Elisha
Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of Victoria’s most beloved wilderness areas. Filled with beaches that can rival those in Western Australia and an abundance of wildlife, it has always been a family favourite for a beach getaway. However, there are plenty of walks that are just as good as a reason to visit.
You can hike to secluded bays and swimming spots, as well as, lofty peaks that offer incredible panoramic views of the coast. There are Wilsons Prom walks to suit everyone, from short, easy strolls to more challenging day hikes and overnight hikes to walk-in only campgrounds.
In this post, I’m going to detail all the best day walks at Wilsons Prom so you can decide which trails you want to tackle on your next visit. Plus, I also outline the best overnight hikes for those wanting to carry a tent and make a real adventure of it.
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How to Get to Wilsons Prom
Melbourne to Tidal River: 225 km or 3 hour drive
The best option is to drive to Wilsons Prom and stay overnight either in the park or nearby. While it can be visited as a day trip, it can be a long day of driving depending on where you live.
There are some day trips that include walking at Wilsons Prom. Check these out:
When to Visit Wilsons Prom
You can visit Wilsons Prom at any time of year. For hiking, the best seasons are autumn and spring, when the weather is more comfortable for being out in the sun all day.
Summer is definitely the busiest time at the Prom and you should expect plenty of crowds. It can get hot too, and you’ll probably want to start walking early in the day or later towards sunset time, if you plan on doing any of these walks.
Winter is an underrated time to visit Wilsons Prom. While it will be cold, wet and windy, it’s much quieter and you can get a lot of places to yourself. Check the weather forecast though before heading down there, because it’s not much fun if it’s going to be miserable the whole day.
Read next: Complete Guide to Wilsons Prom National Park
Where to Stay Near Wilsons Prom
Tidal River is the main hub in the park. This is where the Visitors Centre and main campground are, which has over 480 campsites available. This is perfect for those wanting to camp, as some of the trails begin right from Tidal River. The Tidal River campground also has some cabins and other accommodation for those not interested in camping.
You can also opt to stay outside the national park. Try these places that are close to the park gate:
Hiking Essentials for Wilsons Prom
Best Day Hikes in Wilsons Prom
Here are the best Wilsons Prom walks to do while you visit the national park, from popular peaks to trails leading to secluded beaches. There’s something for everyone, from short walks to longer day hikes.
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Mt Oberon
- Distance: 6.5 km return
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
As one of the highest points in the national park, Mount Oberon hike is one of the most popular walks. The trail begins from Telegraph Saddle, which is just a short 5-minute drive from Tidal River (in school holidays the car park is closed to the public and you have to take the free shuttle bus from Tidal River instead).
The trail is wide and easy to follow all the way up to the top, although the last section includes timber and granite steps. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Wilsons Prom. It’s a great spot for sunrise or sunset!
Mt Bishop
- Distance: 6.5 km return
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
My personal favourite, Mt Bishop is a wonderful hike to more incredible views of Wilsons Prom. The starts from Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark, and takes you at first through the forest before ascending to a cluster of boulders at the top. It’s a pretty relentless climb up, becoming steeper as you climb
The view at the summit stretches along the western coast of the peninsula and it’s worth exploring the various boulders for the best view. Return the same way.
Read more: Ultimate Day Hike Packing List
Three Bays
- Distance: 12 km return
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
This walk connects multiple trails that explore the beaches north of Tidal River. It begins right from the campground, making it a great option for those camping. Head first towards Pillar Point (a side trip off the trail) and continue on towards Squeaky Beach, one of the prettiest beaches in Australia.
At the end of the beach, you can join onto the trail to Picnic Bay and then further on to Whiskey Bay too. You’ll need to return the same way or organise a car shuffle. Either way, it allows you to explore three beaches in a day, with the ability to make it shorter if you choose.
Pillar Point
- Distance: 4 km return
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
This is a great short walk that is perfect for sunset if you’re staying at Tidal River. It’s just 4km return from Tidal River, and it’s a relatively easy stroll along a dirt track to the end of the coastal point.
The view from the boulders at the end of Pillar Point Lookout are so worth the effort, with the golden glow of the setting sun hitting the beaches and hills along the coast.
