Monday, March 10, 2025

Wilsons Prom

Over Labour Day weekend, Tom and I headed to Wilsons Promontory National Park—the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. With stunning coastal trails, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, it was the perfect place to soak up the last rays of summer.

Mar 7-10

We left Friday after work for the 3-hour drive from Melbourne (4.5 hours with holiday traffic). Though Wilsons Prom remains wild and largely untouched, it still draws summer and holiday crowds. Tidal River, the park's only accomodation hub, fills up fast—we booked our beachside campsite back in September! 

Arriving late, we pitched our tent in strong winds that sent sand flying. The temperature was a bit cooler than Melbourne but stayed mild overnight.

Day 1: Mt. Bishop + Norman Beach
After a rough night's sleep, staying inside the park with everything close by felt like a real treat. Instead of taking the crowded Mt. Oberon shuttle, we hiked the 7 km trail to Mt. Bishop. Quiet at 9:30am, we enjoyed spectacular summit views before descending past a growing stream of hikers. 

 



Back at camp, we spent the afternoon at Norman Beach, which stretched wide at low tide. Surfers and paddlers dotted the water, and I braved an icy dip.


Following the bay, I wandered to Little Oberon Beach, where the afternoon sun made the colors pop. Further along, remote Oberon Beach looked like a hidden gem.


Freshly showered, Tom and I unwound with books and board games before cooking a simple camping stove dinner (no fires allowed). We packed our own food to avoid leaving the park, but the Tidal River General Store was well-stocked.


At sunset, we strolled the Loo-Errn Track, spotting wombats wandering the campground. The Prom Wildlife Walk was also recommended for spotting the locals.



Day 2: Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay, Whisky Bay
Sunday's calm weather was ideal for a long hike. We off at 9am for the Three Bays Walk, parking at the Mt. Bishop trailhead since the Tidal River footbridge was closed. 

 

Tidal Overlook is a short climb to a sweeping bird's eye view.



Pillar Point offers a terrific vantage point of the rugged coastline.



True to its name, the fine white sand at popular Squeaky Beach squeaks underfoot.





Picnic Bay is tucked into a quieter stretch of shoreline.


Whisky Bay has unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters.



After the 16 km trek, we cooled off with a Norman Beach swim before relaxing with games, dinner, and another sunset wildlife walk.


Day 3: Tongue Point + Fairy Cove 
On our way out Monday morning, we hiked to Tongue Point, a 9 km round trip from Darby River. Tongue Point is also accessible from Darby Saddle, or as a thru hike if you have two cars.


The trail winds through coastal bushland, opening up to dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views.


A short detour leads to Fairy Cove, a secluded beach framed by granite boulders.



Too exhausted after three days of hiking and camping, we skipped the scenic drive home along the Bunurong Coast. Next time, we’d consider a cabin stay—or for the ultimate adventure, one of the overnight walks.