Guide to the Southern Circuit Hike at Wilsons Prom

Wilsons Prom is one of the most popular places to go hiking in Victoria. And for good reason. The white sand beaches, rugged coastline, hilltops with panoramic views, and secluded camp spots on remote coves, make it one of the most beautiful places to enjoy a few days outdoors.

While there are several options for overnight hikes, I decided to take in the full southern circuit over three days. This included camping at Roaring Meg and Refuge Cove, plus adding on the side trips to the historic Lightstation and South Point along the way. 

If you’re planning an overnight hike at Wilsons Prom, this guide has everything you need to know, including all the camping options and essential information for completing this hike safely.

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Quick Overview

• Total distance: 67 km
• Recommended time: 3 days
• Total ascent: 2,426 m
• Total descent: 2,560 m
• Trailhead: Telegraph Saddle or Tidal River
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park
• Closest town: Yanakie or Fish Creek (both small towns)
• Respect: On the land of Gunaikurnai, Bunurong, and Boonwurrung Traditional Owners

NOTE: The traditional Southern Circuit includes Sealers Cove, but the Sealers Cove Boardwalk has been closed for years now and rebuilding has not begun yet. This means that while you can still reach Sealers Cove Camp from Refuge Cove, this is a long detour until the boardwalk is repaired. For this reason, the 3-day southern circuit that I chose to do, does not include Sealers Cove. Hopefully one day soon when it’s fixed, I’ll head back to complete this section.

How to Get There

Melbourne to Tidal River: 3.5 hours or 225 km

Tidal River is the main visitor hub of Wilsons Prom. This is where you’ll find the Visitor Information Centre, the main campground, kiosk/cafe/shop, and day use areas. It’s just back from Norman Beach, so it’s a very popular spot for campers and day trippers.

There is no direct public transport that will get you to Tidal River in Wilsons Prom. The closest you can get by V-line bus service is Fish Creek. 

Read next: Complete Guide to Wilsons Prom

Where to Start Your Hike? Telegraph Saddle or Tidal River?

You can start and/or finish this circuit hike in either of two places: Telegraph Saddle (3.5 km from Tidal River) or Tidal River. 

The more scenic and easier option is to and from Tidal River via Oberon Bay. This is on a walking track and takes you across two beaches. I’d recommend this option, even though it’s 4.6 km each way longer than starting/finishing from Telegraph Saddle.

This is mostly because taking Telegraph Track to Telegraph Saddle is on a boring management track, and heading out that way means it’s a long uphill slog. Starting and finishing at Tidal River is also more convenient because most hikers leave their car at the Overnight Hikers Carpark in Tidal River.

However, during peak periods, including school holidays in summer, autumn and spring, there is a free shuttle bus that runs every 30mins throughout the day every day between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle. If you find yourself hiking during this time, then I recommend doing what I did and start at Telegraph Saddle by catching the shuttle bus and then return to Tidal River via Oberon Bay. This will give you a little bit more variety on the hike than repeating the Oberon Bay section twice (although it is a really pretty stretch).

Trail Notes: Southern Circuit Hike Wilsons Prom

This is my day by day experience on the Southern Circuit at Wilsons Prom, so you have a good idea of what to expect each day.

Day 1: Telegraph Saddle to Roaring Meg

• Distance: 12 km
• Time: 3 hours 
• Ascent: 310 m
• Descent: 341 m

Additional: South Point Return

• Distance: 6.3 km
• Time: 2 hours return
• Ascent/descent: 265 m

I parked my van at the Overnight Hikers carpark near Tidal River, which was pretty full and I got one of the last car spots. It was mid-week during school holidays though, so luckily for me that meant that the shuttle bus was running to Telegraph Saddle. I caught the 11am bus which dropped me and other hikers up at the carpark at around 11.15am.

From there, I headed down the management track known as Telegraph Track. This was pretty much downhill all the way. I met lots of people heading out this way, and I think a lot of unhappy kids who were being dragged up this hill by their parents!

I walked the 6km to Telegraph Junction pretty quickly and had some lunch there. Then, I continued on to Roaring Meg which was another 6km away. This was still mostly on a management track, so it was a pretty easy day of 12km all up, and I got to camp at 2pm.

There’s both an upper and lower camping area at Roaring Meg. The lower campground is down by the creek with quite a few spots here to set up. I decided to stick to the top camping area which is more open and less damp.

At around 4.30pm, I began the side trip to South Point, the southernmost point of mainland Australia. This trail leaves right from Roaring Meg camp and I hoped to make it for sunset. 

It’s a pretty nice walking track of just over 3km one way and I had plenty of time to explore and wait for sunset. It was a bit cloudy though but I think it was still worth it. I headed back in the dark and cooked my dinner at 7pm before heading to bed. There were probably around 12 or so tents all up, so it was quite busy.  

