The Wilsons Promontory National Park might just be Melbourne’s best kept secret. Luckily, we’re willing to share it with you.
This coastal national park boasts pristine beaches, sandy trails, and mountains with epic panoramic views from the summits. It is affectionately known as The Prom to Melburnians.
Adventure to The Prom for a day of exploring nature and wildlife. We’ll take a walk to a scenic lookout to take in views of the beaches below and offshore islands. You can stroll on the trail from Tidal River to Squeaky Beach and marvel at the pristine white sand squeaking beneath your feet. You’ll also explore the Wildlife Walk, a now-unused airfield that is home to kangaroos, emus and wombats.
Squeaky Beach
Wilsons Promontory has many great beaches. The wide sweeping sand gives way to a brilliant turquoise ocean, usually with only gentle waves rolling in. The beaches are protected from large swell by the headlands and offshore islands.
The most popular beach at The Prom is Squeaky Beach. The famous white sand is rounded grains of quartz – that actually do make a squeaking sound when you walk. This is how the popular beach got its name.
From the Squeaky Beach car park you can wander across and stream and through coastal scrub, to reach the beach. From the sand you can see the offshore island in the distance.
At either end of the beach there are boulders and rocky headlands. The shades of grey and orange in the rocks contrast with the white sand and clear blue ocean.
At the northern end there are large granite boulders with a maze of passages to explore in between. There is also a trail which takes you to the campground and kiosk at Tidal River.
Tidal River to Squeaky Beach Coastal Trail
Tidal River is the only township in the Wilsons Promontory National Park. It has a kiosk, information centre and camp ground. It is also the starting point for many great walks.
One of the most scenic walks from Tidal River is the track to Squeaky Beach. This trail can be walked in either direction, starting at either Squeaky Beach or Tidal River.
When starting at Tidal River, you can walk along boardwalks before crossing over the river. The path ventures through swamp paperbark forest and wetlands. There are some great views along the river to the beach in one direction, and the forest-covered mountains in the other.
Following the signs over the headland to Squeaky Beach, you pass through the tress with the sound of birds to keep you company. Keep an eye out for wallabies along this trail. They are generally quite shy and spooked easily, but it is not uncommon to see them in this area.
Upon reaching the Squeaky Beach end of the trail you are treated to spectacular views of the crisp white sands and turquoise waters. The trail winds down past the last granite boulder until you reach the white sand which actually does squeak beneath your feet.
Mountain Summits with Panoramic Views
Wilsons Promontory’s mountains offer fantastic views of the coastline and offshore islands. The journey to the lookout points is just as exciting as the views themselves.
Mt Bishop is one of the lookout points that we walk to on our tours. The trail begins in the Lily Pilly Gully where immense re-growth has occurred after devastating bushfires. The trail meanders along through the valley before turning upwards and heading for the summit.
The winding trail passes though eucalyptus forest, with some glimpses of the ocean as you walk, but the most spectacular view reserved for when you reach the top.
Native Wildlife
Wilson Promontory is home to many native Australian animals. The most famous is the wombats. These nocturnal animals burrow into the ground and sleep there during the day. But they can often be seen out and feeding in the late afternoon.
The Wilsons Promontory Wildlife Walk is the best place to see kangaroos and emus. They live on what used to be an airfield, but is now a wildlife reserve. The walking trails are the best places to spot some wallabies and native birds including the black cockatoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wilsons Promontory National Park?
Wilsons Promontory National Park is located south east of Melbourne in the Gippsland region. It is approximately 2.5 hours drive from the city through some beautiful rural areas.
Visit Wilsons Promontory National Park on our day tour from Melbourne. Walk along the coastal trails and take in the magnificent views. Discover the local wildlife, and explore the incredible Squeaky Beach. It’s a chance to break away from the crowds and explore a lesser-known national park.
What will we do on the Wilsons Promontory Tour:
- Spot native wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and emus
- Hear the sand squeak beneath your feet on Squeaky Beach
- Take the coastal walk to Tidal River
- Join a guided walk to the summit of Mount Bishop for stunning coastal views
When do Wilsons Promontory tours run?
Our Wilsons Promontory National Park tours will recommence in December 2022. The tours are currently bookable via our website.
Who is operating the Wilsons Promontory tour?
With 22 years in business, Go West Tours is still a family-owned and operated tour business and we are as committed to providing guests with an unforgettable experience as we were back in 2000. We are the most highly-awarded tour operator in Melbourne and we guarantee to provide you with an experience that is memorable for all the right reasons.
Our tour guides are knowledgeable and experienced. They are dedicated to providing you with an excellent day trip from Melbourne. Their passion and enthusiasm for the tours and for Melbourne’s unique destination will ensure you have a fantastic day out.
Our day tours explore all of the best destinations in Victoria – including the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Yarra Valley and more. We pride ourselves on exceeding industry standards for excellence and customer service.
Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au