Wilsons Prom is a hiker’s paradise and is absolutely packed with trails just begging to be explored. With so many walking trails to choose from, it’s hard to know which Wilsons Prom walks are the best! Wilsons Prom walks are known for wildlife sightings, epic views and stunning coastal vistas. Some of the walks are quite short (1-2 hours) while others are multi-day treks and require overnight camping.
This article gives you 3 awesome Wilsons Prom walks that are short and sweet, offering beautiful nature and stunning vistas that can be enjoyed in 4 hours or less! Now let’s get to it!
1. Mount Oberon
Quick Facts
- Max Elevation: 558 m
- Trail Length: 6.8 km
- Hiking Time: 2 hours return
- Grade: Moderate
- Toilets: Yes (Telegraph Saddle car park)
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- View from Mount Oberon summit.
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- Steep + narrow path at the top of Mount Oberon.
Overview
This hike is definitely the MOST POPULAR day hike in Wilsons Prom!
The views from Mount Oberon summit make this walk extremely popular with hikers of all skill levels. The hike begins in a beautiful lush forest packed with leafy ferns and gum trees. The well-maintained hiking trail winds up the side of Mount Oberon, mostly through a series of switchbacks, and eventually opens up to a flat section with a communication tower.
From here, the path narrows and becomes steep steps that take you up to the summit. This is definitely the most difficult section of the trail and because it’s so narrow, this part also tends to be the busiest. Go at your own speed and let faster walkers pass you!
The view from Mount Oberon summit is absolutely stunning and offers panoramic views of Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park, the coastline and offshore islands. There are plenty of places to sit on the rocks and take in the view, enjoy a snack, drink some water, etc.
Distance
This hike is one of the shorter Wilsons Prom walks and is 3.4 km each way (6.8 km total). Estimated hiking time is 2 hours.
Access
The quickest way to access the trail is from Telegraph Saddle car park, located about halfway up Mount Oberon (just follow the main road through the park, keep left at Tidal River and you will eventually end up there). Telegraph Saddle car park is small but ample parking is available at Tidal River campground, which sits at the base of Mount Oberon.
NOTE: Telegraph Saddle car park is closed during summer school holidays, Easter and on weekends from November to April. If you’re visiting during one of these times, you can catch a shuttle bus from Tidal River that will take you up to the Mount Oberon summit trailhead. View the Parks Victoria website for bus timetables and departure locations.
2. Mount Bishop
Quick Facts
- Max Elevation: 319 m
- Trail Length: 7.4 km
- Hiking Time: 2.5 hours return
- Grade: Easy-Moderate
- Toilets: Yes (Lilly Pilly car park)
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- View from Mount Bishop summit.
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- Shameless selfie at Mount Bishop View Point.
Overview
This hike is my FAVOURITE in Wilsons Prom!
The hike begins in a lush forest filled with ferns and gum trees, but within a few km turns into a slightly more challenging, narrower trail that winds through an old-growth forest with absolutely massive trees! This area suffered a particularly bad fire season in 2011, which can be seen in the “charred” appearance of some of the older trees, as well as the bright green regrowth that has happened in the last decade.
The trail winds up the side of Mount Bishop and begins to flatten out onto a huge granite rock plateau, which is the Mount Bishop viewpoint. Although this is a great spot to stop and rest, it’s not the end of the trail! Continue walking to the other side of the flatter lookout section and you will see a narrow footpath through the trees, which brings you to Mount Bishop summit.
The view from Mount Bishop summit is similar to that of Mount Oberon, but actually offers a better view of Whisky Bay, Squeaky Beach and the southeast corner of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Another unique feature of Mount Bishop is the huge granite boulders that surround the summit- perfect for a quick rock scramble if you’re feeling adventurous!
Distance
This hike is another shorter day walk in Wilsons Prom and is 3.7 km each way (7.4 km return). Estimated hiking time is 2.5 hours. When returning from Mount Bishop summit, you have the option to continue back to Lilly Pilly car park or extend your hike into Lilly Pilly Gully.
