Things To Do In Wilsons Prom and Wilsons Prom Accommodation
Things To Do In Wilsons Prom and Wilsons Prom Accommodation
This guide to quite possibly the best place to visit in Victoria, provides an overview of things to do in Wilsons Prom. This includes Wilsons Prom walks and a guide to Wilsons Prom accommodation. As accommodation is limited in Wilsons Promontory National Park itself this guide will extend to accommodation near Wilsons Prom.
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria is known around the world for its biodiversity partly because there are many different ecosystems including woodland, swamps, heaths, rainforest and coast. There is an amazing array of animal, bird and plant life in the area. Probably the most abundant you’ll find, as you explore Victoria. On land, you can see kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas as well as other native animals.
Within the Wilsons Promontory Marine Park, an area of protected ocean and coastline there is one of the richest ocean habitats in the world. Much of the sea life here is found nowhere else, making it an area popular with scuba divers many of whom will argue that it easily ranks alongside the Great Barrier Reef. This together with pristine beaches, stunning granite rock formations and over 80km of hikes and walks to suit all levels make Wilsons Prom one of the best holiday destinations Victoria has to offer.
Where is Wilsons Prom and How to Get To Wilsons Prom
From Melbourne to Wilsons Prom :
- The bus takes between 3 hrs 50 mins and 4 hrs 30 mins there are two routes available.
- To travel from Melbourne to Wilsons Prom by car takes around 3hrs 20 mins with tolls, it is just over 200km.
- Trains do not cover this route in full you can get the train as far as Morwell but from there you would have to drive or get a bus and then a taxi
- From Yanakie – the drive from Yanakie to Wilsons Prom is only 30 km and takes around 20 minutes.
- From Fish Creek – drive this route in 45 minutes, it is only 50 km.
- From Shallow Inlet – to drive takes about 40minutes it is 43km.
- From Waratah Bay – by car takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to travel the 60km.
- From Tidal River – Tidal River is the closest village to Wilsons Prom and a just a couple of minutes drive.
- From Sandy Point – You can drive the 58 km in 1 hour 20 minutes.
Wilsons Prom Day Trip
- Be aware that upon your arrival at Wilsons Promontory National Park, you will need to pay the Wilsons Prom entry fee.
- If you don’t have the time to stay in the fantastic array of Wilsons Promontory Accommodation perhaps a Wilsons Prom day trip is a better option for you. There are trips and guided tours available from Melbourne or you can contact the Tidal River Visitors Centre to find out about other options.
Tidal River Visitors Centre
- This is an essential stop for all visitors to the prom as they have all the information and maps you will need to help you make the best of your stay. It is a 10 minute drive from Wilsons Prom and its opening times are: 8:30 am-4:30 pm daily AEST and 8:30 am-4:30 pm daily AEDST.
Things To Do In Wilsons Prom
If you love the outdoors then Wilsons Prom should be top of your list of places to visit in Victoria. The number and variety of Wilsons Prom walks mean that everyone, whatever fitness level, age or ability will find a route to suit. Experienced and confident walkers will get plenty of use out of their hiking boots and can enjoy a Wilsons Prom overnight hike. This will allow you to visit and stay at the historically rich and secluded Lighthouse accommodation. This is the nearest place to the southernmost point of Australia that you can stay. When you arrive in the area stop at the Tidal River Visitors Centre to pick up a Wilsons Prom hiking map so that you can plan your Wilsons Prom hiking adventure. The Visitors Centre is also the place to go to get information about more accessible walks, facilities and hiring all terrain or beach wheelchairs. For those who want to experience some Wilsons Prom fishing, it is also advisable to get information from the Tidal River visitors centre about where you can and what types of fishing are allowed. Alternatively, you can contact Parks Victoria or the Australian Fishing Network.
Everyone loves spending time on the beach and the Wilsons Promontory beaches are some of the best beaches Australia has to offer. Squeaky Beach regularly features in the top ten lists of the best beaches in Australia, this makes it one of the most popular too. If you are after a more secluded Wilsons Prom beach then as a general rule, the further you walk the fewer people there will be. Sealers Cove, Norman Beach, Whisky Beach, Picnic Bay and Little Waterloo Bay are all well worth the walk.
With over 80km of trails you could easily spend your time in Wilsons Prom hiking. However, if you are looking for some other activities to keep yourself and or family and friends entertained there is no shortage of things to do in Wilsons Prom. Explore the stunning sight of the Wilsons Prom sand dunes, aptly named The Big Drift. Or climb up Mount Oberon for breath-taking panoramic views. If a more challenging climb is your thing then there are plenty of crag and cliff climbs in Wilsons Prom, just be sure to get a licence from the Tidal River Visitor Centre before you head off. Other popular ways to explore Victoria and in particular the Wilsons Prom area are mountain biking, horse riding, taking a pleasure flight, or by boat. There really is something for everyone in the beautiful southernmost point of Australia.
