Overseas visitors call it Wilsons Promontory. But to locals it will always just be “The Prom”. (Much like Philip Island is known simply as “The Island”.)

The wild and beloved coastline of The Prom is a favourite destination for many Melbournians and Victorians who love to come camping here every year. Summer is most popular but diehards will visit all year round, even in the depths of winter.

So pristine is this part of Victoria’s coastal wilderness that it is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Victoria’s most southerly point

Jutting out and down into the Southern Ocean, The Prom is Victoria’s most southerly point. And home to Victoria’s most southern lighthouse, which has been operating non-stop since 1859.

Rugged, wild, windswept it can be icy cold in winter, with the cold winds coming right off the Antarctic thousands of miles south.

But it has an unmatched beauty and charm. If you like your walks a bit rough, if you want to explore beaches and trails that feel like no one else has been there for years, then it is right for you.

Walks and hikes of every kind

Hiking around Wilson’s Promontory is easy and enjoyable for people of all ages and all abilities. You can walk for miles and miles and discover little coves and inlets or tracks that wander off into the bush. Walk along the beach at Squeaky Beach and yes, the sand really does squeak. Discover other gorgeous little bays such as Little Oberon Bay, Norman Bay, Leonard Bay, Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay.

Wilson’s Promontory offers everything from simple strolls along the beach to walks that go up hill and dale to more significant hikes, such as those where you can climb to Mt Oberon or Mt Bishop. Despite their names, each is not very high, more hills than real mountains. For example Mt Oberon is only 558 metres high but from the summit it offers 360° views across sparkling turquoise waters towards picturesque little islands dotted off the coast.

Mt Bishop is a mere 319 metres high but also offers incredible views from the summit. Both places are superb viewing options for a sunset, but remember to pack a torch to light your way on the walk back home.

Sturdy footwear is necessary for both walks and highly recommended.

From these heights you can enjoy scenic views over the Tidal River Campground, tracing with your eye the river as it weaves and wanders it way through coastal heathlands down to the sandy shores of Norman Beach. Turning inland your eye will be captivated by the views of rolling peaks of forested mountains.

The first tourists to The Prom

It is believed the first Europeans to sight The Prom were Matthew Flinders and George Bass in 1798. Sealers were early regular visitors, setting up a small colony at Seal Cove. Sadly the legacy they leave is no seals at Seal Cove for it is named after the place of their slaughter.

But there are many other places where seals abound.

The Tidal River Campground

Tidal River Campground, the biggest and most popular camping site at Wilson’s Promontory, has a little over 480 campsites available. Such is the demand for camping and so little amount of space that bookings are essential and well in advance. Lots are actually drawn each year. Many families book the same site every year and come down with the same friends, neighbours or family.

Hikers and caravanners can find a place to stay at sites within the 125,000 acres that comprise the park.

The Southern Sahara?

The Big Drift. It sounds like the name of a Hollywood movie but it is in fact a curious phenomenon of the Prom. A large area of sand dunes, unconnected to the sand dunes on the coast. It is as if a sea of sand has been cut off from its beach side family. It’s a 2km walk across the sands, making you feel like you are in the Sahara rather than the southern tip of mainland Australia. It’s a grade 3 walk, so it’s rather moderate.

The most popular walk is definitely Squeaky Beach to Tidal River. This gorgeous beach was actually voted Australia’s favourite in 2024, beating many beaches up north in Qld that have much warmer weather.

And yes, the beach actually squeaks at Squeaky Beach. The white sands are composed of a fine, rounded grains of quartz. When you walk on them they compress against each other, creating this high-pitched squeak. You will see children and adults alike delighting at stomping around on the sand making squeaking noises.

From Squeaky Beach the walk leads past massive granite boulders as the track winds over the headlands then descending back to Tidal River.

Wildlife wonders to see

Like so many parts of Victoria, The Prom is home to an abundant variety of wildlife. Mobs of Eastern Grey kangaroos abound. Wombats, the bumbling earth movers of the land are seen waddling about. Cute and quizzical echidnas will be seen hunting for ants, their noses close to the ground. Even Emus, the giant bird of Australia can be found here.

You may also catch a glimpse of small, furtive marsupials scurrying about in the bush. You will definitely see birds, lots and lots of birds. The most prominent being rosellas. These bright and colourful birds have grown accustomed to human visitors to the Prom and will approach you, most often looking for food. But be warned feeding birds or any Australian native wildlife is prohibited and you can be fined by Park Rangers.

Wild, rugged and untamed capture the heart of The Prom. It’s hard to believe when you stand alone on some isolated beach or rocky headland that you are only a couple of hundred kilometres from a bustling city of 6 million people. Such is the isolation you feel down there.

So if you want to feel a million miles away in a matter of hours, you must visit Wilson’s Promontory.

Where is Wilson's Promontory?

Wilson's Promontory, often locally referred to as "The Prom," is located in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is a peninsula that forms the southernmost point of the Australian mainland.

Located in Gippsland, it's approximately 225 km (140 miles) southeast of the Melbourne CBD. It typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive there. The nearest Town, Yanakie, is the last township located just before the park entrance. The main visitor hub inside the park is Tidal River.

Key Geographical Features:

The "Prom" is a National Park (Wilsons Promontory National Park) known for its rugged granite mountains and pristine beaches. Because it projects far south into the Bass Strait, it was once a land bridge connecting Tasmania to the mainland before sea levels rose. South Point is the specific geographic tip that holds the title for the southernmost point of mainland Australia. The historic Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse is located on the south-east tip of the peninsula and is only accessible by foot.

How to get there:

There is only one road into the peninsula.

1. From Melbourne, you take the South Gippsland Highway (M420/A440).

2. Head towards towns like Leongatha and Foster.

3. Turn south at Meeniyan or Fish Creek toward the park entrance at Yanakie.

Need an expert guide?

Check out Wilson's Promontory Private Tours by Melbourne Touring Company.