Alot of people think of Victoria just being Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road but Wilson Promontory National Park is simply one place that you cannot miss, situated around 3 hours south east of Melbourne and known by the locals as ‘The Prom’ or ‘Wilsons Prom’, it boasts endless beaches, hikes and untouched views for those seeking an adventure.
1. Mount Oberon Summit
This summit is one thing to tick off your bucket list as I’m pretty sure you will not be able to get views like this anywhere else!
The 3.4 km/ 1 hour one way hike starts from the Telegraph Saddle Carpark which is also a starting point for other day/multiday hikes. The steady steep climb comes to an end when you tackle the last hurdle of climbing onto the summit which has been made easier with both manmade and rock steps so ensure you are watching where you are walking and also make sure you bring some water and food with out depending on how fit you are as you go at your own pace but please keep in mind of the wildlife and ensure all rubbish and food are taken with you.
- Plan hike around the weather or else there’s a chance you’ll get a view of fog/clouds
- During busy periods of the year (summer, Easter and long weekends) the carpark is closed and the only way to access it is via a bus that takes hikers to and from the Tidal River campsite.
- Try early mornings to beat the crowd, especially when tour buses start to come in
2. Tidal River/ Norman Beach
Main part of the Prom is Tidal River and Norman Beach where the campsites, visitor centre, general store and cafe are located as-well as many other things that come alive during busy periods of the year particularly during the summer holidays. It is also where the river meets the beach! Walk along the river to find the famous whale rock and pay attention as you can get lucky in spotting a few of the Prom’s locals – wombats, that can be seen near the riverbank. Walk across the river via the walk bridge and begin your journey on the trail of your choose with the most popular one taking you across the hill to Squeaky beach.
Tidal River and Norman Beach provide alot of activities to do such as kayaking, surfing lessons, chilling on the beach or even jump onto the 2 1/2 hour cruise departing from the beach to explore more of the park from a different point of view.
3. Pillar Point Lookout
The Pillar Point Lookout gives you a view of both Squeaky and Norman Beach on a more easier trail than Mount Oberon for those that are not keen on hiking the summit. The trail starts from Tidal River when you cross the river which will take you on a 4km/ 1 hour return trip, but be careful as you reach the lookout as the trail has rocks across it and the lookout is basically situated on a rock with the highest point being quiet hard to climb due to nothing to grab on so please be careful. The trail around halfway to the lookout can also take you down to Squeaky Beach.
4. Squeaky Beach
Squeaky beach is a renowned beach as it literally ‘squeaks’ when you walk across the sand, hence the name due to the grains of quartz making the sound. The beach is also very popular with surfers, perhaps those with experience as it can be quiet a rough beach unlike its neighbour Norman Beach which when you walk along the beach where you can walk across the rocks which is located near the trail that takes you back to Pillar Point or Tidal River, please be careful to not get swept away.
5. The Big Drift
The Big Drift is an extensive area of sand dunes, with a 2km trail starting from the Stockyard campsite near the parks entrance gate, as when you driving along the road to Tidal River, you can see the dunes in the distance but it can be very hard to find as its not heavily signed so it is not a popular as other places but its starting to get more attention as I had never known that this had existed until last year when I saw an article about it on Facebook! and I’ve lived in this area for all of my life! But this area is where you can get very easily lost! so make sure you follow the signs and not go off track as you have to go through farmland to get to the dunes and remember where you had entered onto the sand dunes as they are ever changing. The trail can also be difficultly depending on your fitness levels as when I visited, you were nearly crawling up the dune to get to the top because it was steep but like the Prom, its something you have to see as it gives you views of the Prom and Corner Inlet.
Want to learn more? Use the links below that takes you to information, cruises, bus tours and accomodation pages.
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