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STUNNING WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK (FULL GUIDE)

Wilsons Promontory National Park

The Wilsons Promontory National Park, also know as Wilsons Prom, is a peninsula that forms the southernmost part of mainland Australia filled with dramatic scenery, stunning beaches and lots of native wildlife. This 50,000-hectare coastal reserve first becomes protected in 1898 and is now one of Australia’s most loved National Parks. This is an awesome place for camping, walks and things to do. You can even check out the Sealers Cove camping! The Wilson Prom Hikes are one of the best reasons to visit this top place to visit in Australia!

The park is open every day of the year, so can be enjoyed all year round whatever the weather. Within the National Park is a small town called Tidal River, which has a visitor’s centre, café, toilet facilities and general store, making it the perfect place for a day trip out or a fun weekend away.

Fun Fact – What is Wilsons Promontory named after?

It was a navigator named George Bass that named the national park after Thomas Wilson. That was a companion of Mathew Flinders. The guy’s explorations of Bass Straitin in 1798-1799 led them to cover over 50,000 huge hectares.

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Let’s look what’s in this post;

How to get to Wilsons Promontory National Park?

Located in the state of Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park is easily reachable from nearby Melbourne by car, public transport or through an organised tour. It’s also a perfect place to stop if you’re making the famous road trip from Sydney to Melbourne like us.

If you’re fortunate to have a car expect the journey from Melbourne to take around 3 hours so make sure to pack some road trip goodies. If public transport is your only option, then you catch the bus, but remember once you’re in the park it becomes difficult to visit each of the different areas without your transport.

During the summer and Easter holidays, there’s a free shuttle bus that operates between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle and on weekends from November to April. Departure points include the Tidal River Visitor Centre car park, the overnight hiker’s car park (Tidal River) and Telegraph Saddle car park.

Check out the Wilsons Promontory National Park map below on the Google Map;

Wilsons Prom Car Park

So, to answer your questions, Where to park on Wilsons Prom and for how much? There is parking for free at a place like Norman beach and Whiskey beach. You won’t have to pay for anything.

From what I know, you can’t park at Squeaky beach!

You should be aware that the car parks on Wilsons National Park will fill up in peak season, so get there early 🙂

What about the Wilsons Prom weather? The weather in Australia is generally hot! When visiting places like this you should take suncream to protect you from the hot sun.

You can check out the Wilsons Promontory weather here.

How much is Wilsons Promontory National Park?

On arrival to Wilson’s Promontory National Park, you’ll be greeted by a park ranger at a little booth where you expected to cough up a ridiculous entry fee.

So how much is the Wilsons prom?

Good news…Wilsons Promontory National Park can be enjoyed by all for FREE, yes you heard me $0, free, making it an ideal place to visit for all you budget backpackers out there. You’ll even be given a free map on arrival showing you the best areas of the park.

Best things to do in Wilsons Prom National Park

  1. Wilsons Prom Hikes

Being one of the largest coastal wilderness areas in Australia, it’s no surprise bushwalking is the number one activity to partake in and with over 30 different trails ranging from 20 minutes to overnight hikes, there’s something to suit everyone’s abilities. My top three Wilsons Promontory walks would have to be:

You should also visit the amazing Sealers Cove if you have time!

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  1. Diving/Snorkelling

The Marine National Park is Victoria’s largest Marine Protected Area, extending along 17 kilometres of mainland coastline. Most snorkelling spots around Wilson’s Promontory coastline require a tough walk to reach, but it’s defiantly worth the effort. You’ll be welcomed by a variety of sea life including; sponge gardens, octopuses, sharks and rays.

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You can even venture onto the smaller islands, home to colonies of penguins, seabirds and seals too, but remember Wilson’s Promontory National Park can be isolated at times and sea conditions can change quickly, so always snorkel in pairs and tell others where you are.

If you’re looking to be a bit more adventuresses why not try Scuba Diving and explore someone of the most spectacular dive sites in Victoria.

  1. Relaxation

Wilson’s Promontory National Park has lots of amazing adventuress things to do, but sometimes all you want is to relax on the beach and soak up the Australian sun. I recommend heading to the squeaky beach, situated just up the road from Tidal River, where the bright white sand and crystal blue waters make it an Instagrammer’s dream.

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You can also venture to the family-friendly Norman beach with is a short walk from Tidal River visitors centre, making is easily accessible, especially if you’re staying on the campsite. Here you can try your hand at surfing or simply enjoy the coastal views.