Day 2: Roaring Meg to Refuge Cove via Lightstation

• Distance: 23.5 km
• Time: 7.5 hours 
• Ascent: 997 m
• Descent: 1,129 m

There had been a little bit of drizzle overnight but the skies were clearing. I had a quick breakfast and a cup of tea, and hit the trail at around 8.30am.

The first couple of kilometres towards the Lighthouse were uphill, which got my legs warmed up pretty quick. Then it was back to the management track that I’d been on the day before, but not for too long. I turned off onto a single track walking trail which offered some glimpses of ocean views. After about 5km or so I made it to the turnoff for the side trip to the lightstation.

It’s only around 800m one way, but it’s a very steep hike on a sealed driveway. The obvious thing is to drop your pack here, but I recommend carrying it up, because those who’d left their packs at the trail intersection came back to crows stealing food from their bags. 

I explored the lighthouse a little and had a snack break at the picnic tables. It was interesting to read the history of the place from all the information boards on the walk up to the lighthouse. You can actually pay to stay here in the cottages too (more on this below).

I then headed back to the trail and continued around towards Little Waterloo Bay. The trail was quite up and down through here, but it was really beautiful, with sections of dense, dark rainforest as well.

I eventually had views of Waterloo Bay and its incredible white sand. The trail headed slowly down to the beach before a fairly long walk almost the entire length of the beach.

The trail then climbed up and around to Little Waterloo Bay. This is a very popular campsite, so I met lots of people. However, this was just a late lunch stop for me, as I was pushing on to Refuge Cove for the night which is an additional 7km further on. 

The trail continued to be up and down through the forest. There was also another short beach walk and a final hill climb up to Kersops Peak before finally walking down into Refuge Cove. I was getting pretty tired at this point and made it to camp at 4.30pm.

There were already a handful of people but not too many. There’s lots of space here amidst a large flat area with plenty of shade and a creek running through for water. I picked a spot to set my tent up and then had some noodles before heading for a bit of a wander to the beach. There were a few sailing boats docked for the night too.

Day 3: Refuge Cove to Tidal River via Oberon Bay

• Distance: 25.5 km
• Time: 8 hours
• Ascent: 854 m
• Descent: 825 m

In the morning, I walked down to the beach again to enjoy the warm sun and to watch the sail boats. I didn’t start walking until around 9am. I had to retrace my steps for the 7km back to Little Waterloo Bay. 

The trail ascended back up to Kersops Peak immediately and it was shaping up to be the warmest of the 3 days – so I was sweating already. I decided to take the short little side trip to the summit though, because I hadn’t done it the day before. It had nice views back towards Waterloo Bay and the lighthouse from the previous day.

From there, the trail continued to climb down and around to Little Waterloo Bay. With the clear skies, the ocean was at its brightest blue and it was absolutely beautiful, it reminded me so much of Western Australia. 

I finally got back to Little Waterloo Bay camp, where there were still a few campers and hikers hanging about. Some people stay here 2 nights just to enjoy the beautiful beach.

After picking up some more water, I continued past the camp to the intersection on the beach. The day before I’d come from the lighthouse but this time I turned right and headed inland up to Telegraph Junction. This was on a mixture of boardwalk and walking trail that was a pretty gentle but steady climb, before descending to the major trail junction I’d passed on the first day. 

I passed a lot of hikers along here heading to Little Waterloo Bay. Continuing through the junction, I headed out towards Oberon Bay. I walked through Oberon Bay Camp and then along the beach all the way to the end.

There’s an inlet crossing before heading up and over the headland. I crossed the little inlet without getting my feet wet, but this can change depending on the tide times. I had some lunch in the shade before heading up and around to Little Oberon Bay. 

I passed quite a few more day hikers along the way as Little Oberon Bay is a very popular spot. I stopped and went for a swim here even though it was getting into the late afternoon. I felt like I hadn’t really had time to swim at any of the other beaches so I wanted to make the most of it.

As I continued around to Tidal River, I decided to do the little side trip to Norman Point for some nice views of Norman Beach and Tidal River. Finally, the last couple of kilometres were pretty easy as it went down to Norman Beach and then I followed the trail that takes you directly into Tidal River.

I then had to walk the last little bit on the road to the Overnight Hikers carpark in Tidal River where my van was patiently waiting for me. It was nearly 5pm and I was keen for a hot shower and to crawl into bed after an epic few days.

Essential Information for the Southern Circuit Hike

Below I’m detailing all the information you need to know to complete this Wilsons Prom overnight hike.

 When to Hike the Southern Circuit

You can certainly hike at Wilsons Prom at any time of year. However, summer will be quite hot and winter is likely to be cold, wet, and windy. This means that spring and autumn are technically the best times to hike the Southern Circuit, with the most favourable weather for hiking. 

Keep in mind that summer and school holidays is usually really busy down at the Prom, so expect the campsites to be booked well in advance. If you prefer quieter trails, then definitely plan around school holidays.

