Australia Travel Planner · Victoria

Wilsons Promontory for backpackers

Wilsons Promontory, 'The Prom' for short, is the southern tip of mainland Australia and one of Victoria's most popular national parks: white beaches between granite boulders, wombats at the campsite and walking tracks across the whole peninsula. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.

Location
About 230 km south-east of Melbourne
Base
Tidal River with campsite and shop
Wildlife
Wombats, emus, kangaroos
Tip
Note the summer camping ballot
Arriving

Getting there and best time to visit Wilsons Promontory

You can only reach The Prom by car, about three hours from Melbourne. Public transport doesn't go into the park. The only settlement in the park is Tidal River, with a campsite, shop and visitor centre. Fill up and do bigger shopping beforehand in Foster.

It's warmest in summer from December to March, when Norman Beach is patrolled — though the water stays cool. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking. In the summer holidays, campsites at Tidal River are allocated by ballot.

Sleep

Hostels and camping in Wilsons Promontory

Oberon Beach Campsite: campsite reachable only on foot

A beach campsite reachable only on foot via the walking tracks — for multi-day hikes across the peninsula. Book in advance through Parks Victoria.

Sleep · Camping · Walking track · Price level $

Swim

Swimming and snorkelling in Wilsons Promontory

Norman Beach: patrolled beach at the campsite

The beach right by the Tidal River campsite is patrolled by lifeguards in summer. The water stays cool even in summer, but the bay is sheltered.

Swim · Tidal River · Best time: December–March

Views & photos

Lookouts and photo spots in Wilsons Promontory

Squeaky Beach: squeaking quartz sand between granite boulders

The white quartz sand squeaks when you walk — hence the name. Round granite boulders frame the beach and glow orange in the late afternoon. Cold water and currents make it more for looking than swimming.

Views & photos · Tidal River · Best time: late afternoon

Mount Oberon: summit with views over the peninsula

From the summit above Tidal River you look over the whole peninsula with its bays and islands. From Telegraph Saddle it's about two hours return. Most beautiful at sunrise.

Views & photos · Tidal River · Best time: sunrise

Big Drift: large dune field at the park entrance

A large dune field at the park entrance, just a short walk from the car park. Most beautiful at sunset. In summer the sand gets hot — keep your shoes on.

Views & photos · North · Best time: sunset

Free

Free things to do in Wilsons Promontory

Tidal River: the only settlement in the park, with wombats

The only settlement in the park, with a campsite, shop and visitor centre, right on the beach. In the evening wombats come out of the bush, plus emus and kangaroos around the grounds. Don't feed the wombats. In the holidays the campsite is booked out months ahead; in summer sites are allocated by ballot.

Free · Tidal River · Best time: evening · Price level $

Food

Cheap eats in Wilsons Promontory

Tidal River General Store: the only shop in the park

The only shop in the park, with simple snacks and basic groceries. Prices are higher — better to buy supplies beforehand in Foster.

Food · Shop & takeaway · Price level $

Common questions

Wilsons Promontory for backpackers: frequently asked questions

How do I get to Wilsons Promontory?

Only by car, about three hours from Melbourne. Public transport doesn't go into the park.

Can you camp at Tidal River without booking?

In the off-season, often yes. In the summer holidays sites are allocated by ballot; in other holidays they're booked out months ahead.

Where do you see wombats on The Prom?

In the evening at the Tidal River campsite, along with emus and kangaroos.

Next

Travelling on from Wilsons Promontory

All spots on the Wilsons Promontory map. Nearby: Phillip Island and Melbourne.

Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.