Things to do Wilsons Prom | Hikes, Beaches, Accommodation & More!
Wilsons Promontory is a nature lovers dream and is one of the most beautiful places in Victoria. Filled with unspoiled beaches and rainforests, you can walk, hike, swim, camp and more. Whether you are visiting Wilsons Prom with kids or with friends, you won’t be disappointed.
Things to do Wilsons Promontory National Park
Wisons Promontory, also known to many as “The Prom” is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. There is so much to do in the area for those who want to get off the grid.
It is a great spot for any traveller including families, especially for those who love to be active. There is so much to do in Wilsons Prom for any age and is a great place for a holiday in Victoria.
The prom is packed with lots of different walking and hiking tracks, short long, and even over night. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches and swimming spots. And even a camping ground inside the national park where you can stay.
Where is Wilsons Prom?
Wilsons Promontory National Park is located around 3 hours south east of Melbourne in the Gippsland Region.
It is actually the most southernmost point of the Australian mainland resting on a small peninsula on the Bass Straight and is one of the most beautiful National Parks in Victoria.
Best Things to do at Wilsons Prom
Wilsons Prom is one of our favourite places to visit with the kids and we are trying to make it an annual tradition. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Wilsons Prom:
Best Wilsons Prom Walks
These walks in Wilsons Prom are a great way to see and appreciate the area from the bushland and forest, to the beaches and even some sand dunes!
1. Lilly Pilly Nature Walk
The Lilly Pilly Nature Walk is one of the most popular short walks and one of the best things to do in Wilsons Prom with Kids. This family friendly walk is great for all ages, and pram friendly too so you can take the whole family.
It is around 5kms return an will take around an hour and a half. There is a stunning boardwalk section at the top of the walk which kids especially love.
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2. Tidal River to Squeeky Beach Trail
If you are staying in the Tidal River Camp Ground, this walk is a must do. The Tidal River to Squeeky Beach trail is one of the best walks in Wilsons prom for beach lovers.
Starting from the Tidal River Camp Ground, head over the bridge and follow the trail for Squeeky beach, a beach where as it’s name suggests, it “squeeks”. The sand that is! This is due to the tiny sand particles that are the same size and shape. It is actually really cool to hear.
The walk is really pretty and the views are magical and Squeeky beach is one of the best in the area especially for kids as there are plenty of rocks to climb on
The walk is around 6kms return, or just over 1.5 hrs. You can do it one way and arrange a shuttle to get back. The track is mostly flat, but there are a few spots where you will struggle to walk a pram. You could probably do it one, way, but not back. (as we learned the hard way).
3. The Big Drift Sand Dunes
The Big Drift Sand Dunes are one of the most amazing places and somewhat still a hidden gem in Victoria. Lots of travellers (and even locals) miss it when heading to Wilsons Prom, so make sure you stop to visit.
It is one of the shortest walks in Wilsons Prom with the biggest reward. Just 20 minutes each way to get to the start of the dunes, the track is mostly flat except the last stretch which is an uphill climb up the dunes. If you can make it up it is simply magical and you won’t stop talking about it.
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Best Wilsons Prom Hikes
If you are looking for more of a challenge, check out these hikes in Wilsons Prom which will take your breath away.
4. Mount Oberon Summit Hike
Standing at 558 metres high, Mount Oberon is one of the most popular and best hikes in Wilsons Prom. It is a great hike, and the track is wide and easy to walk along. Takes around 3-4 hours up and back. It is especially great if you can start before sunrise that ends with the rewarding panoramic views over Wilsons Prom.
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5. Mount Bishop Summit Hike
Mount Bishop is another of the most popular hikes in Wilsons Prom. Standing at 319 metres high, it is a challenging hike winding through forests where the track is narrow and rugged. Takes around 3-4hrs up and back, slightly longer than Mt Oberon. At the summit you are rewarded with panoramic views over Squeaky Beach and Whisky Bay.
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Wilsons Prom Beaches
Wilsons Prom has some of the best beaches in Victoria. During summer they are packed with travellers but even during winter they are worth a visit for a walk.
6. Squeaky Beach
The most popular beach in Wilsons Promontory is the unrivalled Squeaky Beach and yes it squeaks! If you are visiting Wilsons Prom, you can’t miss it, it should be at the top of every visitor’s Wilson’s Prom itinerary.
You (and the kids especially) will love jumping and running around on the sand to hear the squeaks and making music with your feet.
The beach is wide and there are lots of beautiful large rock formations.
To get there you can arrive from the car park on the main road, however if you are staying at the Tidal River Camping Ground, the walk we mentioned in point 2 of this post is a great trip and has the most magnificent views on the way.
7. Norman Beach
While Squeaky beach may be the most famous beach in Wilson’s Prom, Norman beach is just as beautiful. You can swim, surf, or just play around in the water.
To get there you can enter from the Norman Beach Carpark or again if you are at Tidal River Camping Ground, it is a short walk where the river opens out onto the beach.
8. Whisky Bay
Another beautiful beach in Wilsons Prom is Whisky Bay which has a stunning lookout point offering spectacular water views of the beach.
To get there, head to the Whisky Bay Carpark and follow the 400m track over the sand dunes before arriving at the sheltered beach.
Wilsons Prom Accommodation
The best place to stay in Wilsons Prom is the Tidal River Camping Ground in the Wilsons Promontory National Park. You can book on the Parks Victoria Website.
They offer all types of accommodation from camp sites to huts and lodges for larger groups.
If you plan to stay in the summer months, note that you need to book well ahead of time. While getting a camp site is easier, sometimes there can be a wait of 6-12 months or longer for a cabin. Over the summer holidays there is also a lottery you need to enter to be granted accommodation because of the high volume of requests.
We usually try to stay in February and book about a year in advance.
9. Wilsons Prom Campsites
Camping at Tidal River is one of the best things to do in Wilsons Prom. There are plenty of sites, you can bring your tents, or even your caravan and set your self up for one of the best camping trips in Victoria.
10. Wilsons Prom Cabins
If you still want to stay in the national park but aren’t a fan of camping, there is also the option of staying in a cabin. There are lots of options too from 4-6 bed huts with kitchens but shared bathroom facilities, to the larger lodges for 12, 24, and even 36 which have their own kitchens and bathrooms.
Other Wilsons Prom Accommodation
We recommend staying in the Tidal River Camping Ground to get the full experience. However if you are looking for other accommodation in Wilsons Prom, you can find hotels and BnB’s in the closets town Yannakie, just outside the national park.
Wilsons Prom – Best Things to Do
If you are after unspoiled beaches, challenging walks and hikes on the coast and through rainforests, spectacular coastal views through the Australian bush, a trip to Wilsons Promontory National Park is a must. There are so many things to do in Wilsons Prom that you will want to go back over and over.
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