Oberon Bay (shorter option to Little Oberon Bay or Norman Point)
- Distance: 14 km return
- Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is a great day hike for those looking to discover some of the beautiful beaches on the Prom. This is also a popular overnight hike at Wilsons Prom (more info below on this), so there’s always plenty of people out on the trail.
The trail begins from behind the Visitors Centre at Tidal River and heads first to Norman Beach. From there, the trail heads up towards Norman Point (a short detour off the trail), and then around to Little Oberon Bay.
This is an amazing little spot, and as the bay comes into view from the trail, you’ll see why it’s such a popular walk. It’s the perfect place for a mid-walk dip in the ocean, before continuing onto Oberon Bay. This long sweeping bay has a huge sandy beach and a campground tucked away as well for those hiking on the Southern Circuit.
Oberon Bay is a further 2km from Little Oberon Bay, so if you prefer a shorter option you can simply turn around at Little Oberon Bay.
Darby River to Tongue Point and Fairy Cove
- Distance: 9 km return
- Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
An absolute must do for those looking for great views and a mid-hike swim, the trail out to Tongue Point has become a popular one. Starting from Darby River carpark, the trail climbs steeply at first but then ambles along the coast down to Fairy Cove.
It’s a short side trip down to Fairy Cove if you want to go for a swim and see one of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches. But it’s definitely worth continuing onto Tongue Point, where you’ll have an incredible vantage point of the rugged Wilsons Prom coastline in both directions.
You can also start this walk from Darby Saddle for something different, but there’s limited parking there.
Vereker Outlook Walk
- Distance: 6 km return
- Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This is a Wilsons Prom walk that gets completely overlooked. The trail begins from Five Mile carpark and heads on a gradual incline through woodland up to Vereker Outlook.
At the top, you can admire the incredible boulders and panoramic views across Darby Saddle and Cotters Beach.
Don’t expect this trail to be as well-used as others and it can be rocky in parts, but the view from the top is surprisingly beautiful.
Sealers Cove
- Distance: 20 km return
- Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
The trail to Sealers Cove is part of the Southern Circuit network that most people complete as an overnight hike. However, if you’re fit and leave early enough, you can do this as a day hike.
Sealers Cove is a secluded cove with crystal-clear water that is only accessible on foot or by sea. It’s not completely flat though, as there is a decent hill before it continues down to the boardwalk over Sealers swamp to the cove.
There is a walk-in campground with drop toilets at Sealers Cove that must be booked in advance.
NOTE: This is closed until further notice for boardwalk repairs. Check the Parks Victoria website for more info.
Overnight Hikes at Wilsons Prom
If you prefer to carry all your camping gear on your back and head out on an overnight hike, there’s a network of trails known as the Southern Circuit which has six hike-in campsites. You can either complete a full circuit generally taking 3-4 days, or just pick a campground and complete an overnight hike return.
My guide to the Southern Circuit covers most of the information you’ll need 👇
Read more: Guide to the 3-Day Southern Circuit Hike
Some of the most popular overnight hike options at Wilsons Prom, include:
- Tidal River to Oberon Bay: 14 km return (best for beginners or families)
- Tidal River to Little Waterloo Bay: 33 km return (one of the most beautiful beaches)
- Telegraph Saddle to Roaring Meg: 24 km return (plus the option to walk to south point, the southernmost point of mainland Australia)
- Tidal River (or Telegraph Saddle) to Refuge Cove: 50 km (less if going from the saddle)
- Tidal River to Lightstation Cottages (no camping necessary!): 48 km return (less if going from Telegraph Saddle)
The campgrounds and Lightstation cottages must all be booked online in advance on the Parks Vic website, with numbers limited.
Read more: Overnight Hiking Packing List
More Hiking Destinations in Victoria:
- High Country: 10 Best Day Hikes in Victoria’s High Country
- Yarra Ranges: 10 Best Walks in the Yarra Ranges National Park
- Grampians: 10 Best Day Hikes in the Grampians National Park
- Mt Buller: Mount Buller Hikes to Do in the Summer
- Cathedral Ranges: Guide to Hiking in the Cathedral Range State Park
- Kinglake: Best Hikes and Waterfalls in Kinglake National Park
- Great Ocean Road: 10 Best Day Walks on the Great Ocean Road
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