5 Absolute Best Things to Do Wilsons Prom (2023)
Have you been wondering about the best things to do in Wilsons Prom? I’ve got you covered!
Wilsons Promontory National Park is the perfect coastal getaway from Melbourne if you’re looking for some quiet time in nature. It’s not just amazing for relaxing in nature, it’s also great for an action-packed trip. Whatever you’re looking for in things to do Wilsons Prom got you covered.
If you prefer a relaxing getaway closer to Melbourne, you may want to consider a trip to the Peninsula Hot Springs, where you can soak in some natural hot springs surrounded by beautiful countryside.
My absolute favourite things to do in Wilson’s Promontory National Park were the Big Drift and Squeaky Beach. I just couldn’t believe I’d be standing in the middle of a giant sand dune when I set out for my trip to Wilsons Prom. And stomping around Squeaky Beach to make the sand squeak is just one more of the many great things to do Wilsons Prom has to offer.
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🤩 Discover the best things in Wilsons Prom on a day trip from Melbourne
What is Wilsons Prom?
Wilsons Promontory National Park or short Wilsons Prom is a national park on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. It’s a perfect place for hiking and relaxing on beautiful white beaches in Victoria.
Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park is off the southern coast of Wilsons Prom. It’s the largest marine national park in Victoria and it’s a paradise for every snorkeler. So, if you love snorkelling then that’s gonna be one of the best things to do Wilsons Prom has to offer you. I don’t really enjoy it that much, so it’s not on my top things-to-do list.
5 Best things to do Wilsons Prom
Big Drift Sand Dunes
My absolute favourite thing to do in Wilsons Prom National Park was the Big Drift because it was so unexpected. I read beforehand that the Big Drift are sand dunes but getting out of the car you can’t see anything of them. Then you go for a walk through the forest and I still couldn’t imagine that I’m gonna be in the middle of a sand dune soon.
After a bit of a walk, the soil starts to transform into sand. The forest still looks about the same though. And then you walk up one hill and suddenly there’s the massive Big Drift sand dunes. The view is just stunning. From the sand dune, it’s the best way to take in the spectacular scenery.
Location: Walk from Stockyard Camp, Meeniyan-Promontory Rd
Squeaky Beach
There are some beautiful beaches in the Wilsons Promontory National Park but my favourite beach is Squeaky Beach. The Beach is a short walk from the car park and the sand here actually squeaks when you walk on it, which is a really cool experience! It works best if you stomp around on the white sand.
On one side of the beach, there are these amazing rock formations that make for a great photo op. Making sand squeak and getting a great picture of the rocks are just two of the many amazing things to do Wilsons Prom has to offer.
I went there with my friends and we had a picnic on the beach. The crystal-clear water was perfect for a swim and it was so peaceful just listening to the waves. Trust me, if you’re looking for a beautiful and secluded beach experience, Squeaky Beach is a must-visit. Okay, the peacefulness of the beach might depend on the time of year and time of the day of your visit, but when we visited we were almost the only people there.
Location: Squeaky Beach Car Park
Local Wildlife
The local wildlife is definitely something special on a trip from Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park. And keeping a look out for Wallabies, Wombats, Koalas and so on is one of the amazing things to do Wilsons Prom has to offer.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to spot a wombat and a wallaby – it was such a special moment! I read that koalas and emus live in the park as well, but unfortunately, I didn’t get to see them during my visit.
It’s important to remember that these animals are wild and should be observed from a safe distance. Don’t try to approach them, just be happy if you can spot one from a distance.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales or dolphins swimming off the coast. You’d need to bring a pair of binoculars though to spot them.
Wherever you are in the Wilsons Promontory National Park, just keep your eyes open for any wildlife during your visit.
Location: [enter address. Link to Tripadvisor page if possible or Google Business page]
Hike on Mount Oberon
Hiking Mount Oberon might be considered one of the best things to do Wilsons Prom has to offer. From the summit of Mount Oberon, you have the best 360-degree panoramic views.
The Mount Oberon summit walk starts at the telegraph saddle car park, is about 6.8 km long and takes about 2 hours. It’s one of the most popular walks in Wilson’s Promontory National Park because of its panoramic views.
but sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. During my visit, it rained so much that we, unfortunately, couldn’t hike up to the summit. While it was a bit disappointing, we still had a great time exploring other parts of the park. That’s the thing about Wilson’s Promontory – even if one activity doesn’t work out, there’s always something else to do.
In general, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out on any hikes in the park, because a long walk or hike can be dangerous in the wrong weather conditions.
Location: Telegraph Saddle Car Park
Wilderness Cruise
The best way to admire the coastal area and the best chance to see fur seals and humpback whales is by doing a Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise. On an amphibious boat, you get to experience the best things to do Wilsons Prom offers on land and on the sea.
Admire the best beaches, rocky outcrops and sculptured granite rock formations, like the skull rock, on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and see the actual southernmost tip, South Point.
Watch the marine wildlife at Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park. See one of the largest fur seal breeding colonies and keep a lookout for dolphins and whales.
Location: Tidal River
Where to stay in Wilsons Promontory National Park
The best place to stay in Wilsons Promontory National Park is the Tidal River Campground. They offer a wide range of accommodation options from campsites to lodges and private huts. Hot showers and picnic tables are just a few of the amenities in the campground. There’s also a visitor centre and a general store inside the Tidal River Campground. It’s the best option if you want to be just a few minute drive away from the best things to do Wilsons Prom has to offer.
Looking for a place away from the busy Campground? The closest accommodation to the Wilsons Promontory National Park is the Prom Gate Getaway. You can rent a cute little cottage with a balcony with just a two-minute drive to the park entrance.
You can also visit Wilsons Prom on a day trip from Melbourne. In that case, I would recommend doing a guided tour. That way you see the top things in Wilson’s Promontory and you don’t have to worry about driving so long in one day.
FAQs About Wilsons Promontory
Is Wilsons Prom worth visiting?
Wilsons Prom is the most scenic road trip from Melbourne besides the great ocean road. It’s the perfect place to go for hikes, relax at beautiful beaches and look for Australian wildlife.
How many days do you need in Wilsons Prom?
How many days you need in Wilsons Prom depends on what you want to do. You can see the main things in one or two days, but if you want to go for longer hikes and discover the national park in more detail you’d need 3 to 4 days.
Is Wilsons Prom free entry?
Wilsons Prom is free to enter. You can either just spend one day or you need to book accommodations at the Tidal River Campground.
What to do in Wilsons Prom when raining?
You can do some of the hikes in Wilsons Prom even in the rain, just make sure to read up on the tour beforehand how long it is and how slippery it can get.
Can you swim at Tidal River?
You can swim and surf at Tidal River and it is considered relatively safe to do so.
Are there snakes at Wilsons Prom?
Many different snakes can be found at Wilsons Prom, some of them even poisonous. So, make sure to always watch where you walk.
What is the best season to visit Wilsons Prom?
The best season to visit Wilsons Prom is in the summer months, that way you can relax on the beach and go for a nice hike in warm weather.