Camping Options/Alternative Circuit Options

The campsites on this circuit all have a toilet and some picnic tables. Bring your own toilet paper though. You must BOOK and pay for the hike-in campsites in advance online as there are limited spots.

There are 6 hike-in campgrounds to utilise on this circuit:

• Sealers Cove
• Refuge Cove
• Little Waterloo Bay
• Roaring Meg
• Halfway Hut
• Oberon Bay

I chose to stay at Roaring Meg and Refuge Cove, because it made the distances each day quite even. It also allowed me to do South Point at sunset from Roaring Meg. However, you can certainly utilise any of the camps depending on your itinerary.

If you want a shorter 3 day hike, you can opt to stay at Little Waterloo Bay instead of Refuge Cove which will save you 14km all up.

For an overnight hike instead, you can pick any of the camps to do out and back. Oberon Bay and Little Waterloo Bay are definitely the two most popular campsites, and are both perfect for beginner hikers looking to get started.

If you want something more luxurious and don’t want to camp, then you can also stay at one of the Lighthouse cottages. You can book and pay for this through the Parks Victoria website and there is a ranger onsite.

Read next: 10 Tips for Your First Overnight Hike

Safety

Serious dangers mainly come in the form of injury or snakes. Make sure that you carry a first aid kit, including a snake bite bandage, in case of emergency.

Snakes are pretty common down at the Prom, especially when the sun is out. While I didn’t come across any on my three days, other hikers did, and this was in autumn. In spring and summer, expect to certainly see at least a couple of snakes out and about. Just give them room to move away and they won’t bother you.

Phone signal is not reliable on the Southern Circuit hike and you shouldn’t assume that you’ll have any for the three days. You will get some signal on Telegraph Track and between Tidal River and Oberon Bay, and any high points like Kersops Peak. You’ll unlikely have any at the camps; I didn’t.

Other animals like crows, wombats and kangaroos are commonly seen at Wilsons Prom. In particular, crows and wombats may try to get into your food or rubbish, so do NOT leave any food out and unattended anywhere on the trail.

Always carry a Personal Location Beacon (PLB) in case of emergency, like this Ocean Signal PLB which is small and lightweight.

Navigation

The trails at Wilsons Prom are extremely well maintained. Every single intersection and junction are well signposted with distances and destinations labelled clearly. For this reason, you shouldn’t have much of a problem with navigation.

However, to be safer than sorry and to keep track of where you are on trail, I recommend AllTrails. This app is perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers needing some navigation assistance.

👉 I recommend AllTrails for navigation and finding new trails, with offline GPS maps and trail reviews from other hikers. Use code elisha30 for 30% off an AllTrails+ subscription by clicking here!

Water Sources

Despite it raining a lot at Wilsons Prom, there’s certainly not as many opportunities to get water on the Southern Circuit Hike as you might think. Always check at the Visitors Centre before departing as they will be able to inform you of the latest water levels. You must treat all water as there is risk of contamination.

Sealers Cove: There’s a creek running through the camp to fill up from.

Refuge Cove: There’s a creek running through the camp to fill up from.

Little Waterloo Bay: A decent creek is running at the back of camp to collect from.

Roaring Meg: There’s a small creek running through camp, in the lower camping area.

Halfway Hut: There’s a water tank here but it often runs dry in busy times, so do not rely on it.

Oberon Bay: There’s a water tank here but it often runs dry in busy times, so do not rely on it.

You can also get potable water at the Lightstation if you decide to do the side trip to the lighthouse.

For filtering water on a multi-day hike, I use a Sawyer Squeeze Filter because it’s small, lightweight and easy to use. For shorter hikes, I also have a Lifestraw filter bottle, which is great for day hikes and everyday travel.

Read more: How to Plan Your Food for Hiking

Essential Gear to Pack

• Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2
• Sleeping bag: Sea to Summit Spark IV
• Sleeping mat: Sea to Summit Ultralight Mat
• Inflatable pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
• Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
• Emergency device: Ocean Signal PLB
• First aid kit: Small first aid kit
• Personal Toiletries
• Sunscreen: Wotnot Natural Sunscreen
• Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze Filter
• Hydration reservoir: Camelbak 3L Hydration Reservoir
• Hiking stove: Jetboil Zip
• Spork: Sea to Summit Spork
• Mug: Titanium mug
• Power bank: Nitecore 10,000 Power Bank
• Hiking shirt: Amble Sun Shirt
• Merino hiking tee: Ottie Merino T-Shirt

Read more: Overnight Hiking Packing List: Complete List

Other Multi-Day Hikes to Do in Victoria

• 16 Best Overnight Hikes in Victoria
• 17 Best Multi-Day Hikes in Victoria (3+ Days)
• Great Ocean Walk
• Baw Baw to Mushroom Rocks Overnight Hike
• Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

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