Rita’s guidebook
Sightseeing
20 THINGS TO DO AT WILSONS PROMONTORY
Wilsons Promontory National Park is Victoria’s oldest national park and is one of the most important national parks in Victoria. Wilsons Prom is situated on the southern most part of Australia's mainland state Victoria. It boasts spectacular scenery and offers a very interesting blend of mountains, fern gullies, grey granite ranges, salt marshes and a variety of forests. It is one of the most popular and largest parks of Victoria that expands over an area of about 50,000 hectares.
1. Walk to historic Sealers Cove
This 19-kilometre (return) walk can be accomplished in a day and takes you through mountains, temperate rainforest and ultimately to one of the Prom’s most beautiful, sheltered and secluded beaches. It’s a huge improvement on what Sealer’s Cove was used for a hundred years ago, when it was the site of significant sealing and whaling activity and later, timber logging.
2. Overnight lighthouse stay
Wilsons Promontory Light station is super remote, accessible only by sea or a day-long hike from Tidal River or Telegraph Saddle car park. Hikers can stay overnight in one of three of the lighthouse’s cottages. For romantics, the Banks Cottage has a queen bed, private bathroom and uninterrupted views out over Bass Strait.
3. Open-air cinema
Seeing a new release film outdoors at Tidal River Cinema is part of the classic Prom experience. At intermission, grab an espresso or hot chocolate when you will most likely spot one of the resident wombats who break in to snaffle up any popcorn that’s fallen on the ground. Pro tip: BYO cushion and blanket, because the seats can get uncomfortable and very cold once the sun goes down! The open-air cinema usually operates during the summer months.
4. Walk to Squeaky Beach from Norman Bay
Pack a picnic and take a short walk from the boardwalk track along to Squeaky Beach. Enjoy the beautiful views from the ancient boulders that sit at the top of the beach in their magnificent glory.
5. See black swans and the world’s southern-most mangroves
The northern part of the Prom doesn’t get nearly as many visitors, but Miller’s Landing, near the park entrance, is an easy walk with the chance to see flora and fauna you wouldn’t normally associate with the Prom, including large flocks of black swans.
6. Eat hot chips on Norman Bay beach
Why? Because it’s hot chips. On the beach. And because Norman Bay is a wide, white, postcard-ready beach with decent surf at one end and a kid-friendly tidal river at the other.
7. Wildlife spotting, Loo Ern Boardwalk track
Spotting native animals out in the wild never gets tiring. Around the Loo Ern you’ll most likely see wombats, but also look out for various types of wallabies, echidnas, native swap rats, several types of tiny marsupials and native birds.
8. Watch the sun set from the top of Mt Oberon
The hike up this mountain is worth it for the view at any time of day, but seeing the sun set over the ocean, casting pink to golden light across Tidal River below, is something very special. Once the sun goes down it gets very dark very quickly, so take a good torch with you for the walk back down the mountain.
9. Attend a ranger talk at the Visitor Centre
Parks Victoria offers a great schedule of academic speakers and kids activities that you can attend while at the Prom. With a long and complex history and amazing biodiversity, there’s a lot to learn. Plus, it’s a good alternative to your tent on a rainy day!
10. Take a cruise around the Prom’s coastline
Much of the water around the Prom is a marine national park, with seabird colonies, fur seals, leatherback turtles and visiting whales. Full day cruises around the Prom’s coastline are a way to see this unique destination from a different perspective. These are only available in the summer months.
11. Visit towns nearby….Fish Creek, Meeniyan, Foster
These towns are great places to visit…. There are lovely shops to browse and really fabulous cafes. Fish Creek has a great pub or you could get a massage there or take a look at the art galleries. Meeniyan has one of the best pizza places in Victoria named Trulli on the main road. Foster has a great historical museum, a local butcher, fresh seafood and fresh fruit and veggies at Ahern’s…. and lots of other shops.
12. Visit Duck Point
At 390 Foley Rd, there is Yanakie Caravan Park and this has been established at Duck Point. Foley Road is on the left hand side after you pass the Yanakie General Store, before you enter the gates of the prom. It's a great short visit before you go into the park to take a look at the prom from the Eastern side. There are picnic tables and there is a handy car park as well.
13. Visit Sandy Point Surf Beach
Sandy Point is about a fifteen minute drive and it really is a worthwhile trip. Sandy Point is a small town on the south coast and the beach there is magnificent and it is patrolled throughout the summer. To drive to Sandy Point turn right at the end of Paterson Road and travel for about ten kilometres as if you are going to Melbourne. Then at the fork in the road turn left at Soldiers Road (you will see a sign to Sandy Point) and follow the signs for the rest of the way.
