At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Within South Gippsland, lies a 50,000-hectare reserve and outdoor wonderland - Wilsons Promontory National Park. A special part of Australia that boasts pristine beaches, unforgettable walks, encounters with unique Australian wildlife, spectacular wildflower displays, one-of-a-kind landscapes and much more. The southernmost part of Australia is waiting to be explored.
Where should you visit in Wilson Promontory?
Welcome to Wilsons Promontory
Known by the locals as ‘The Prom,’ Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the largest wild coastal areas in the state of Victoria. Located in the southernmost region of mainland Australia, you will find no less than 50,000 hectares of pure nature with many hiking trails to explore.
A natural wonderland
There is an array of wildlife living here, including wombats, emus, kangaroos and parrots. This raw dramatic scenery is surrounded by calm rivers, granite peaks and green forest valleys. Wilsons Promontory also has many deserted beaches and rugged rock formations.
Nature at its finest
For a fantastic view over the prom, go to Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. Pack a picnic and go to Glennie Lookout or discover the Walkerville Lime Kilns. Bear Gully offers secluded beaches and one of the most famous beaches is Squeaky Beach.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
There is a galore of outdoor activities to indulge in at Wilsons Promontory National Park. It is no wonder that the Prom is one of Victoria's most loved national parks! Visit the historic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and Sealers Cove. Soak up the views of Mount Oberon, stop by Waratah Bay and enjoy a picnic at Picnic Bay!
One of the richest marine ecosystems off the coast of Australia
The waters around the coast of the Prom are protected as a national marine park. In fact, Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is Victoria's largest marine national Park. Go snorkelling and spot Red Velvetfish, Wrasse, Eastern Blue Groper, and schools of Berber. Admire colourful gardens of giant sponges, sealace colonies, fan-shaped Georgian corals sea tulips, and sea whips.
Tidal River
The main base for visitors coming to Wilsons Promontory National Park, Tidal River has a good selection of accommodation including contemporary cabins. There is also a general store with a good range of supplies, a post office and a takeaway shop. Go for a swim at Norman Beach which is nearby the Tidal River Campground. Or wander along one of the many boardwalks on offer.
Tidal River swells with the tide
Tidal River is six-kilometres in length and runs through the national park. It takes on special colours thanks to a large collection of tea trees in the area. The shallow areas turn yellow while the deeper areas have a distinct dark purple to black colour. The water is very clean and clear, but it is impossible to see the bottom in the deep parts of the river.
Squeaky Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Wilsons Promontory National Park is Squeaky Beach. If you walk here, it looks like you are walking on styrofoam and like the name it sounds squeaky! The fine, rounded grains of quartz sand on Squeaky Beach create a unique high-pitched noise. A popular spot for local surfers, here you can also go swimming.
Would you like to learn more about Wilsons Promontory?
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register for an online presentationWildlife
It is no surprise that Victoria's largest coastal wilderness area is a natural haven. Here, you can find an abundance of unique wildlife such as wombats, emu, wallabies, kangaroos, and echidnas. There is also a great assortment of birds such as the yellow-tailed black cockatoo and rosellas.
Best places to spot wildlife
Close to the entrance of the Park, there is a small walk called the Prom wildlife walk. Here, you can encounter emu, kangaroos and wallabies. Around Sandy Point surf beach, you may get lucky and see a koala or go and spot wombats on the Loo-Errn Boardwalk Track. At the Tidal River Camping Site, you may encounter a local wombat.
Walks and hikes
Wilsons Promontory National Park is a hiker's paradise with a great range of multi-day hikes, full-day hikes and short walks. Catering to all fitness levels, it's an ideal place to connect with nature in stunning surroundings.
Would you like to take a long beach walk?
Visit Norman Beach, Whiskey Bay or to fully experience the beauty of the Prom, go on the four beach walk. If you are looking for a nice short walk with fabulous views, go to the Pillar Point Lookout. Adore wildlife on the six-kilometre Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Walk or conquer the Mount Oberon Summit Walk.
Feel like an adventure?
The Oberon Bay Campsite is only accessible by hiking from the coastal walking track from Tidal River or by the inland track from Telegraph Junction. Discover an other-worldly landscape on the Big Drift Walk. Visit a temperate rainforest on the Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit or enjoy magnificent views on the Tongue Point Walk.
Gippsland
Wilsons Prom lies within the region of Gippsland which stretches from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to the New South Wales border. This stunning part of Australia features wild ocean beaches, a collection of bushland, quirky country towns, lakes and an abundance of native flora.
Taste the local flavours
Oozing with Aussie friendliness, Gippsland is also a foodie haven. Visit an array of wineries or pop into a local farm and taste some locally-grown produce. Be sure to purchase some local homemade crafts too. Visit the Prom Country Farmers Market for a great selection of local goods.
Uncover the local secrets
Say G’day to a range of wildlife, including a large population of wild koalas on Raymond Island. You can access this nature oasis via a free ferry! Try to spot the famous Lyre Bird, who is known for mimicking all sorts of sounds. Go for a hike on one of the many trails on offer or ride your bike along old train tracks, the options are endless!
How to get there?
Wilsons Promontory National Park is approximately three hours drive from Melbourne. Follow the Monash Freeway and then join the South Gippsland Freeway to Meeniyan. Take the Meeniyan- Promontory Road to the Wilsons Promontory Entrance.
Accommodation
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our extensive collection of hand-selected accommodations. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Accommodation with a big personality
Whether you prefer a holiday rental, an award-winning wilderness retreat or a self-contained cabin, we have a great selection of unique accommodation in the Prom and the surrounding South Gippsland region.
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Why book with us?
- A well-designed holiday, just for you
- Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
- Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to Australia
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.