A Melbourne road trip. Your holiday is not complete without one. One of my favourites is Wilsons Promontory (affectionately known as The Prom). Although commercially less famous than the iconic Great Ocean Road or Mornington’s arty towns, the Prom is a refreshing getaway for people looking for something a little under the radar.
Nature at its best
Wilson’s Prom offers one of Victoria’s most pristine shores and waters. It is situated on Victoria’s southern-most tip and surrounded by water on three sides. The beauty of the place is its purity – its delicate dunes, cool shaded rainforests and variety of beaches.
Rest and relax
If you’re looking for beach side bars and late night parties, Wilson’s Prom is not the place to go. The Prom’s lure is its natural surroundings; perfect for hiking, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, scuba diving, camping, or simply talking a walk and soaking up the fresh sunshine.
The most popular activity at the Prom seems to be camping. During the summer months (December to February) Tidal River is chock-a-block with tents. People ballot for a spot in June for the summer period, so you can imagine how popular it can be. Some people stay for weeks at a time to enjoy the pure, unadulterated freshness.
Accommodation at The Prom
You don’t have to stay in the park to enjoy Wilson’s Prom. There are many places from as near as a ten minute drive, that offer very comfortable and convenient accommodation. Camping is very popular, so you will see lots of 4WDs stacked with tents, canoes, scooters, cots and the kitchen sink, but if this is not your scene there are a variety of other places to stay at. They include beach houses, bed & breakfasts, country houses and caravan parks.
Squeaky Beach
Squeaky Beach is one of the Prom’s most unique locations. The sand comprises rounded grains of quartz which ‘squeak’ when you jump or walk on them. It makes for a lovely picnic spot with streams to the sea and big boulder mazes to explore.
Tidal River
This is the main camping area at the Prom. The campground facilities include amenities blocks, picnic areas, free gas barbecues, playground and small picnic area. There is also a small General Store which stocks milk, bread, ice and other basic supermarket items. Hot and cold food is available at the café.
Norman Beach
Vast and scenic, Norman Beach is a good beach for boogie boarding and swimming. Unlike Squeaky Beach, Norman Beach is patrolled in January and offers stunning views of Mount Oberon. If you want a change of scene, you can hit the hills for a walk through heathland and eucalpyt forests.
Picnic Bay
Picnic Bay is just a short drive from Tidal River and is well worth a quick stop before you leave. This beautiful beach offers rock formations at both ends and intertidal rock pools to explore. As the name suggests, it is also a good spot to pull out the rug and grub.
