Guide to Wilsons Prom Hikes: Best 10 Wilsons Prom Hikes

Is Wilsons Prom Good For Hiking?

Wilsons Promontory hiking offers unmatched access to rocky coasts, isolated beaches, and old-growth woods. It's the perfect place for nature enthusiasts looking for adventure and peace in Australia's breathtaking wilderness because of its varied paths, accommodating hikers of all skill levels.

World-class Birdwatching

To appreciate the Prom's birds, you don't have to be a professional twitcher. There are 180 different native bird species in Australia. Wilsons Promontory is home to some. Look out for the more common species, such as kookaburras (you may not see them), as well as the native species, which include sea eagles, godwits, flycatchers, scarlet robins, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, and occasionally even wandering albatrosses.

Unique Rock Formations

Geologists get enthusiastic about places like Wilsons Prom. It's one of Victoria's biggest exposed Lower Devonian batholiths. It has many rocks, to put it simply. The largest one is granite. The Tidal River, the largest body of water running through the Prom and stained purple-brown by native tannin, offers tourists boulder-hopping opportunities, soaring granite cliffs, and rocky lookouts. The granite block on which the Prom is formed stretches to Tasmania.

Wildlife Galore

Though visiting Wilsons Promontory and missing the wildlife is challenging, first-time visitors to Melbourne might be disappointed not to see kangaroos jumping past their inner-city hotel window. Animal inhabitants of the Prom include white-footed dunnarts, long-nosed potoroos, feather-tailed gliders, southern right whales, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, emus, and echidnas.

The Prom is a nature lover's dream because of its pristine environment. If you enjoy animals, you should attempt the Prom Wildlife Walk, which departs from the park's Wildlife Viewing area. The 2.3-kilometer (45-minute) circle trail winds across the grasslands along the ocean. Reminder: dusk is kangaroo prime time.

Wilsons Prom Hiking Essentials  

This section covers the fundamentals of packing and should provide enough information to adequately put together your pack in a way that suits your needs and is convenient for you.

Packing Principles

There is no one correct method to assemble a pack; every hiker, every equipment list, and every pack combine to produce something special. 

Pack the less used, lighter gear on the bottom of the pack, which covers items such as the sleeping system (mat, mat, and liner for sleeping bag). Pack heavy gear close to the centre of your back. This covers the majority of your meals as well as your bladder of water. Pack the frequently used gear on top. It takes care of most of your meals and your water bladder.

Waterproofing

If you need to carry devices for podcasts and blogging, the last thing you want is a wet sleeping bag or change of clothing for waterproofing. When it comes to waterproofing, it is not about total submersion but about rains or heavy downpours. There are two primary methods for making your rucksack waterproof:

Packing Order

The packing order below can help you save a lot of room by allowing you to fit everything you need in your bag.

Hiking Essential List

There are a few key things to think about when packing. It's crucial to hiking essentials that fit well and meet your demands. 

Jackery Portable Power Stations can make hiking more fun and powerful since electricity is vital, especially for overnight hiking.  

Bring a small power station like the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus or Explorer 600 Plus to charge your electronics (GPS devices, communication tools, and personal electronics) on your hiking trip. They are only the size of a book or a ball, so you can easily take them everywhere.

Best 10 Wilsons Prom Hikes 

Situated in Victoria, Australia's Gippsland area, southeast of Melbourne, is Wilsons Promontory National Park. Located on a short peninsula that protrudes into the Bass Straight, Wilsons Prom is the southernmost point of continental Australia.

The top ten treks in Wilsons Promontory National Park are listed below. There is a fantastic blend of coastline and bushland paths and the best hikes in Wilsons Prom.

1. The Big Drift

Location: Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps) 

Length: 4km

Hiking Time: 1 Hour

Difficulty: Grade 2

Wilsons Prom's underappreciated charm. The trek to Wilsons Prom's Big Drift, a sizable inland dune, is easy and marked. Outstanding views span Wilson's Promontory once you're up on the dunes. Mark your route, though, or otherwise stay on it - getting lost out there is easy!

The last climb up into the dunes is, of course, the hardest. The sandy sand makes it easy to lose balance on the steep terrain. It's similar to climbing an escalator the wrong way. But persevere - getting to the summit isn't that far away.

2. Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit Hike

Location: Gippsland VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 35km

Hiking Time: 8.5 Hours

Difficulty: Grade 4

A well-known multi-day hike in Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park, the Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit presents hikers with a varied and demanding trip through some of Australia's most breathtaking coastline scenery.

Starting at Telegraph Saddle Car Park, the climb leads to the stunning Sealers Cove. The coastal walk then travels around Little Waterloo Bay and Refuge Cove before returning to the trailhead. You are welcome to continue this stroll if you so desire. For further details, see the following link.

3. Mount Oberon Summit Walk

Location: Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 7km

Hiking Time: 2 Hours

Difficulty: Grade 3

Prepare to wear more clothing following the climb up Mount Oberon, as the peak is exposed and windy. There are wide-ranging vistas of Wilsons Promontory National Park on a clear day. You will undoubtedly have fantastic views of Norman Beach and the Tidal River.

While you're up there, search at Big Drift to get a better idea of how unique this massive inland dune is. As you may expect, the trek should only take a few hours of your day, and the trip back down is a breeze. Wilson Prom's dawn and sunset are other excellent times for this stroll.

4. Tidal Overlook Circuit & Pillar Point

Location: Tidal Overlook Cct, Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 8km

Hiking Time: 2 Hours

Difficulty: Grade 2

Starting at the Tidal River campsite and going over the Tidal River footbridge is where this Wilsons Prom hike starts. The route then follows the shore, passing by many areas of interest as it descends across the Tidal River. The road eventually loops around to provide sweeping views of Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay, and Whisky Bay, the nearby beaches.

Beyond, you should be able to see Mount Bishop. The hiking route climbs steadily before descending again to rejoin the Lilly Pilly Gully track at Wilson Prom and returning to Tidal River. It's a short walk, about 8 miles.  

5. Little Oberon Bay

Location: 2 Ring Rd, Tidal River VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 9.5km

Hiking Time: 2.5 Hours

Difficulty: Grade 2

Wilsons Promontory National Park's Little Oberon Bay trek is a charming seaside path well-known for its unhurried beauty and approachable layout. The hike begins and ends at the Tidal River campground, which is around 6 km (back), so it's a good half-day activity.

The track starts with a leisurely walk over coastal heathland with expansive vistas of Mount Oberon and Norman Beach. Hikers can see local species, including kangaroos and echidnas, as they meander through windswept coastal vegetation and sand dunes as they descend towards Little Oberon Bay.

6. Wilsons Prom Squeaky Beach Walk

Location: Pristine white beach with sand that squeaks underfoot (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 400m

Hiking Time: 10 Min

Difficulty: Grade 1

From here, hike to the far end of Squeaky Beach while taking in the massive orange rocks and, of course, the squeaky sand. From here, you may continue to Whisky Bay by picking up the route across the headland of Leonard Bay.

To make a loop, go back the way you came or go inland and road walk back to the Tidal River. You should return the same way you came and continue to hike along Wilsons Prom's shoreline while taking in the scenery in the other direction.

7. Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk

Location: Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 5km

Hiking Time: 1.5 Hours

Difficulty: Grade 2

Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, Australia, is home to the serene and enchanted Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk. This 1.2-kilometre-long, short-loop trail winds through the verdant rainforest with tall eucalyptus trees, ferns, and moss-covered stones.

Hikers seeking relief from the coastal heat can embark on this route, which begins at the Lilly Pilly Gully car park close to Tidal River and immerses them in a cool, shaded environment. The walk meanders gradually up through the ravine, passing past glistening creeks and tiny waterfalls that offer calming sounds and chances to see wildlife.

8. Mount Bishop Walk

Location: Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 7.5km

Hiking Time: 2 Hours 15 Min

Difficulty: Grade 3

A moderately difficult hike, the Mount Bishop Walk, is found in Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, Australia. This well-liked trail is a favourite among tourists looking for exercise and beautiful scenery, as it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding surroundings.

Starting from the Mount Bishop parking lot, the trip climbs gradually through natural bushland, including coastal heath and eucalypt trees. The trail, around three km long, has interpretive signage and well-marked pathways that provide information on the area's wildlife and plants.

