Camping In Wilsons Promontory National Park

Where is Wilsons Promontory National Park?

 This 50,000-hectare reserve is located in the Gippsland area of Victoria at the southernmost tip of Australia. Home to the largest coastal wilderness area in the state, Wilsons Prom makes for a popular day trip from Melbourne – just three hours drive. 

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

When to visit Wilsons Promontory National Park

The good news is, there’s no bad time to visit Wilsons Prom. It’s really just a matter of deciding what you want to see and do. 

For most, summer is the prime time to visit the park. Temperatures are warm, there’s less rain, and the beaches are very inviting! The trade-off is that the park can get very busy at this time. You’ll also need to book ahead for campsites as these are in hot demand over summer. 

During the shoulder seasons, the park is less busy yet the weather is still warm. Springtime has its own special magic as the wildflowers put on their colourful displays. In autumn, the mornings are crisp and fresh, and you’ve got better chances of encountering the park’s wildlife.

Winter is also a great time for wildlife watchers. You may spot humpback and southern right whales making their annual pilgrimage north. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, this is the time to spot the hooded plover (also known as the hooded dotterel).

 

Image: Visit Victoria 

 

What you need to know about Wilsons Promontory National Park

Planning an Australian road trip to visit Gippsland and spend time in Wilsons Prom? Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• It’s free to enter Wilsons Prom National Park, but there is a cost for overnight camping.

• During summer there is a vehicle limit in the park due to high volumes of visitors. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on a weekday, or early morning where possible.

• The visitor centre is open seven days a week from 9 am – 4 pm (4.30 pm in summer). This is where you check in for your campsite.

• The park’s tracks are just permitted for walking only, not bikes. Be sure to stay on the tracks. 

• It is an offence to feed wildlife or leave food behind. Remember to take home all rubbish with you. 

• No fires are permitted in the park at any time of year.

 

Camping in Wilsons Promontory National Park

The most popular and well-equipped campground for campervan travellers is Tidal River Campground. The site has 484 camping sites with all the must-have facilities to make your stay comfortable. Make use of the hot showers, laundry facilities, dishwashing stations, picnic tables, and free gas barbecues. And if you need to stock up on supplies or fancy a takeaway, pop into the Tidal River General Store.

 

What to pack for camping in Wilsons Promontory National Park 

The type of gear you’ll need to pack for your campervan stay at Wilsons Prom will vary depending on the time of year. But here are a few items you may like to consider adding to your packing list:

• Swimming gear – there are lots of great beaches to visit

• Good comfortable footwear for walking tracks

• Sun protection 

• Wet weather gear

• Sandals or slip-on footwear (handy for use at campground bathrooms)

• Plenty of water 

• A torch or headlamp for using in the campsite at night 

• A first-aid kit (Britz campervans include a kit. This is only charged for once opened)

• A day pack and water bottle

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Best things to do in Wilsons Promontory National Park 

This picturesque park has plenty to see and do. From unspoilt beaches and remote coastal walks to scenic hikes and wildlife watching, it’s all here waiting.

Squeaky Beach

With its squeaky white sand and turquoise water, Squeaky Beach is the most photographed beach of the Prom. What makes the sand at Squeaky Beach squeak? It’s thanks to the rounded grains of quartz that rub together when walked on. For a little adventure, head to the north end of the beach and check out the large granite boulders that create a maze of cool passages to explore. 

Sealers Cove Walk

Keen to try one of the great Wilsons Prom hikes? If you’re looking for a spectacular day walk or overnight hike, Sealers Cove Walk is a great choice. The 10 km (each way) walk is a challenging Grade 4 day walk with a few steep sections. But the reward is worth it. Sealers Cove Beach is a picture-perfect golden sand beach surrounded by ancient rainforest. Bring your swimming gear, a picnic, and relax away from the crowds. Allow at least three hours each way. You may find the return walk takes a little longer as you’ll be walking back uphill. 

Norman Beach

If you’re looking for a great spot to launch the kayak, enjoy a swim, surf, or snorkel, you can’t go past Norman Beach. Relax on the sandy shore and enjoy outstanding views of the offshore islands and Mt Oberon. The beach is just a short walk from the Tidal River Campground and can be accessed from Norman Beach car park.

Wilsons Prom Lightstation

Built in 1859 from local granite, Wilsons Promontory Lightstation is a bucket-list destination for many visitors to the park – especially those keen on a good hike! The walk to the lighthouse is 19.1 km and takes approximately six hours (each way) to complete. With this in mind, you’ll need to start your hike in the morning and bring sufficient water with you. Although you can’t camp at the lightstation, you can book an overnight stay in a historic cottage. While you’re there, wander through the lightstation museum and take in the rugged and spectacular coastal views. 

 

Image:Visit Victoria 

 

The Big Drift

Ever wondered what it would be like to escape to the desert? Here’s your chance. The Big Drift is a vast landscape of inland sand dunes. The dunes cover a substantial area of Wilsons Prom and are unusual because they’re not joined any beach or near the coastline. Rather, they’re completely surrounded by bushland. To reach The Big Drift, it’s a 2 km walk (each way) through beautiful terrain. Make your visit extra special by packing a blanket, a flask of hot chocolate, and time your walk to watch the sunset.  

Refuge Cove

If you’re a keen hiker looking for one of the best Wilsons Prom walks to tackle, you may like to add Refuge Cove to your travel itinerary. This breathtakingly beautiful, secluded beach can be found on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory, accessible by walking track from Sealers Cove to the north or Little Waterloo Bay to the south. The walk is 16 km (each way). There is a campsite at the southern end of the beach, but you’ll need to carry in all supplies including drinking water.

Mount Bishop Walk

Another of Wilsons Prom’s popular walks is the 3.7 km Mt Bishop Walk (each way). As you walk the trail, you’ll enjoy expansive views over the west coast of the Prom and its offshore islands. Standing at 319 metres, the summit of Mount Bishop rewards walkers with panoramic views over Squeaky Beach and Whisky Bay. Park at Lilly Pilly Gully car park or take a short walk from Tidal River via Lilly Pilly Link Walk.

Mt Oberon

Standing 558 metres high, Mt Oberon offers incredible 360-degree views over Wilsons Prom. The 6.8 km return walk (about an hour each way) is a moderate hike, with some steep steps near the summit, but the hard work is definitely worth the effort. Once you reach the top, relax and take in the gorgeous views over Tidal River Campground. Trace the river as it weaves through coastal heath to the sandy shores of Norman Beach. See sparkling turquoise water and picturesque islands scattered off the coast. Along the shore, spot the beautiful bays on Wilsons Prom’s western coast; Little Oberon Bay, Norman Bay, Leonard Bay, Picnic Bay, and Whisky Bay.

Start your walk at Telegraph Saddle car park. Plan your hike for later in the day for one of the best spots to watch the sunset at Wilsons Prom. Don't forget to bring a torch for the walk back.

 

Escape to Wilsons Prom National Park with Britz

Ready to pack your walking shoes and head to The Prom? Take the first step and book your Britz campervan hire online or at your nearest branch. Pick up your camper from our handy Melbourne branch and hit the road for the ultimate road trip.