit and take in those incredible views looking out toward the islands and also back into Norman Bay.
Why visit: moderately challenging hike with rewarding views. Good alternative to Mount Oberon.
Location: starts from the footbridge at Tidal River
10. Prom Wildlife Viewing Area
Want to spot some friendly local wildlife such as wallabies, wombats, emus and kangaroos?
The speed limit in Wisons Prom is no more 80 km. Apart from the winding roads, the wildlife is another good reason to slow down. Early mornings and dusk are times when wildlife are more likely to be out and about but that doesn’t mean you won’t see anything at other times of day.
The best place to see them is at the Wildlife Viewing Area, only a few kilometres from the park entrance. It is well sign posted so be sure to look out for it. There is also a 2.3 km flat loop trail that takes you through the grasslands and provides an even greater chance to see more iconic Australian wildlife.
Why visit: a chance to see wildlife
Location: 15 km from entrance gate / 10 minute drive from park entrance
11. Whisky & Picnic Bay
Looking for a secluded beach?
While summer can be a busy time in the park, the little bays of Picnic Bay and Whiskey Bay are never too crowded. Come out of this time and you will probably have the beach to yourself.
Located next to each other, getting down to the shoreline doesn’t require to much effort. In fact, it’s no more than 400 metres from either car park.
Why visit: easily accessible away from the crowds
Location: 23 minute drive from park entrance
12. Tidal Overlook Circuit
If you are looking for some high ground that introduces sweeping views of the Prom from varied vantage points, this is a great hike.
The Tidal Overlook Circuit is 3.8 km in distance and takes approx 1.5 hours to complete. Starting from the Footbridge , turn right till you reach the start of the circuit. I recommend going left which takes you up a short climb to the summit, and then down the other side if you want to keep it less challenging.
Once you reach the top the views of Squeaky Beach, Picnic and Whisky Bay come into view. You’ll also see Mount Bishop and Mount Oberon before starting a descent back toward Tidal River. I particularly love this hike as the views are ever changing. On a hot day I also recommend doing it earlier in the morning rather than during the heat of the day as there is not as much shade as other hikes.
Why visit: a great overview of many of the Prom’s best attractions
Location: starts from the footbridge in Tidal River
Accommodation near wilsons prom
Why not stay a night or two and get to know Wilsons Prom a little more.