14. Visit Agnes Falls
Hidden within the rolling green hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, the meandering Agnes River cascades over rocks into a deep picturesque gorge. At 59 metres, Agnes Falls are the highest single span falls in Victoria.
Take a short stroll through the Blue Gum Forest and Hazel Park to a viewing area overlooking the falls or relax and enjoy a picnic under the shade of tall blue gums on the grassy banks of the Agnes River.
Go through Foster and turn right onto the South Gippsland Highway. Turn left into Silcocks Hill Road,
15. The Beach at Corner Inlet
The beaches at nearby Corner Inlet are only a few minutes’ drive from Yanakie. Not only are they top fishing spots, but great for bird watching, bush walking, photography or simply admiring the unspoilt spectacular scenery of this southern coastal area. Accessed through Shelcott Road Yanakie, the first road on the left after the General Store.
16. Waratah Hills Vineyards
With a passion for food, wine and good company Waratah Hills is a welcoming vineyard that is located between Fish Creek and Yanakie. Producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling and Rosé is the absolute focus of owners Neil and Judy Travers with the help of their exceptional team and wine makers Marcus Satchell and Mal Stewart.
Waratah Hills Vineyard was planted 15 years ago with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot varieties in the Burgundy style of low trellising and close planting. Today with a hands on approach to vineyard management, minimal intervention and traditional wine making techniques, Waratah Hills Vineyard is a labour of love that is producing beautiful wine. From Paterson road, turn left onto Meeniyan-Promontory road as if you are going to Fish Creek, you will see the signs on the road; the address is 20 Cottmans Road Fish Creek.
17. Visit the Port Welshpool Long Jetty
Go through Foster to get to Port Welshpool. Take a stroll along the brand new jetty (about 500m long) has just been completed. It has beautiful views of the prom and Corner Inlet. Throw a line in to catch some fish or sunbathe on the beach. Then go down the road to the old jetting and across the road there is a pub where you can have a drink or a coffee. On the way there you can stop and have a picnic at the scenic lookout. Follow the signs to Agnes Falls (Silcocks Hill Road) and turn right about 1km up the road and you will see magnificent views of the valley and the prom. There is a picnic table up there in the shade.
18. Visit Shallow Inlet
Shallow Inlet is a marine inlet, nestled between Waratah Bay and the majestic peaks of Wilsons Promontory. The sheltered waters of Shallow Inlet provide a secluded and peaceful setting for a range of water based activities such as fishing, boating and sail boarding. The park is accessible from both sides. From Lester Road off the Foster – Promontory Road or via Sandy Point along the Sandy Point Road. A caravan and camping ground is located on the eastern boundary at the end of Lester Road with easy access to the park. Picnic facilities including BBQs, tables and toilets are provided on the foreshore neighbouring the Western Beach parking area via the Sandy Point access.
19. Walkerville and Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Walkerville is a small community located along the western coastline of Waratah Bay and a short drive from the neighbouring coastal towns of Waratah Bay and Sandy Point. It is a comfortable drive from Wilsons Promontory National Park and surrounding attractions.
The approach to Walkerville from the north via the Fish Creek Road passes through lush and undulating pastoral land and ends up at the Promontory View housing estate. At this point, following the no through road Bayside Drive along the coast for a couple of kilometres takes visitors past the local caravan park and to Walkerville North. Alternatively, the inland route makes an almost 10 kilometre semi-circle around this section of the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, rejoining the coast at Walkerville South and then terminating part way along the coast at the boat ramp. The two dead-end coastal roads at Walkerville North and Walkerville South are linked by an 800 metre walking track called the Lime Burners Walk which traverses the cliff tops and offers spectacular views along the pristine coastline. Alternatively, walking between the two road endpoints can be done along the sandy beach with its characteristic rock formations and native bush backdrop.
Walkerville Lime Kilns The limestone cliffs around Walkerville were actively mined until 1926, supplying material for Melbourne's building industry. A relic of the lime burning process can be found along the foreshore between Walkerville North and South at one of the kilns which has been preserved.
20. Visit Cape Liptrap
Around 10 kilometres south-west of Walkerville, along a gravel road, is Cape Liptrap. At the cape is a 10 metre high lighthouse which was built in 1951 and offers picnic areas and scenic views along the surrounding coastline.
The beautiful Cape Liptrap Coastal Park stretches along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay. On this track, wander through coastal woodlands and take the side track to a viewing platform to see the bay with the magnificent peaks of Wilsons Promontory in the background.
