Short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
Wilson Promontory is an ideal destination for bushwalking. The post describe short walks in Wilsons Promontory, Victoria :Mount Oberon Summit Walk and Squeaky Beach Loop Walk.
Following a second trip in December 2023, I have added more day walks and an overnight walk to the Wilsons Prom Lighthouse, situated on the tip of the peninsula, into treacherous waters of Bass Strait since 1859.
From overnight hikes and numerous day walks of all fitness levels, you will be enchanted with natural coastline features, granite boulders, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests or Stringybark woodlands.
Wilson Promontory is the southernmost tip of Australian mainland. The stunning coastline, the marine park, numerous bushwalking trails make a popular destination in Victoria.
From Melbourne is a 3 hour drive. Take the South Gippsland Highway A440 and then Meeniyan- Promontory Road C444 to the Wilson Promontory entrance. From the entrance to Tidal River is 30 minutes drive. At Tidal River are a campground, visitor centre and general store.
The closest towns are Yanakie, Fish Creek and Foster.
Mount Oberon Summit Walk
Distance is 6.8 km
Time is 2 hours return
The walk starts at Telegraph Saddle car park.
The route has a total ascent of 332.27 m and has a maximum elevation of 540.58 m.
During peak periods in summer there is a free bus shuttle from Tidal River to Telegraph Saddle which runs every half an hour.
Mount Oberon offers a wonderful panorama over the Bass Strait.
Squeaky Beach Loop Walk
Distance is 8.6 km
Time is 3 hours
The walk starts at Lilly Pilly Gully car park.
The route has a total ascent of 225.98 m and has a maximum elevation of 144.93 m.
Cross the road and walk on Lilly Pilly Link Track. At the bifurcation follow the left track of Tidal Overlook Circuit. The track follows the Tidal River and offers nice views of the Tidal River and Norman Beach.
Follow the track to the boulders of Pillar Point. From the Pillar Point backtrack to the bifurcation with Squeaky Beach Track. Turn left on the Squeaky Beach Track to reach the beautiful white Squeaky Beach.
The name of Squeaky Beach is from the rounded grains of quartz that make a squeak noise when walked on. Take the time to cool off in the ocean and have a break. Return to the Lilly Pilly car park following the inland part of the Tidal Overlook Circuit.
You need to carry enough water for the day and have ample sun protection.
Further information about Wilsons Promontory you can find at:
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/hiking-and-bushwalking
Lighthouse Walk
The Walk to the Lighthouse, is part of the Southern Circuit and offers spectacular views of the rugged coast of Wilson Prom, unspoiled beaches, lush forests and fern vegetation.
The first section of the classic Southern Circuit to Sealers Cove is still closed.
Therefore our group decided to walk first day from Telegraph Saddle to Lighthouse via Roaring Meg. After staying overnight in the historic cottage next to Lighthouse, will return next day via the scenic coastal route Waterloo Bay.
Book accommodation ahead of time if staying in the comfort of the historic cottages with bed, showers, kitchen.
Day 1 Telegraph Saddle to Lighthouse via Roaring Meg
Start the walk at Telegraph Saddle on 4 wheel drive track which descends to Telegraph Junction, Halfway Hut and Roaring Meg.
At Roaring Meg there is a campsite, where you can tent in beautiful lush green environment, for which you need to book ahead of the time of the walk.
From Roaring Meg you can hike to the South Point the most southern point of Australian mainland.
The walk from the Roaring Med is on shaded bush track through lush green ferns, with small creeks, with views of the coast and the ocean.
Towards the end, the track is a steep climb to the Lighthouse.
After settling in your booked accommodation, enjoy a visit to The Lighthouse Museum, walk to the Bay and enjoy the sunset over the Bay and Lighthouse. Don’t forget to take photos of the sunset over the Lighthouse, which I did.
Day 2 Lighthouse to Telegraph Saddle via Waterloo Bay
Leaving the Light house, walk 3 hours to Waterloo Bay, through undulating tracks, flanked by lush vegetations, ferns, small creeks along the way. Admire the rugged coastal scenery and on approaching the Waterloo Bay, the view of the bay with white sand beach and clear blue water. Walk along the beach towards the boulders seen at the other end. Just before reaching the boulders, turn left to follow the track to Telegraph Junction.
Some hikers took the option to walk to Refuge Cove and Sealers Cove camping at Sealers Cove and returning next day to Waterloo Bay and back To Telegraph Saddle.
The Walk from Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Junction is mainly a board walk . inland then through the forest.
From Telegraph Junction to Telegraph Saddle, the section is uphill on the four wheel drive track.
A longer alternative is to walk via Little Oberon Bay to Tidal River.