Wilsons Promontory: Tidal River to Squeaky Beach

December 3, 2013.Reading time 4 minutes.

“This is my carefree, this is my freedom – this is MY HAPPY.” Coco J.Ginger

Squeaky Beach

A couple of days ago, on the first day of the Australian summer, my brother and I took a Canadian friend on a lightning trip to Wilsons Promontory – so he could see a place that is very close to our hearts before he heads home. So, for this week’s blog, I’ve decided to take a break from US National Parks to share some photographs that I took a bit closer to home.

I think we (my family) must be creatures of habit because whenever we take overseas visitors to The Prom we always do the same two walks. We hike up Mt Oberon for the incredible views across the ocean, the peninsula and offshore islands. And then, if time permits, we hike from Tidal River to Squeaky Beach to get up close and personal to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.

But then, I guess, why wouldn’t we, when these places are so amazing?

Multi-day walks at Wilsons Promontory

June 11, 2013.Reading time 8 minutes.

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain – and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light…. ~Robert Frost

I love that quote from Robert Frost, particularly in relation to the two multi-day hikes I’ve done at Wilsons Promontory. Both were on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June, two years in a row, in the middle of the Australian winter. The first hike we ‘walked out in rain’, and the second hike we walked ‘back in rain’. But on both occasions we also had sunshine. It was wonderful to get away from the city lights, to gaze at the stars during dark chilly nights, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while trekking along the coast.

East Prom coastal circuit via Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove and Little Waterloo Bay

The thing that I loved most about this weekend was our perseverance. It was raining on our drive to Wilsons Promontory and the weather didn’t look promising. But we donned our raincoats and set off anyway, confident in our wet weather gear, and hopeful that the sun would emerge at some stage. On the first night, just after we’d taken shelter in our tent, the heavens opened to torrential rain. A few hikers were caught out and they were forced to hike out the next day because everything got wet. But we were safe and snug in our warm sleeping bags, and the next two days ended up being perfect with blue skies and sunshine. It’s often the way for us. We seem to attract the rain but then, if we carry on undeterred, we find ourselves in the most spectacular places enjoying nature’s beauty.

Short walks at Wilsons Promontory

June 4, 2013.Reading time 4 minutes.

“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Henry David Thoreau

Wilsons Promontory National Park has plenty of short walks; taking in forests, sand dunes, pristine beaches, mountains, and lookouts with incredible views. I’ve been visiting this national park for many years and still haven’t explored every trail. But, here are three of my favourite short walks at The Prom.

Wilsons Promontory – Sealers Cove

May 28, 2013.Reading time 4 minutes.

Sealers Cove is a gem – you emerge from the forest to find yourself on a sweeping beach with sand so white and clean it dazzles. The ocean beckons, crystal clear. In summer the waters are refreshingly cool, in winter invigorating.

Sealers Cove is my favourite place at Wilsons Prom. I’ve hiked there many times – as part of a three-day loop including Refuge Cove and Little Waterloo Bay; with my nieces on an introductory backpacking trip; and several times as a wonderful day hike (20.4 km return).

Wilsons Promontory National Park

May 21, 2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

It is hard to believe that 18,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, the Prom’s headlands and islands were the tops of mountains and the land extended further south. The Aboriginal people travelled across this countryside to reach Tasmania before the rising water submerged the land bridge and created the island.

Wilsons Promontory National Park (in Victoria, Australia) is another of my favourite places. Affectionately referred to as ‘The Prom’, this national park has pristine beaches with pure-white sand and spectacular hidden coves that you’ll discover by strapping on a pack and going overnight hiking. There are also spectacular mountain views, lush green forests, and plenty of native wildlife.

Photo story – sunrise at Refuge Cove

October 30, 2012.Reading time 1 minute.

Wilsons Promontory National Park in Australia is one of my favourite places in the world. Affectionately known as The Prom, this park has pristine beaches with squeaky-white sand and some gorgeous coves that can be discovered by strapping on a pack and going overnight hiking.

One of my favourite hikes is the three-day loop from Mt Oberon carpark to Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove and Little Waterloo Bay. We happened to hike it in the middle of winter and on the first day there was a light mist falling while we were walking. Only after we’d reached our first camping site and pitched our tent, did the heavens open with torrential rain. From the comfort and warmth of our sturdy little tent, we could hear the chaos of other less fortunate campers. Many of them abandoned their hike the next day, as everything got wet. But for us, the weekend was perfect. The next two days were sunny and we witnessed this incredible sunrise over Refuge Cove.

Do you have a favourite place to go camping and hiking? One of the things I love the most about getting outdoors is that you do get to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and you are more vulnerable to the weather. Do you have any memorable experiences?

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Tag: The Prom