Wilsons Prom walks like the Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit are great for those with little ones, as the trail is quite flat, wide and well-maintained. If you choose to explore Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit, expect to add another 5.6 km to your hike (1.5 – 2 hours of hiking).
Access
The quickest way to access the Mount Bishop summit trail is from Lilly Pilly car park. This car park is rather small, and if it’s full, you can park at Tidal River and access the Mount Bishop trailhead via the Lilly Pilly Link Walk (very short walk- less than 1 km).
3. Tongue Point
Quick Facts
- Max Elevation: 282 m
- Trail Length: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 3 hours return
- Grade: Easy-Moderate
- Toilets: Yes, in Darby River car park (no toilets available in Darby Saddle car park)
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- A very windy Tongue Point selfie.
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- Hiking out to Tongue Point.
Overview
This hike is a great INTRO hike to Wilsons Prom! If you’re looking for more info on this one, check out my Tongue Point blog post for all the helpful deets!
The hike to Tongue Point can be started from two different spots: Darby River or Darby Saddle. There is a car park at each spot, with ample parking available. This hike offers a range of terrain and naturescapes, including covered paths through gum forests, wide-open sandy paths that go up and over ancient sand dunes, and narrow dirt paths that wind between massive boulders. There is something for everyone in this hike and it’s a great teaser for all the wonderfulness that Wilsons Prom has to offer!
There are definitely some steep sections, but they don’t last long. The walking track is clearly marked and well-maintained. Just over halfway along, you will see a sign for ‘Fairy Cove’ – I highly recommend checking out this awesome little swimming spot, if you have time (and if the weather is nice)! It’s a great place to rest and enjoy a snack, and maybe even swim! The cove is very quiet and secluded.
Distance
From Darby River car park, the hike is 3.8 km each way (7.6 km return). Estimated hiking time is 2 – 2.5 hours. From Darby Saddle car park, the hike is 5.6 km each way (or 11.2 km return). Estimated hiking time is 2.5 – 3 hours. Check out this post by The Hiking Society if you’re considering the Darby Saddle route.
Access
Tongue Point can be accessed from two different trailheads, one at Darby River car park
Darby Saddle car park, making it one of the more versatile Wilsons Prom walks.
Darby River car park is 18 km from the park entrance (15 minutes driving) on the right side of the road. This car park is quite big and has toilets.
Darby Saddle car park is 23 km from the park entrance (20 minutes driving). This car park is much smaller and has no toilets.
If you’re well organized/planning to hike with a friend/have two cars, it’s possible to START the hike at Darby Rivera and END the hike at Darby Saddle (or vice versa). This lets you complete a slightly longer route AND soak up the beauty of two different walking trails. Best of both worlds, if you ask me!
Know before you go!
- There is limited mobile reception throughout the entire park, so plan accordingly.
- Bring an external battery pack for your mobile phone, as the spotty mobile reception drains your battery quickly.
- Consider bringing a paper map if you’re unsure of where you’re going.
- High season at Wilsons Prom runs from September – April, so if you’re planning to visit during these months expect it to be busy.
- Low season at Wilsons Prom is from May-August, so if you’re planning to visit during these months it will be less busy BUT there may also be closures within the park for maintenance, etc. CHECK IN ADVANCE!
- Always check the official Wilsons Prom website before visiting, to stay up to date with park changes and closures (or download the Prom Country app)!
- Be prepared for ALL OF THE WEATHER!! Bring a hat, rain jacket and jumper as it can be quite cold + windy on the peaks + it’s Victoria and the weather changes dramatically, and often without warning!
That’s it from me! I hope you found this post filled with useful tidbits about the best Wilsons Prom walks! Wilsons Prom is one of the most beautiful places in Victoria and I am SO VERY EXCITED for you to experience it! If you have questions or think I missed something, don’t be shy… drop me a comment below. Thanks friends 🙂