9. Darby River to Tongue Point via Fairy Cove

Location: Tongue Point-Darby Riv Walk, Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960 (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 3.8km

Hiking Time: 2 Hours one way

Difficulty: Grade 4

Explore the enchanted Fairy Cove. On the western side of Wilson Prom, the quiet and utterly charming Fairy Cove may be reached by walking from Darby River to Tongue Point. The 4-kilometre walk is an excellent place to see the sunset, and it starts near the Darby River Car Park. More impressive granite boulders strewn across Wilson Promontory National Park may be found near Fairy Cove. Bring swimwear and snorkelling equipment as well to enjoy the offshore attractions.  

10. Sealers Cove Track

Location: Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia (Open in Google Maps)

Length: 10km one way

Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours

Difficulty: Grade 4

Camping and hiking on one of the most remote beaches in Wilsons Prom. A well-liked stroll in Wilsons Prom that leads to some of the most secluded beaches in the southeast of the national park is the 10 km out and return Sealers Cove Track. Yes, Sealers Cove is breathtaking and well worth the stroll. Stay overnight in Sealers Cove Campground instead of the even more crowded Tidal River campground.

Accommodations in Wilsons Prom

Tidal River and Stockyard are two of the National Park's camping and lodging locations. But many lodging options are available just outside the park, ranging from luxurious apartments to Budapest hotel rooms, all within a short drive.

Tidal River Accommodation

The primary tourist destination, Tidal River, is the most well-liked because of its strategic placement. There are a plethora of excellent lodging alternatives available in Tidal River. Offering luxury paired with nature, the Wilderness Retreats has won several awards. Enjoy luxurious camping in roomy safari-style tents with a private toilet and no-hassle setup.

Perfect for a romantic getaway with your significant other, Tidal River Cabins & Huts are set in a picturesque riverbank wilderness environment. They are ideal for groups of up to six people travelling together. Tidal River also has a campsite with first-rate amenities to make you comfortable while camping outdoors.

Stockyard Campground

The Stockyard Campground is 30 km from the Tidal River and close to the park's entrance. Nestled between aromatic banksias and eucalyptus, it is a pleasant diversion from the bustling Tidal River. The charming campsite offers picnic spaces, hot showers, flushing toilets, camp kitchens, and shelters for a comfortable camping experience.

Setting up your tent and using everything Wilson Prom offers is a fantastic nature retreat. Stockyard Campground is the ideal starting point for a day at Whisky Bay Beach to the Big Drift Walk.

Lighthouse Cottages

The Wilsons Prom Light Station (as shown above) offers a unique experience: stay in ancient cottages near the lighthouse from self-contained dormitory style or private cabin accommodation, and take in the Prom's rocky coastal setting. The southernmost town on the Australian continent is the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse and its historic homes, situated atop a tiny peninsula that juts out into the wild waters of Bass Strait.

The overnight Southern Prom Circuit Hike only reaches the light station on foot, which adds to its isolated charm. The three cottages include a communal kitchen that is fully furnished with an oven and everything you could need for a peaceful stay.

Luxury Spa Cabin

This four-star location with a view of the Prom may be the perfect setting for wild romance if you travel with someone special. The king-size bed in this self-contained cabin can accommodate two guests, and the open kitchen, bedroom, and living space are connected to the covered outside deck by a large spa bath. You may stargaze while taking a soak since the spa overlooks a ten-acre woodland that stretches to the Prom.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking

With its beautiful routes and tranquil surroundings, Wilsons Promontory National Park is a hiker's dream. Reliable power solutions are necessary to keep connected and power your gadgets so you may enjoy this experience to the fullest. Jackery Portable Power Stations are ideal for hiking because they offer sustainable and lightweight energy.

LiFePO4 and lithium-ion batteries from Jackery provide a reliable and sustainable power supply. These power stations ensure a smooth outdoor experience by allowing you to recharge and utilise the sun's energy when combined with Jackery Solar Panels. We suggest the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus and Explorer 300 Plus for trekking at Wilson Prom since they combine portability and functionality.

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is an exceptional choice for a robust and portable power solution for hikers. With an 800W output and 632Wh capacity, it powers various devices, from GPS units to portable stoves and camping lights.

