LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 17 WILSONS PROMONTORY Don’t miss one of Victoria’s most-loved destinations Wilsons Promontory (aka ‘The Prom’) is one of Victoria’s most-loved places. Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, The Prom offers spectacular scenery of huge granite mountains, open forest, rainforest, sweeping beaches and coastlines. The fact that the National Park was first reserved in 1898, means that much of the natural beauty of this very special place has been preserved, and will remain so for generations to come. Now covering more than 505 square kilometres, it includes a historic light station, built in 1859, perched on a small peninsula jutting into the wild seas of Bass Strait. Best beaches Explore the park and you’ll find fantastic beaches including Squeaky Beach, which in 2024 was declared ‘Australia’s Best Beach’ by Tourism Australia, and has been declared Number Two in Lonely Planet’s 2025 Top 10 of the World’s Best Beaches, only pipped by the iconic Whitehaven Beach in Queensland. Diverse wildlife At The Prom, you’ll also discover cool fern gullies, great views, spectacular rock formations and abundant wildlife. It is home to more than 700 native plant species, 30 kinds of mammal, and around 180 species of birds (including emus). Reptiles, amphibians, insects and other invertebrates are also numerous and diverse. The National Park also takes in a number of small offshore islands, which are home to colonies of penguins, seabirds and seals. Walk and stay Bushwalks here can extend from under an hour, to more than three days, with accommodation options including camping and caravanning, huts, cabins, wilderness retreats, and even a lighthouse! Several walking tracks start/end at Tidal River, making it an ideal base for exploring The Prom. A popular walk to the top of nearby Mount Oberon offers magnificent views of Bass Strait and the Prom’s dramatic offshore islands. Home base As the only township within Wilsons Promontory National Park, Tidal River is where visitors will find a general store and take-away food shop, as well as camping and cabin accommodation. All the accommodation types at The Prom generally book out well in advance, so it’s best to check availability if you’re planning a stay. To make an enquiry, call the Park Office on 13 19 63 or visit the Parks Victoria website at parks.vic.gov.au and search for Wilsons Promontory. Squeaky Beach at Wilsons Prom as been declared Number Two in Lonely Planet’s 2025 Top 10 of the World’s Best Beaches. Photo: Visit Victoria YANAKIE FISH CREEK FOSTER BUFFALO MEENIYAN TOORA INVERLOCH PORT FRANKLIN PORT WELSHPOOL WELSHPOOL SANDY POINT TIDAL RIVER WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK Wilsons Promontory 3960 Welcome to CAPE LIPTRAP COASTAL PARK NOORAMUNGA MARINE & COASTAL PARK Distance from Melbourne: 195km Population (Including Fish Creek & Sandy Point: 1,641 approx. Amenities: picturesque beaches and parks including a variety of accommodation options. Plenty of places to swim, sh and explore.
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