  1. Wildlife Spotting

There is plenty of wildlife throughout Wilsons Promontory National Park, but the easiest way to stop Australia’s furry friends is to partake in the Prom Wildlife walk, which takes around 40 minutes and you’ll be sure to see wombats, kangaroos and emus.

hikes and walks on wilsons promontory

  1. Cruise Tour

I couldn’t think of a better way to explore Wilson’s Promontory National Park than by relaxing on a catamaran spotting seals, dolphins and whales, as well as visiting popular landmarks such as Glennie Island, Skull Rock and Kanowna Island seal sanctuary. You’ll also get the opportunity to snorkel at Refuge Cove and relax on the white sandy beach.

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  1. Walk up Squeaky beach

If you wondering why Squeaky beach has this name. It’s because the sand squeaks as you walk across it. It’s a strange feeling but definitely worth a visit!

We spend roughly an hour just relaxing under the sunshine and nipping in the water for a swim. However, there is accommodation near Squeaky Beach, but I would check the availability as the Sqauky Beach hotels will book up fast!

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You can use this link below for money off your Airbnb on Wilsons Promontory!

Airbnb squeaky beach

Wilsons Promontory Park Events

Every year the awesome Wilsons Prom National Park has events happening for locals and tourists. This is a cool way to come and learn about nature.

If you’re looking for things to with kids on Wilsons Promontory then these events are right up your street. These are also popular activities on the Wilsons Prom school camp.

The events on Wilsons Prom include;

  • Junior Ranger Activities
  • Junior Ranger Wildlife Detective
  • Rockpool Ramble
  • NAIDOC Week Keeping Place

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Wilsons Promontory National Park Accommodation

Let’s look at some information on the Wilsons Promontory accommodation. There are two camp/accommodation sites situated in the National Park itself, Tidal River and Stock Yard, however, there are plenty of accommodation options positioned just outside the park which are a short drive away from budget hotel rooms to deluxe suites.

Wilsons Promontory Camping Ground

The Tidal River is the most popular campground due to its central location, stunning scenery and excellent facilities. There are 484 unpowered sites and 20 powered sites which sound a lot, but it’s still important to book well in advance due to its popularity. It’s also worth noting that there’s a minimum stay throughout the year so make sure you plan. If camping’s not for you there are several self-contained cabins, units, huts, group lodges and Wilderness Retreats, making Tidal River suitable for anyone.

There’s also a shop at Tidal River that sells the basics such as milk and snacks.

Stock Yard Camping Ground

The Stock Yard Camping Ground is located near the park entrance, 30km from Tidal River. There are 20 spacious no powered sites, with picnic areas, hot showers and flushing toilets. Like Tidal River, booking in advance is required throughout the year. This camping ground may not be as sophisticated as Tidal River, but is a budget alternative still set in the scenic Australian bush.

Budget – Fish Creek Hotel (Approx $63 USD per night)

Located a 50-minute drive from Wilsons Promontory National Park, the Fish creek hotel offers tasty food in the onsite bistro, spacious well-equipped rooms, friendly staff and free WIFI. This hotel is rated one of the best value for money properties in Fish Creek, sometimes basic is all you need!

Mid-Range – Asshay B&B (Approx $100 USD per night)

With Wilsons Promontory National Park only 16 miles away the Asshay accommodation is perfect for those looking to relax after a busy day exploring the park. The host is very knowledgeable regarding the surrounding area and will be sure to give you some top tips. A delicious breakfast is also available every morning that can be enjoyed out on the patio terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens in the quiet countryside.

Luxury – Limosa Rise (Approx $180USD per night)

If you’re looking for luxury then this deluxe suite with a sea view will tick all the boxes. Located 14.3 miles from Wilsons Promontory National Park, Limosa Rise offers a garden, BBQ facilities and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Each unit comes with a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. You may even be lucky enough to spot some wild kangaroos grazing in the grounds outside your window.

Final Thoughts

Check out this YouTube video below, credit to the guys for filming:

The Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the best destinations in Australia for you to visit. You can experience awesome camping, epic walks and discovery cool wildlife!

I am looking forward to visiting Wilsons Prom one day again in the future, for now, you can enjoy this top thing to do near Melbourne.

Check out my Cairns Iternary and Byron Bay attractions guides. Or you make to visit Philipp Island near Melbourne!

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