The Victorian peninsula is filled to the brim with natural delight.
Wilsons Promontory National Park, or ‘The Prom’, is one of the most extraordinary regions on the Australian continent. The southern-most area of mainland Australia, The Prom houses some of Victoria’s best beaches, greatest views and stunning wildlife. Even though this destination is located far from a bustling metropolis, everyone should make a point of exploring Wilson’s Prom’s natural beauty.
Tidal River
These camping grounds and rangers centres hug the side of Tidal River and are the only major settlement within the National Park. Chances are this is where you’ll be shacking up for the night, so make the most of the river’s surprisingly warm water and the enormity of Norman’s Beach, just a few steps from your tent or cabin. Share the space with your fellow wombats and even the occasional snake. From here you can find easy access to numerous other beaches and nature walks. If the wilderness gets too much for you, grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the latest movies in Tidal River’s quirky open-air cinema.
Lilly Pilly Gully
For the perfect walk to start off your day in Wilson’s Prom, look no further than Lilly Pilly Gully. Stroll through the dense forest path underneath the shadow of Mt. Bishop. See how many birds you can spot in the myriad of nests and treetop perches; the track is a hot spot for many forms of feathered creatures. Wander through the temperate rainforest on the boardwalk and listen to the tranquil gurgle of the creek that passes through it. This walk only takes an hour to complete, but it’s the most relaxing of any that can be taken in Wilson’s Prom.
Squeaky Beach
Although multitudes of sandy spots in the world possess the magical ability to squeak, Squeaky Beach is clearly renowned for it. With each step in the sand, your feet will create a cute squeaking sound which will entertain anyone, adult or child. Pack your bags with sandwiches and treat yourself to a picnic by the sea. But be careful not to set up too far into the sand dunes, as the adorable and rare hooded plover makes its nests in these areas. See if you can find any.
Sealer’s Cove
At over three hours in walking time, the Sealer’s Cove trek doesn’t appeal to the majority of tourists, but it absolutely should. Once you’ve walked through dense rainforests and past the wide breadth of the creek, you’ll stumble upon one of the most secluded, yet easily accessible, beaches in The Prom. Alluring turquoise waters lap against the bright sand, and the best part: chances are you’ll have it all to yourself.
The Big Drift
Here you’ll find one of the strangest areas in all of The Prom. Just as you enter the National Park, you may come upon a campground far smaller than Tidal River called the Stockyard. Walk the path from here on and make sure you take your boogie boards, because you’ll eventually come upon one huge sand dune plonked in the middle of the forest. Scaling the steep side of the sand will take some strength, but once you’ve reached the top, you can survey the surrounding landscape from above the treetops and surf all the way back down.
Miller’s Landing
The comparatively unexplored north of the promontory boasts some of its most intriguing landscapes. In this area, water birds can be found along the mudflats that lead into the cool waters. Kangaroos, emus and echidnas can also be spotted throughout the path that leads to the beach of Miller’s Landing. What’s more, the landing includes the added option of viewing the same breathtaking vistas from atop Vereker Outlook, with only an added three kilometres.
Mt. Oberon
A hike up Mt. Oberon is a must for anyone visiting Wilson’s Prom. Viewing The Prom from the top of the mighty mountain is spectacular at any time, but the best possible way to end your day is by witnessing the sunset from the highest pinnacle of the peak with 360-degree views. The trek upwards will only take an hour for experienced hikers, but be sure to leave enough time before the sun dips down the horizon.
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This article originally appeared on Beat.
