Every year, over 400,000 visitors can’t be wrong: Wilson’s Promontory National Park, situated on Victoria’s southeastern coast, truly is a gem. As the oldest national park in Victoria, it spans 50,000 hectares at the southernmost point of mainland Australia, featuring unspoiled beaches, meticulously maintained forests, and a variety of accommodation options.

If you’re fortunate enough to secure a stay at ‘the Prom’ (note that school holiday bookings open a year in advance…), Hannah Foster has compiled a list of the top ten activities to enjoy at this beloved hiking and holiday paradise.

1. Hike to the historic Sealers Cove

This 19-kilometre (return) trek can be completed in a day, taking you through mountain landscapes and temperate rainforests, ultimately leading to one of the Prom’s most stunning and secluded beaches. It’s a stark contrast to what Sealers Cove was used for a century ago, when it was a site of extensive sealing and whaling operations, as well as timber logging.

Hiking trail in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia.

2. Stay overnight at the lighthouse

Wilsons Promontory Lightstation is incredibly remote, accessible only by sea or through a day-long hike from Tidal River or Telegraph Saddle car park. Hikers have the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the lightstation’s three cottages. Romantic souls will appreciate the Banks Cottage, which includes a queen bed, private bathroom, and uninterrupted views over Bass Strait.

3. Experience glamping at Tidal River

The Prom’s newest accommodation choice features large, permanent safari-style tents located in a tranquil section of Tidal River, offering the ultimate glamping experience with wooden floors, a queen bed, and a communal kitchen for Wilderness Retreat guests.

4. Discover black swans and the southernmost mangroves

The northern area of the Prom sees fewer visitors, yet Miller’s Landing, close to the park entrance, offers an easy walk where you can observe flora and fauna not typically associated with the Prom, including large groups of black swans.

5. Visit Refuge Cove

Refuge Cove is home to a wealth of wildlife, with its waters supporting dolphins, sharks, seals, and migrating whales, as well as diverse bird species like albatrosses, shearwaters, fairy prions, little penguins, and white-bellied sea eagles. You’ll be pleased to know that there are daily departures, and you can enjoy a lunch on board with Wildlife Coast Cruises.

Refuge Cove from above, Wilson Promontory National Park

6. Indulge in hot chips on Norman Bay beach

Why? Because they’re hot chips. On the beach. And Norman Bay itself is a vast, stunning, postcard-perfect beach with good surf at one end and a child-friendly tidal river at the other.

7. Wildlife spotting along the Loo Errn Boardwalk track

Seeing native animals in their natural habitat never gets old. Around the Loo Errn, you’re likely to spot wombats, along with various wallabies, echidnas, native swamp rats, several kinds of small marsupials, and native birds. Pro tip: No matter how adorable, please do not interfere with the wildlife or try to feed them your food, as it is harmful to both you and them.

8. Enjoy a sunset view from the top of Mt Oberon

The hike up this mountain is rewarding at any time of day, but witnessing the sunset over the ocean, with pink and gold hues illuminating Tidal River below, is truly remarkable.
Pro tip: After sunset, it gets dark very quickly, so be sure to bring a good flashlight for your descent.

Wilson’s Promontory National Park view from Mount Oberon

9. Attend a ranger talk at the Visitor Centre

Parks Victoria offers an excellent lineup of informative speakers and kid-friendly activities that you can participate in while at the Prom. With a rich and intricate history as well as impressive biodiversity, there’s much to learn. Plus, it’s a suitable alternative to your tent on a rainy day!

10. Take a coastal cruise around the Prom

Much of the water surrounding the Prom is designated as a marine national park, home to seabird colonies, fur seals, leatherback turtles, and visiting whales. Full-day cruises provide a unique opportunity to experience this incredible destination from a different vantage point.

Planning a major trip? Check out our convenient destination guide filled with tips on where to eat, stay and play in Gippsland…