I have been visiting Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria since primary school. To this day, I continue to visit or holiday at Tidal River campground at “The Prom” each year.
Wilsons Prom is such a beautiful part of the world and holds a special place in many hearts. I feel guilty spreading the news online! The stunning and protected landscape, pure and clean beaches, and entertaining wildlife are hard to match.
Wilsons Promontory camping is very popular. Where else can you pat wombats in their natural habitat, or feed rosella’s as they sit on your arm?
Continue reading learn how to book accommodation in Wilsons Promontory National Park, when to visit, and the best things to do at The Prom.
How To Get To Wilsons Prom
Getting to Wilsons Promontory National Park is easy from Melbourne. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. There are also public transport options, including a bus to Fish Creek from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Fish Creek is 55 kms from Tidal River and you will need private transport for the final part of the journey.
When To Visit Wilsons Prom
Wilsons Prom is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for camping is the warmer months from November to March. Unless you stay in a cabin or are on a day trip. Bear in mind that you can get any sort of weather at The Prom, anytime.
The national park is located at the southern-most tip of mainland Australia, and the elements can be intense here! You can experience anything from the “perfect” prom day: Sunny, swimming temperature, a slight breeze. Or wild wind and rain, or extreme heat conditions.
Wilsons Promontory Accommodation
Camping
Accommodation in Wilsons Promontory National Park is popular and busy in peak seasons.
Wilsons Promontory camping is the most common. Campsites are available at Tidal River campground, as well as some along the overnight hikes within the national park. Campsites are pre-booked in peak seasons through Parks Victoria.
There are a range of sites to choose from, either in close-proximity to the river, or up the hill closer to Norman Bay. We normally camp on the beach side, as these campsites are often bigger and more private, surrounded by shrubbery.
Cabins
There are a range of cabins to choose from. Basic, no frills cabins, large lodges for groups, or the eco cabins near the river.
Wilderness Tents
The Wilderness Retreats or Safari Tents are located in a small area of the Tidal River Campground. They can be booked here.
Wilsons Promontory Beaches
The beaches at Wilsons Promontory are all very stunning and well looked after in this national park. Here is an extensive list of each beach.
Norman Bay
Norman Bay is the main beach closest to the campground. Tidal River flows in and out of Norman Bay and the river mouth is a popular spot for families and groups. This bay has fairly safe conditions. Sometimes the surf picks up but the very gradual tide and lack of undertow and swell make this beach safe for kids and families.
The sand is beautifully soft on Norman Bay and the short walk up the dunes back to the campground is steep but manageable. There are 5 separate ramps down to the beach from 34th avenue in the campground, with the busiest being closest to the river end of the beach. The walk from the Tidal River to the rocks at the end of Norman Bay is recommended and takes about 20 minutes.
Squeaky Beach
The famous Squeaky Beach is visually memorable and a fun beach to visit. The white squeaky sand, blue water and steep sand dunes are a short hike from the car park, which is a 3 minute drive from Tidal River campground. The surf can be pretty good here, with a steep drop from the shoreline and a stronger undertow than Norman Bay. Conditions to be aware of for kids or inexperienced swimmers.
Whisky Bay
Whisky Bay is a small beach distinguished by the big rocks at each end. This is a pretty and easily accessible beach. Not as serene as Norman Bay but fairly safe for swimming. The rock pools at Whisky Bay are perfect for kids on summer days.
Picnic Bay
Picnic Bay is a very long and equally beautiful bay. There are also lots of beautiful rocks at each end and rockpools. Picnic Bay is a quieter beach and is suited to people wanting to avoid crowds.
Darby Beach
Darby Beach is a fair hike from the car park, with beautiful and secluded scenery. Located approximately 10 minutes drive from Tidal River, this beach often has better surfing conditions than other beaches, when there is not much swell in general.
Little Oberon Bay
A beautiful small bay only accessed by walking over the hill from the south end of Norman Bay. The walk takes half an hour or longer if you stop to take in the gorgeous views. Little Oberon Bay is like a small slice of paradise, and uncrowded due to being only accessed by the walking track.
Sealers Cove
The Sealers Cove walk is a popular hike and is 3 hours one way. This beautiful cove-shaped beach with an overnight campground has made Sealers Cove beach a popular hiking destination.
Waterloo Bay
Waterloo Bay is also on the overnight hike in Wilsons Promontory. It takes a full day to get to Waterloo Bay (and the nearby Little Waterloo Bay). These beaches are a welcome reward for hikers. There is a campground at Little Waterloo Bay which is the most stunning beach in the area.
More information on the hikes within Wilsons Promontory National Park can be found here.
Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory
Tidal River is the river alongside the large campground at Wilsons Promontory National Park. The tea tree coloured (mostly brown) river joins with the sea on Norman Bay, and at high tide the river turns green and becomes deeper. Perfect for jumping from rocks and lazing in on hot days!
Beside the river, there is the Loo Ern walking track, which becomes a boardwalk as you hike away from the beach across marsh land. Many people fish here, or canoe and take in the nature birdlife.
Prom Food and Drinks
There is only one shop at Tidal River which unfortunately has limited supplies at expensive prices. It’s best to stock up on essentials before camping at The Prom. The last small grocery, alcohol, and fuel stop is at Yanakee, five minutes from the Prom entry point. Note: this is still 40 minutes from the Tidal River campground. Foster or Fish Creek are 50 minutes from Tidal River for a larger grocery shop.
The Prom shop has a cafe section with fairly good coffee and hot food to takeaway.
Tidal River Amenities
Wilsons Promontory camping amenities include basic toilet and shower blocks dotted throughout the campground.
Shared BBQs are located near the main car park, beside the ramp down the main area of Norman Bay where the river meets the sea.
Other Activities
There is a small, cute outdoor cinema which runs during popular seasons. The latest family friendly films are shown. Take your sleeping bag and buy a hot chocolate at intermission!
In recent years a Wilderness Cruise has been introduced to The Prom, taking passengers from Norman Bay out to see the iconic Scull Rock. This tour is spectacular as you visit seals, and other marine life along the way.
Wilsons Promontory Wildlife
Wilsons Promontory National Park is known for its incredible wildlife. Wombats often walk and nibble their way through campsites, and wallabies, koalas, and rosellas are often seen nearby. On the drive into Tidal River, there are flat lands where large kangaroos and emus can be spotted, especially at dusk.
Conclusion
I would recommend visiting Wilsons Promontory to anyone who loves beaches, camping, wildlife, and a pristine and protected national park.
Day trips to the Prom are fun, but Wilsons Promontory camping or staying in accommodation in Wilsons Promontory National Park is recommended. This way you can fully experience the variety of beaches, hikes, and wildlife of this truly unique and beautiful part of Australia.
