Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wilsons Prom is the southernmost point of Australia. Swim at beaches with granite tors and walk remote coastal bushland paths. Camping is available at the family-friendly Tidal River or you can hike to a more remote campsite. Wombats, Kangaroos and Emus await you in either case.
Swimming at Norman Beach is just a short walk away from Tidal River Campground. Or, snorkelling for an underwater view of Victoria’s largest Marine National Park. Tidal River is a great place to camp with the whole family. You can choose from powered or non-powered sites, or stay in a roofed accommodation.
Climb the granite peaks on Mount Oberon to enjoy panoramic views of the sea from a high altitude. Mount Bishop makes a good alternative. From the Lilly Pilly parking lot, you can either walk up to the summit or use the sidetrack while walking the Lilly Pilly circuit. You’ll get a great view of the Prom’s west coast, including the offshore islands. Vereker Outlook is a lesser-known viewpoint that offers a broader view of the National Park.
Adventure seekers can enjoy an overnight hiking trip in The Prom. Explore the remote wilderness in the north, or the historic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation located south.
You can feel the sand in your toes on some of the quieter beaches at Wilsons Prom. These include Cotters Beach, Whisky Bay and Fairy Cove. To explore the outdoors, you can reserve a free all-terrain wheelchair, TrailRider and beach wheelchair.
You may encounter hazards on beaches and along the coasts. To ensure that your visit to Wilsons Promontory National Park will be safe and enjoyable, follow our water-safety advice.
Adventure tours and activities in parks
A Licensed Tour Operator is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature.
More than 400 licensed tour operators are available in Victoria to help you connect and experience Victoria’s beautiful parks and waterways.
Explore more than 60 types of nature experiences, including hiking, mountain biking, boating and four-wheel-driving, as well as indigenous culture tours, birdspotting, surfing, diving, and more.
Licensed tour operators know the best places to visit and will prepare and plan your trip to ensure your safety and that you can enjoy the nature-based adventure to its fullest.
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Wilsons Promontory National Park is Victoria’s largest wilderness coastal area. The park is affectionately called ‘The Prom.’ It’s one of Victoria’s most loved parks, and for good reason. This 50,000-hectare reserve has a labyrinthine network of walking trails that lead to a variety of magical worlds inhabited by abundant wildlife.
Camping
You can choose to stay in a cabin or under canvas. You’ll find yourself surrounded by tranquil rivers, secluded coves, granite mountains and lush forested valleys. Discover cool fern gullies, secluded beaches and stunning rock formations.
Cruising
Travel across the sand to sea on the first amphibious vessel in the world. In the first marine national park in Victoria, you can cruise alongside dolphins. Skull Rock, the granite monolith that is Skull Rock, and seal colonies can be seen up close.
Wildflowers and wildlife
Wilsons Promontory provides a haven for a variety of native animals, including kangaroos. emus, wombats and echidnas. There are also birds with vibrant plumage, such as rosellas. In spring, you can see spectacular displays of wildflowers such as orchids, wattle and heathland.
Scenic trails
From the entrance of Yanakie, you can drive to the Tidal River Settlement. The road is scenic, well-signposted and offers access to car parks, bushland, and beaches. The best way to take in the stunning scenery of the peninsula is by walking along one of the many trails that run throughout the peninsula.
Accessibility
Wilsons Prom offers a variety of accessible beaches and accommodation options. It also has free equipment rental for those with disabilities. Tidal River has accessible toilets.
Park visitors with severe physical disabilities can explore the outdoors using an all-terrain wheelchair, a TrailRider or a beach wheelchair. For your comfort, a range of accessible equipment is available at the Tidal River Park accommodation.
Wilson’s Promontory National Park, affectionately known as “The Prom,” is a breathtaking expanse of pristine wilderness located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia in the state of Victoria. Renowned for its rugged coastline, secluded beaches, and diverse ecosystems, Wilson’s Promontory offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this remote and unspoiled wilderness. From towering granite peaks to windswept beaches and ancient forests, the park’s stunning landscapes provide a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
A Natural Wonderland:
Encompassing over 50,000 hectares (about 123,550 acres) of protected land, Wilson’s Promontory National Park is home to an astonishing variety of landscapes, flora, and fauna. From its rugged coastline along the Bass Strait to its lush rainforests and tranquil river valleys, the park showcases the diverse beauty of Australia’s southern coast.
Geological Marvels:
At the heart of Wilson’s Promontory lies a rich tapestry of geological features, shaped over millions of years by the forces of nature. Towering granite peaks, such as Mount Oberon and Mount Bishop, dominate the skyline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Rocky headlands, sea stacks, and offshore islands punctuate the coastline, providing havens for seabirds, seals, and other marine life. Visitors can explore the park’s geological wonders through a network of hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and interpretive displays that highlight the region’s fascinating geology and natural history.
Coastal Wilderness:
Wilson’s Promontory boasts some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Australia, with pristine beaches, rocky coves, and towering cliffs that stretch for miles along the rugged coastline. Squeaky Beach, with its fine white sand that squeaks beneath your feet, is a popular destination for beachcombing, swimming, and picnicking. Whiskey Bay and Picnic Bay offer secluded spots for relaxation and solitude, while Sealers Cove can be reached via a scenic hike through coastal heath and rainforest.
Wildlife Encounters:
The diverse habitats of Wilson’s Promontory support an abundance of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and wombats that can often be seen foraging in the park’s grasslands and woodlands. Birdwatchers flock to the park to spot native species such as emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and colourful parrots. Offshore, the waters of Bass Strait teem with marine life, including seals, dolphins, and migrating whales that pass by the promontory during their annual migrations.
Outdoor Adventures:
For outdoor enthusiasts, Wilson’s Promontory offers a wealth of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and snorkelling. The park is crisscrossed by an extensive network of hiking trails that range from short nature walks to multi-day treks, providing opportunities to explore the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Overnight hikers can stay at one of the park’s wilderness campsites or cabins, while day visitors can enjoy picnicking, swimming, and wildlife watching at designated recreation areas throughout the park.
Cultural Heritage:
Wilson’s Promontory has a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back at least 6,500 years. The park is home to significant cultural sites, including shell middens, rock art sites, and ceremonial grounds, that reflect the deep connection between the region’s traditional owners and the land. Visitors can learn about the cultural significance of Wilson’s Promontory through interpretive displays, guided tours, and cultural heritage programs that offer insights into the history and traditions of the local Indigenous communities.
Conservation and Sustainability:
As one of Australia’s most beloved national parks, Wilson’s Promontory plays a crucial role in conserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The park is managed by Parks Victoria, which works tirelessly to protect its diverse ecosystems, manage visitor impacts, and promote sustainable tourism practices. Through conservation initiatives, research programs, and community engagement, Parks Victoria strives to ensure that Wilson’s Promontory remains a pristine wilderness for generations to come.
In conclusion, Wilson’s Promontory National Park is a natural paradise that beckons adventurers, nature lovers, and curious travellers alike. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the park offers a glimpse into the timeless beauty of Australia’s southern coast. Whether hiking through ancient rainforests, lounging on secluded beaches, or watching wildlife from coastal cliffs, visitors to Wilson’s Promontory are sure to be captivated by the park’s unparalleled beauty and sense of wilderness adventure.
