Wilsons Promontory National Park
The Wilsons Promontory National Park, also know as Wilsons Prom, is a peninsula that forms the southernmost part of mainland Australia filled with dramatic scenery, stunning beaches and lots of native wildlife. This 50,000 hectare coastal reserve first become protected in 1898 and is now one of Australia’s most loved National Parks. This is an awesome place for camping, walks and things to do.
The park is open every day of the year, so can be enjoyed all year round whatever the weather. Within the National Park is a small town called Tidal River, which has a visitor’s centre, café, toilet facilities and general store, making it the perfect place for a day trip out or a fun weekend away.
Let’s look what’s in this post;
- How to get to Wilsons Prom
- Wilsons Prom entrance fee
- Best things to do
- Where to stay
- Final thoughts
How to get to Wilsons Promontory National Park?
Located in the state of Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park is easily reachable from nearby Melbourne by car, public transport or through an organised tour. It’s also a perfect place to stop if you’re making the famous road trip from Sydney to Melbourne like us.
If you’re fortunate to have a car expect the journey from Melbourne to take around 3 hours so make sure to pack some road trip goodies. If public transport is your only option, then you catch the bus, but remember once you’re in the park it becomes difficult to visit each of the different areas without your own transport.
During the summer and Easter holidays there’s a free shuttle bus that operates between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle and on weekends from November to April. Departure points include the Tidal River Visitor Centre car park, the overnight hikers car park (Tidal River) and Telegraph Saddle car park.
Check out the Wilsons Promontory National Park map below;
Wilsons Prom Car Park
So, to answer your questions, Where to park on Wilsons Prom and for how much? There is parking for free at place like Norman beach and Whiskey beach. You won’t have to pay anything.
From what I know, you can’t park at Squeaky beach!
You should be aware that the car parks on Wilsons National Park will fill up in peak-season, so get there early 🙂
What about the Wilsons Prom weather? The weather in Australia is generally hot! When visitng places like this you should take suncream to protect you from the hot sun.
You can check out the Wilsons Promontory weather here.
How much is Wilsons Promontory National Park?
On arrival to Wilson’s Promontory National Park, you’ll be greeted by a park ranger at a little booth where you expected to cough up a ridiculous entry fee. So how much is the Wilsons prom? Good news…Wilsons Promontory National Park can be enjoyed by all for FREE, yes you heard me $0, free, making is an ideal place to visit for all you budget backpackers out there. You’ll even be given a free map on arrival showing you the best areas of the park.
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Best things to do in Wilsons Prom National Park
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Hiking on Wilsons Prom
Being one of the largest costal wilderness areas in Australia, it’s no surprise bush walking is the number one activity to partake in and with over 30 different trails ranging from 20 minutes to overnight hikes, there’s something to suit everyone’s abilities. My top three Wilsons Promontory walks would have to be:
- Mount Oberon Summit Walk (6.8km return)
- Tidal River to Squeaky Beach (4.2km return)
- Mount Bishop (3.7km return)
View this post on InstagramReached the most southernly point of Australia today, Wilson’s Promontory National Park 🏞 Spent the day exploring the beautiful coastal line and even met a few fur babies along the way 🦘
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Diving/Snorkelling
The Marine National Park is Victoria’s largest Marine Protected Area, extending along 17 kilometres of mainland coastline. Most snorkelling spots around Wilson’s Promontory coastline require a tough walk to reach, but it’s defiantly worth the effort. You’ll be welcomed by a variety of sea life including; sponge gardens, octopuses, sharks and rays.
You can even venture onto the smaller islands, home to colonies of penguins, seabirds and seals too, but remember Wilson’s Promontory National Park can be isolated at times and sea conditions can change quickly, so always snorkel in pairs and tell others where you are.
If you’re looking to be a bit more adventuresses why not try Scuba Diving and explore someone of the most spectacular dive sites in Victoria.
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Relaxation
Wilson’s Promontory National Park has lots of amazing adventuress things to do, but sometimes all you want is to relax on the beach and soak up the Australian sun. I recommend heading to squeaky beach, situated just up the road from Tidal River, where the bright white sand and crystal blue waters make it an Instagramer’s dream.
You can also venture to the family friendly Norman beach with is a short walk from Tidal River visitors centre, making is easily accessible, especially if you’re staying on the campsite. Here you can try your hand at surfing or simply enjoy the coastal views.
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Wildlife Spotting
There is plenty of wildlife throughout Wilsons Promontory National Park, but the easiest way to stop Australia’s fury friends is to partake in the Prom Wildlife walk, which takes around 40 minutes and you’ll be sure to see wombats, kangaroos and emus.
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Cruise Tour
I couldn’t think of a better way to explore Wilson’s Promontory National Park than by relaxing on a catamaran spotting seals, dolphins and wales, as well as visiting popular landmarks such as Glennie Island, Skull Rock and Kanowna Island seal sanctuary. You’ll also get the opportunity to snorkel at Refudge Cove and relax on the white sandy beach.
Best places to stay Wilsons Promontory National Park
There are two camp/accommodation sites actually situated in the National Park itself, Tidal River and Stock Yard, however there are plenty of accommodation options positioned just outside the park which are a short drive away from budget hotel rooms to deluxe suits.
- Tidal River Camping Ground
The Tidal River is the most popular campground due to its central location, stunning scenery and excellent facilities. There are 484 unpowered sites and 20 powered sites which sound a lot, but it’s still important to book well in advance due to its popularity. It’s also worth noting that there’s a minimum stay throughout the year so make sure you plan ahead. If camping’s not for you there are a number of self-contained cabins, units, huts, group lodges and Wilderness Retreats, making Tidal River suitable for anyone.
- Stock Yard Camping Ground
The Stock Yard Camping Ground is located near the park entrance, 30km from Tidal River. There are 20 spacious non powered sites, with picnic areas, hot showers and flushing toilets. Like Tidal River, booking in advance is required throughout the year. This camping ground may not be as sophisticated as Tidal River, but is a budget alternative still set in the scenic Australian bush.
- Budget – Fish Creek Hotel (Approx $63 USD per night)
Located a 50 minute drive from Wilsons Promontory National Park, the Fish creek hotel offers tasty food in the onsite bistro, spacious well equipped rooms, friendly staff and free WIFI. This hotel is rated one of the best value for money properties in Fish Creek, sometimes basic is all you need!
- Mid-Range – Asshay B&B (Approx $100 USD per night)
With Wilsons Promontory National Park only 16 miles away the Asshay accommodation is perfect for those looking to relax after a busy day exploring the park. The host are very knowledge regarding the surrounding area and will be sure to give you some top tips. A delicious breakfast is also available every morning that can be enjoyed out on the patio terrace overlooking the beautiful gardens in the quiet countryside.
- Luxury – Limosa Rise (Approx $180USD per night)
If you’re looking for luxury then this deluxe suite with a sea view will tick all the boxes. Located 14.3 miles from Wilsons Promontory National Park, Limosa Rise offers a garden, BBQ facilities and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Each unit comes with a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. You may even be lucky enough to spot some wild kangaroos grazing in the grounds outside your window.
Final Thoughts
The Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the best destinations in Australia for you to visit. You can experience awesome camping, epic walks and discovery cool wildlife!
I am looking forward to visiting Wilsons Prom one day again in the Future, for now you can enjoy this top thing to do near Melbourne.
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