The best things to do at Wilsons Prom
Wilsons Promontory National Park is often called Wilsons Prom for short, or simply “The Prom” by locals. Whatever you call it, there are plenty of things to do at Wilsons Prom for everyone. Located in Victoria, The Prom is a stunning natural wonderland that offers families pristine beaches and a chance to get back to nature.
So whether your family loves to hike, hang out at the beach or you simply want to escape the city and reconnect with nature, The Prom has something to do for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of the best things to do at Wilsons Prom.
Enjoy the stunning beaches
Home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, this is one of the easiest things to do at Wilsons Prom.
If you only have time for one beach, head to Tidal River and Norman Bay Beach. You’ll find it right near the Tidal River Camp Area and Visitor Centre in Wilsons Prom. It’s a top spot for families as the river itself offers a calmer alternative to the pounding surf. Plus, it’s really beautiful.
For those staying overnight with more time up their sleeve, Squeaky Beach is also a top spot to visit. It boasts giant granite boulders, crystal clear water and sand that makes a nice squeaky sound underfoot. If you prefer a quieter beach, head to Whisky Bay. This beach is an excellent spot to watch the sunset with some islands in silhouette off in the distance.
If you’re really seeking seclusion, plan a multi-day hike into Refuge Cove. Unfortunately, this beach is not suitable for everyone. Why? It can only be accessed by boat or a 34-kilometre grade 4 hike spanning 2-3 days. However, if you’re up for the adventure, this is one to tick off the bucket list.
Go wildlife watching
Besides chilling at beautiful beaches, wildlife spotting is probably one of the easiest things to do at Wilsons Prom. Home to a wide range of wildlife, including emus, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, and over 200 species of birds, it’s hard not to spot wildlife here.
Head to the Prom Wildlife Viewing area for quick viewing. There is a circuit walk you can do here but don’t worry if mobility is an issue. More often than not, you will spot wildlife in the open grass area near the car parking area.
Get your steps up on an iconic Wilsons Prom hike
The hiking in Wilsons Prom is epic and it’s one of the most popular things to do here. It’s not just all about the gruelling multi-day hikes though, there are plenty of shorter day walks that are easier for families to manage. Two of the most popular walks include the 3.8-kilometre Promenade Walk that takes you to Pillar Point and the 6.8-kilometre Mount Oberon Summit Walk.
The 5.2-kilometre Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk is a top hike for families. It takes around an hour and a half to return and is a fairly easy walk. The track is mostly compacted sand and traverses through heathland, eucalypt trees, shady rainforest, lush ferns and a trickling creek.
A great way to hit up multiple beaches in one day is to hike the 6-kilometre four-beach walk that covers Norman Beach, Tidal Overlook, Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay. If you don’t have someone to pick you up at the end, you’ll have to double your steps and backtrack the way you came.
See the iconic Skull Rock on a wilderness cruise around Wilsons Prom
Take a wilderness cruise from Tidal River to experience the beautiful granite coastline from a different angle. The cruise goes for around 2.5 hours and after departing from Norman Beach, cruises into the waters of the Bass Strait to witness South Point, the southernmost tip of Australia’s mainland. Most would agree that getting up close to the iconic Skull Rock is a highlight of the tour.
Keep your eyes peeled for fur seals, dolphins, seabirds and migrating whales.
Enjoy an old-fashioned family camping trip
Camping is a popular activity in Wilsons Promontory, with a range of campsites available throughout the park. Tidal River Campground is popular, offering easy access to the beach and other amenities. It even has some cabins and glamping options. The downside? The sites are so popular that the NSW National Parks operates a ballot system to secure a spot during peak periods. It’s basically like winning the camping lottery.
Alternatively, Yanakie Caravan Park at the entrance to Wilsons Prom National Park is a top spot to set up camp.
Spot black swans at Miller’s Landing
Just a short walk from Five Mile Carpark is Miller’s landing, the world’s southernmost mangroves. It’s an easy walk of around 4-kilometres return that meanders through banksia and stringybark woodlands. The beach itself is not particularly scenic however, the bird-watching is epic.
Be on the lookout for the large flock of majestic black swans.
Check out the ‘Big Drift’ sand dunes at Wilsons Prom
Not far from the entrance to Wilsons Prom you’ll find Big Drift, a set of gigantic sand dunes. However, it does require a hike of around 3 kilometres one way to experience it. The sand dunes kind of sneak up on you with the landscape changing dramatically from scrub to dune within a few steps.
Make sure you bring along plenty of water and maybe even a few snacks, as you’ll need to hike back to your car once you’re done exploring. If you’re not blown away by the sand dunes you most certainly will be by the wind here.
Visit the Tidal River Visitor Centre
Open daily, the Tidal River Visitor Centre should be your first stop at Wilsons Prom, particularly if this is your first time visiting. Here you can pick up visitor guides and maps, get advice from the staff or just check out the interesting displays on the natural and cultural history of Wilsons Prom.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a ranger talk.
Sleep in a lighthouse
Built by convicts in 1859, the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse can be found in an isolated location in the south. Its remoteness and difficulty in reaching it means many don’t get to experience it, but if you have older kids (teenagers) and you can all handle a hike of at least 19 kilometres one way, then this is one experience that you won’t forget.
There are three cottages to choose from and you will need to book in advance. Choose from one of two routes to reach it, the inland route of around 19 kilometres via Telegraph Saddle Car Park or a 23.8-kilometre trek from Tidal River via Oberon Bay. Both of these distances are one way.
Where to stay when visiting Wilsons Prom National Park
As mentioned earlier, camping and glamping are available at Tidal River within the park itself. If you can’t secure a spot within the park, Yanakie Caravan Park at the entrance to the park has awesome views and great facilities, including large bathrooms and a playground for families.
For those seeking a more comfortable stay, check out these options in Yanakie, the small town that serves as the entrance to Wilsons Prom itself.
How to get to Wilsons Promontory National Park
Find Wilsons Prom around 240 kilometres southeast of Melbourne in the beautiful Gippsland region of Victoria. Located on a peninsular that juts into the Bass Strait, Wilsons Prom is the furthest south you can get in mainland Australia.
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
Browse our Victoria page for more information on visiting Victoria with kids, or head on back to the home page for inspiration on destinations worldwide.
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Resources for booking a getaway to Victoria with kids
Flights and getting around
- Get a great deal on flights to Melbourne on Trip.com.
- Compare car hire across major brands with Discover Cars.
Accommodation
- You can’t go past the Langham Hotel in Melbourne City. It’s upmarket, in a great location with great restaurants, and has an old-school sophistication that’s hard to beat.
- In West Gippsland, Erica Caravan Park is a top holiday spot with both cabins and camping.
- East Gippsland travellers should head to the Dargo River Inn in the high country for cabins and camping. The Big4 Waters Edge is great for families at Lakes Entrance.
- In South Gippsland, Yanakie Caravan Park (it has cabins as well) has the best views over the ocean at sunset and is located just 5 minutes from the entrance to Wilsons Promontory.
Activities and tours
- Legoland Discovery Centre – Get your tickets here.
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium – Get your tickets here.
- Arthurs Seat Eagle Gondola Ride – Get your tickets here.
- Puffing Billy Steam Train – Get your tickets here.