WILSONS PROM ACCOMMODATION
One of the best ways to explore Wilsons Prom National Park is to do an overnight hike. This is also the only opportunity to stay in the former residences of the lighthouse keepers in some of the most unique accommodation in the area. Booking ahead for the Wilsons Prom Lighthouse accommodation is required and you will also need a permit to complete your hike. You must do this through the park office by filling in a trip intention form. You can contact them 03 8427 2122 or stop in there on your arrival. The hike to get to this Wilsons Promontory accommodation is about 20km from the Tidal River Village and it is usually recommended for those with a good level of fitness. There are two options regarding where to stay in Wilsons Prom Lighthouse area these are the Banks Cottage which is private accommodation for a maximum of 2. The other option is the dormitory style Shared Cottage Accommodation. Here you book your bunk so it’s likely you will be sharing a room as well as the lounge and kitchen with others. From this historic and iconic accommodation, you can do the 10km hike to the southernmost point of Australia.
If an overnight hike is not your thing there is a wealth of Wilsons Prom Accommodation options to suit every budget, need and taste in this beautiful area.
Wilsons Promontory Camping and Tidal River Accommodation
For the full wilderness experience, there are plenty of options for camping near Wilsons prom. There is something for everyone, from couples to families and large groups. The main Tidal River campground has good facilities such as shower blocks and toilets, free gas BBQ’s and washing up facilities and you can choose a powered or unpowered site.
There are nearly 500 available pitches for tents and caravans so this campground doubles as a Wilsons Prom Caravan park. The Wilderness retreats provide a more luxury Glamping Wilsons Prom experience for couples (maximum 3 people). Groups or families who want a taste of the outdoors without the canvas should try the Wilsons Promontory cabins which sleep 6 with one queen bed and 4 people in bunks.
The Tidal River camping and accommodation is so popular that over the Summer holiday and Christmas period holiday makers have to enter Tidal River Summer ballot to be in with the chance of staying over this busy time. Before you make your final choices and your Wilsons Prom camping booking it is well worth having a look at the information on the Parks Victoria Website.
Accommodation Near Wilsons Prom
Range of options to suit all requirements, including families who will enjoy the playground, balcony/terrace, bar, pool table, playground, staff can help you by arranging tours. There are facilities for disabled guests and it is wheelchair accessible. Both couples and families particularly rate the staff and the location being on the doorstep of Tarra Bulga National Park. The Danish menu also comes well recommended and includes delicious cakes and pastries.
Foster Accommodation
Wilsons Promontory Motel, Foster
Excellent 3.5 star choice for those on a budget. Guests praise the cleanliness and location with supermarket, shops and a bakery just over the road. There is free Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas. There’s a golf course just 3km away and the Wilsons promontory national park is just over an hours drive away.
Situated on the doorstep of the New Zealand Hill Nature Conservation reserve this value for money hotel is great for couples, families and groups. Spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, nice garden and staff (and their friendly dog) who are happy to go the extra mile to ensure you enjoy your stay make this a popular place to stay.
These clean, self-contained, self-catering, 2 bedroom bungalows offer budget accommodation that is suitable for families and groups as well as couples. Offering free Wi-Fi (ask for the password at check-in) and with on-site laundry and BBQ facilities, this is a great spot to base yourself to explore Wilsons Prom beaches and walking trails.
Fish Creek and Waratah Bay Accommodation
High quality accommodation in a beautiful, tranquil setting. The rooms are clean, spacious, modern and stylish with free Wifi and private bathrooms. This B and B has a reputation for exceptional service and the warm welcome, delicious food including the a la carte breakfasts and free bike hire are just a few ways the owners show it is well deserved. This Yanakie accommodation is suitable for couples, groups and families too, the children will love the on-site animals.
This reasonably priced Art-Deco style hotel is suitable for couples, groups and families. It features a bar with darts and a billiard table, on site bistro, outside areas and free Wifi.
Fish Creek Alkira Accommodation
Clean, compact and cosy these studio apartments are largely for couples but one child over 5 can also be accommodated in the room. The balcony makes a nice place to sit after a busy day exploring the sights around the local area, Wilsons Prom is a short drive away.
Modern and clean these self-catering apartments in Sandy Point benefit from private, covered outside dining space as well as a communal BBQ area. All ground level accommodation makes these apartments suitable for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users. Mostly suited to couples wanting to explore the local area including Wilsons Prom, which is a short drive away. Children are welcome but there are no extra beds available.
With a variety of clean and cosy accommodation, there is something to suit everyone here. Families will love the larger sized cottages and the kids will love the pool and playground, couples will find privacy as the cottages are well spaced over property. Even the biggest groups will find something to suit their needs as one of the properties sleeps up to 20. There are also options for those with limited mobility. Waratah Bay is a beautiful place to explore in its own right but is also close to Wilsons Prom.
Homely and beautifully furnished this B&B style Wilsons Prom accommodation (the park entrance is only a 20 min drive away) is excellent for couples (only children over 10 allowed). The hosts are friendly and welcoming as are the residence dog and chooks, the latter lay fresh eggs for the delicious breakfasts each day.
The elevated position of this modern and stylish B&B gives you spectacular 360° views. The peaceful, rural setting is home to plenty of native flora and fauna and the sunrises, sunsets and stargazing opportunities are out of this world. Hosts are attentive, friendly and provide continental breakfasts. This stunning cottage sleeps 4 so is perfect for couples holidaying together. Though who gets the King Suite with the spa bath you will have to decide amongst yourselves!