Location: Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Distance: 1.2km one way
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2 – No experience required. The track is hardened gravel or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and some steps. Walks up to 10km
Start: Walkerville Camping Reserve
Finish: Walkerville Camping Reserve
79 yerel halk öneriyor
Wilsons Promontory
20 THINGS TO DO AT WILSONS PROMONTORY
Wilsons Promontory National Park is Victoria’s oldest national park and is one of the most important national parks in Victoria. Wilsons Prom is situated on the southern most part of Australia's mainland state Victoria. It boasts spectacular scenery and offers a very interesting blend of mountains, fern gullies, grey granite ranges, salt marshes and a variety of forests. It is one of the most popular and largest parks of Victoria that expands over an area of about 50,000 hectares.
1. Walk to historic Sealers Cove
This 19-kilometre (return) walk can be accomplished in a day and takes you through mountains, temperate rainforest and ultimately to one of the Prom’s most beautiful, sheltered and secluded beaches. It’s a huge improvement on what Sealer’s Cove was used for a hundred years ago, when it was the site of significant sealing and whaling activity and later, timber logging.
2. Overnight lighthouse stay
Wilsons Promontory Light station is super remote, accessible only by sea or a day-long hike from Tidal River or Telegraph Saddle car park. Hikers can stay overnight in one of three of the lighthouse’s cottages. For romantics, the Banks Cottage has a queen bed, private bathroom and uninterrupted views out over Bass Strait.
3. Open-air cinema
Seeing a new release film outdoors at Tidal River Cinema is part of the classic Prom experience. At intermission, grab an espresso or hot chocolate when you will most likely spot one of the resident wombats who break in to snaffle up any popcorn that’s fallen on the ground. Pro tip: BYO cushion and blanket, because the seats can get uncomfortable and very cold once the sun goes down! The open-air cinema usually operates during the summer months.
4. Walk to Squeaky Beach from Norman Bay
Pack a picnic and take a short walk from the boardwalk track along to Squeaky Beach. Enjoy the beautiful views from the ancient boulders that sit at the top of the beach in their magnificent glory.
5. See black swans and the world’s southern-most mangroves
The northern part of the Prom doesn’t get nearly as many visitors, but Miller’s Landing, near the park entrance, is an easy walk with the chance to see flora and fauna you wouldn’t normally associate with the Prom, including large flocks of black swans.
6. Eat hot chips on Norman Bay beach
Why? Because it’s hot chips. On the beach. And because Norman Bay is a wide, white, postcard-ready beach with decent surf at one end and a kid-friendly tidal river at the other.
7. Wildlife spotting, Loo Ern Boardwalk track
Spotting native animals out in the wild never gets tiring. Around the Loo Ern you’ll most likely see wombats, but also look out for various types of wallabies, echidnas, native swap rats, several types of tiny marsupials and native birds.
8. Watch the sun set from the top of Mt Oberon
The hike up this mountain is worth it for the view at any time of day, but seeing the sun set over the ocean, casting pink to golden light across Tidal River below, is something very special. Once the sun goes down it gets very dark very quickly, so take a good torch with you for the walk back down the mountain.
9. Attend a ranger talk at the Visitor Centre
Parks Victoria offers a great schedule of academic speakers and kids activities that you can attend while at the Prom. With a long and complex history and amazing biodiversity, there’s a lot to learn. Plus, it’s a good alternative to your tent on a rainy day!
10. Take a cruise around the Prom’s coastline
Much of the water around the Prom is a marine national park, with seabird colonies, fur seals, leatherback turtles and visiting whales. Full day cruises around the Prom’s coastline are a way to see this unique destination from a different perspective. These are only available in the summer months.
11. Visit towns nearby….Fish Creek, Meeniyan, Foster
These towns are great places to visit…. There are lovely shops to browse and really fabulous cafes. Fish Creek has a great pub or you could get a massage there or take a look at the art galleries. Meeniyan has one of the best pizza places in Victoria named Trulli on the main road. Foster has a great historical museum, a local butcher, fresh seafood and fresh fruit and veggies at Ahern’s…. and lots of other shops.
12. Visit Duck Point
At 390 Foley Rd, there is Yanakie Caravan Park and this has been established at Duck Point. Foley Road is on the left hand side after you pass the Yanakie General Store, before you enter the gates of the prom. It's a great short visit before you go into the park to take a look at the prom from the Eastern side. There are picnic tables and there is a handy car park as well.
13. Visit Sandy Point Surf Beach
Sandy Point is about a fifteen minute drive and it really is a worthwhile trip. Sandy Point is a small town on the south coast and the beach there is magnificent and it is patrolled throughout the summer. To drive to Sandy Point turn right at the end of Paterson Road and travel for about ten kilometres as if you are going to Melbourne. Then at the fork in the road turn left at Soldiers Road (you will see a sign to Sandy Point) and follow the signs for the rest of the way.