Weighing only 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) and featuring a foldable handle, the Explorer 600 Plus is compact and easy to carry on demanding hikes. Its dual PD fast-charging ports (up to 100W) ensure rapid charging for your devices, keeping you connected wherever you venture.

The 4000-cycle LiFePO4 battery ensures longevity and durability, while the UPS mode (under 20ms) guarantees uninterrupted power for critical devices. Quiet operation and advanced safety features make it a reliable companion for any hiking expedition.   

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is the perfect fit for hikers prioritising minimal weight and maximum convenience. Weighing just 8.3 lbs (3.75 kg), this power station delivers 300W output and 288Wh capacity, meeting your basic power needs without adding unnecessary bulk.

The Explorer 300 Plus is ideal for charging smaller devices like cameras, smartphones, and headlamps. Its intelligent app control feature allows you to manage the power station via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, adding modern convenience to your hiking setup.

Equipped with dual PD ports and advanced safety features, the Explorer 300 Plus ensures efficient and secure charging of smaller devices, such as headlamps, power banks, and cameras. The intelligent app control feature lets you manage the battery remotely via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, adding a layer of convenience to your hiking adventure.

With Jackery Portable Power Stations, your Wilsons Prom hiking experience will be powered and hassle-free, enabling you to explore the stunning trails with confidence and ease.

Tips for Hiking in Wilsons Prom

Most visitors drive to Wilsons Prom, so understanding the route in advance is necessary. You also probably would like to know the best time to visit here to promote both a memorable outdoor experience and responsible stewardship of this unique wilderness area. 

Best Time To Visit Wilsons Promontory

First things first: if you don't like crowds, avoid Wilsons Promontory during Victorian school vacation periods and summer weekends, even outside of school holidays. These times of year are known to be quite busy. To reserve a spot at Tidal River Campground for a school vacation, one must do so well in advance. A voting system is also in place for long weekends and summer school holidays.

Weekday visits in the spring and autumn are usually the best times, but they will be much better in the summer. Hiking from June to August is for the more dedicated hiker, as winter weather in this world region can be unpredictable.

How To Get To Wilsons Prom

Wilsons Prom is easily accessible from all major towns and cities in Victoria and the southern region of New South Wales. Indeed, day trips from Melbourne are not uncommon. It is advisable to stay for at least one night, a weekend, or more to enjoy Wilsons Promontory National Park. We'll look at a few well-traveled driving routes below.

The easiest way to Wilson's Prom is also by car. The best way to get to Wilson's Prom and the Tidal River is by car, even though many excellent campsites and camping locations are accessible by foot.  

Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory: Travelling 200 km (around 2.5 hours) by car from Melbourne to Wilsons Prom should not be too difficult. While visiting Wilsons Promontory in a single day is feasible, you'll probably want to stay at least one night due to the distance and variety of camping alternatives available.

Sydney to Wilsons Prom: You should allow around 11 hours to travel 995 kilometres from Sydney.  

Wilsons Prom Hikes FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about Wilsons Prom hikes:

1. Do I need a permit to hike Wilsons Prom?

All overnight hikers are required to get a permit before starting their trip. The permit must be carried at all times throughout the climb. Before a hiking permit is granted, hikers who want to trek between Lower Barry Creek and Five Mile Beach must complete a Hiker Self Assessment Form. 

2. What is so special about Wilsons Prom?

Beaches. Fairy Cove, Squeaky Beach, Waterloo Bay, and Whisky Bay are magical names that evoke romantic visions of surreal beaches. With its turquoise shoreline and breathtaking beaches, Wilsons Promontory takes first place. Its sandy sands stretch for miles, concealing coves.

3. Is Wilsons Prom worth it?

Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations. The southernmost tip of mainland Australia is a peninsula that juts out into the ocean; rocky mountains, immaculate beaches, and a profusion of unusual fauna distinguish it.

Final Thoughts

Wilsons Promontory hiking offers a singular fusion of scenic views, ranging from verdant woodlands to expansive coastline panoramas. It will be a memorable location for people looking for discovery and renewal among Australia's natural landscapes, with paths suitable for all ability levels. Make sure you can handle the chosen difficulty level for the trial.