LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 15 WILSONS PROMONTORY Guided Prom cruises are an ‘experience of a lifetime’ Affectionately known as 'The Prom', Wilson's Promontory is one of the most beautiful, natural and remote areas in the world. This 50,500-hectare national park, located approximately 160 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, is known for its beautiful rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and abundant wildlife. It's home to a wide range of native mammals, including populations of potoroos, gliders, echidnas and possums, as well as the more familiar kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and wombats. Numerous species of birds can be found here, with the most prominent being the rosellas, plus large numbers of emus, migratory wading birds, and predatory birds. The offshore islands provide roosting and breeding sites for seabirds, including an enormous number of Short-tailed Shearwaters. One of the best ways to experience Wilson's Promontory is on a coastal sightseeing cruise with Wildlife Coast Cruises. The operator's full-day Wilsons Promontory cruise departs from nearby Port Welshpool, travelling along the eastern coast and southern tip of the marine national park. Natural seclusion at Refuge Cove The cruise stops over at 'The Prom's' secluded Refuge Cove, where you can enjoy a walk or swim, snorkel or even try paddle boarding in this hidden cove. Refuge Cove is surrounded by forest, and usually only accessible by overnight hikers and boaties. Alternatively, you can take the opportunity to simply relax on the cove's pristine beach, surrounded by some of the world's most stunning scenery. When the cruise continues, you'll get to see the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland, which is also home to the historic Wilsons Promontory lighthouse, perched above rocky cliffs, and commanding almost 360-degree views of Bass Strait. Playful seals and dolphins If you're looking to experience marine life up close, the Kanowna Island Seal Colony won't disappoint. Home to thousands of Australian Fur Seals, this spot offers a chance to watch these lively animals slide down steep slopes and dive into the water with ease. In addition to seals, on the Wilsons Promontory cruise you should also keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, which often playfully swim alongside the boat's bow. Skull rock You'll also visit the monolithic Skull Rock (Clef Island), a towering rock formation shaped like a hollowed skull. An impressive 60 metres tall and 130 metres wide, this island is a sight to behold, and on a calm day, you might even get the opportunity to touch the rock. Limited dates Ben Dickie from Wildlife Coast Cruises said the Wilsons Promontory day trip "really is an experience of a lifetime, visiting untouched islands, rugged coastlines, amazing rock formations and spectacular wildlife". He added that these cruises are limited to specific dates during February, March and April, so "it's best to book ahead". To book or find out more, visit wildlifecoastcruises.com.au Wildlife Coast Cruises’ full-day Wilson’s Promontory cruise stops over at ‘The Prom’s’ secluded Refuge Cove, where passengers can enjoy a walk or swim, snorkel, or even try paddle boarding in this hidden cove. PB13957
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