14. Visit Agnes Falls
Hidden within the rolling green hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, the meandering Agnes River cascades over rocks into a deep picturesque gorge. At 59 metres, Agnes Falls are the highest single span falls in Victoria.
Take a short stroll through the Blue Gum Forest and Hazel Park to a viewing area overlooking the falls or relax and enjoy a picnic under the shade of tall blue gums on the grassy banks of the Agnes River.
Go through Foster and turn right onto the South Gippsland Highway. Turn left into Silcocks Hill Road,
15. The Beach at Corner Inlet
The beaches at nearby Corner Inlet are only a few minutes’ drive from Yanakie. Not only are they top fishing spots, but great for bird watching, bush walking, photography or simply admiring the unspoilt spectacular scenery of this southern coastal area. Accessed through Shelcott Road Yanakie, the first road on the left after the General Store.
16. Waratah Hills Vineyards
With a passion for food, wine and good company Waratah Hills is a welcoming vineyard that is located between Fish Creek and Yanakie. Producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling and Rosé is the absolute focus of owners Neil and Judy Travers with the help of their exceptional team and wine makers Marcus Satchell and Mal Stewart.
Waratah Hills Vineyard was planted 15 years ago with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot varieties in the Burgundy style of low trellising and close planting. Today with a hands on approach to vineyard management, minimal intervention and traditional wine making techniques, Waratah Hills Vineyard is a labour of love that is producing beautiful wine. From Paterson road, turn left onto Meeniyan-Promontory road as if you are going to Fish Creek, you will see the signs on the road; the address is 20 Cottmans Road Fish Creek.
17. Visit the Port Welshpool Long Jetty
Go through Foster to get to Port Welshpool. Take a stroll along the brand new jetty (about 500m long) has just been completed. It has beautiful views of the prom and Corner Inlet. Throw a line in to catch some fish or sunbathe on the beach. Then go down the road to the old jetting and across the road there is a pub where you can have a drink or a coffee. On the way there you can stop and have a picnic at the scenic lookout. Follow the signs to Agnes Falls (Silcocks Hill Road) and turn right about 1km up the road and you will see magnificent views of the valley and the prom. There is a picnic table up there in the shade.
18. Visit Shallow Inlet
Shallow Inlet is a marine inlet, nestled between Waratah Bay and the majestic peaks of Wilsons Promontory. The sheltered waters of Shallow Inlet provide a secluded and peaceful setting for a range of water based activities such as fishing, boating and sail boarding. The park is accessible from both sides. From Lester Road off the Foster – Promontory Road or via Sandy Point along the Sandy Point Road. A caravan and camping ground is located on the eastern boundary at the end of Lester Road with easy access to the park. Picnic facilities including BBQs, tables and toilets are provided on the foreshore neighbouring the Western Beach parking area via the Sandy Point access.
19. Walkerville and Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Walkerville is a small community located along the western coastline of Waratah Bay and a short drive from the neighbouring coastal towns of Waratah Bay and Sandy Point. It is a comfortable drive from Wilsons Promontory National Park and surrounding attractions.
The approach to Walkerville from the north via the Fish Creek Road passes through lush and undulating pastoral land and ends up at the Promontory View housing estate. At this point, following the no through road Bayside Drive along the coast for a couple of kilometres takes visitors past the local caravan park and to Walkerville North. Alternatively, the inland route makes an almost 10 kilometre semi-circle around this section of the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park, rejoining the coast at Walkerville South and then terminating part way along the coast at the boat ramp. The two dead-end coastal roads at Walkerville North and Walkerville South are linked by an 800 metre walking track called the Lime Burners Walk which traverses the cliff tops and offers spectacular views along the pristine coastline. Alternatively, walking between the two road endpoints can be done along the sandy beach with its characteristic rock formations and native bush backdrop.
Walkerville Lime Kilns The limestone cliffs around Walkerville were actively mined until 1926, supplying material for Melbourne's building industry. A relic of the lime burning process can be found along the foreshore between Walkerville North and South at one of the kilns which has been preserved.
20. Visit Cape Liptrap
Around 10 kilometres south-west of Walkerville, along a gravel road, is Cape Liptrap. At the cape is a 10 metre high lighthouse which was built in 1951 and offers picnic areas and scenic views along the surrounding coastline.
The beautiful Cape Liptrap Coastal Park stretches along the coast from the sand barrier of Point Smythe to the sheltered waters of Waratah Bay. On this track, wander through coastal woodlands and take the side track to a viewing platform to see the bay with the magnificent peaks of Wilsons Promontory in the background.
Location: Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Distance: 1.2km one way
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2 – No experience required. The track is hardened gravel or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and some steps. Walks up to 10km
Start: Walkerville Camping Reserve
Finish: Walkerville Camping Reserve