The Ultimate Guide to Wilsons Promontory National Park, Australia
After road-tripping through the tropical heat of Queensland and exploring historical towns in New South Wales, our 4×4 camper van from WA Experts brought us down to the rugged south coast of Victoria. Just a two-hour drive southeast of Melbourne lies a pure, wild peninsula that quickly stole our hearts: Wilsons Promontory National Park (or simply “The Prom” as the locals call it).
If you love dramatic mountain landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, and stepping into a literal south coast safari, this park is an absolute must-visit. Traveling from the 30°C tropical north meant we really had to get used to the chilly 12°C winter days down south, but the crisp air and sunny skies made for the perfect exploring weather.
Here is our complete guide to the best things to see in Wilsons Prom!
Where to Stay: Yanakie Caravan Park & Corner Inlet
When visiting Wilsons Promontory, things to do are abundant, but you’ll want a great basecamp. Just north of the national park entrance gate is a great little campsite, overlooking the beautiful Corner Inlet.
It is a quiet, hidden gem surrounded by lush nature, with stunning views over the cape towards Duck Point. We absolutely loved exploring the area. It is only a 10-minute drive from here to the main entry gate of the park, making it the perfect starting point for your daily adventures.
Top Things to Do in Wilsons Prom Australia
1. Listen to the Sands of Squeaky Beach
Without a doubt, the most famous stretch of sand in Wilsons Promontory National Park is Squeaky Beach. It owes its iconic name to the high-pitched squeaking sound it makes when you walk across the dry, ultra-fine white silica sand. In fact, Tourism Australia officially declared it the best beach in the entire country! Standing on the shore with massive rounded granite boulders on either side feels like standing on the edge of the world.
2. Spot Abundant Wildlife on the Prom Wildlife Walk
If you want to see iconic Australian animals in their natural habitat, this park will surprise you. The chance of spotting wildlife here is bigger than anywhere else in Victoria. Right after passing the entry gate, we ran into a flock of wild emus! For the ultimate experience, head over to the Prom Wildlife Walk just before sunset. You will walk among emus, spot colorful Crimson Rosellas, find sleepy koalas in the trees, and see cute wombats coming out of the bushes like little teddy bears.
3. Explore Tidal River Village & Norman Beach
Tidal River is the main hub and beating heart of the park. It is the perfect spot to start your hikes, cross the scenic bridge over the tea-tree stained river, or base yourself for the night. Right next to the village, you’ll find Norman Beach, a spectacular wide beach flanked by dark mountains that looks absolutely breathtaking from a drone perspective.
4. Soak in the Views at Whiskey Bay & Picnic Bay
For dramatic coastal vistas, make sure to stop at both Picnic Bay and Whiskey Bay. The viewpoints along the main scenic road give you incredible panoramic looks over the green peninsula and the wild roaring ocean. Best of all? It’s only a short 400 to 500-meter walk from the parking lots down to these beautiful, secluded beach areas.
Essential Travel Tips for The Prom
Getting Around: The park spans about 500 square kilometers, meaning it’s highly accessible. The scenic drives from the main gates to most highlights and trailheads take only about 30 minutes.
Campground Apps: When traveling around Victoria and looking for the best free or low-cost spots to park your 4×4 camper, we highly recommend using the WikiCamps app. It’s a lifesaver for finding hidden gems like the backyard of the Royal Hotel in Murrurundi!
Pack Layers: The weather down south near Melbourne can change quickly and gets much colder than the north. Bring warm clothes for the chilly mornings!
Wilsons Promontory completely blew us away with its unique mix of subtropical rainforests, massive mountains, and postcard-perfect beaches. Now, our big lap around Australia continues as we head into the big city of Melbourne.
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