The best overnight hikes in Wilsons Promontory National Park:
- The Southern Prom Circuit Overnight Hike (3 days)
- The Southern Prom Extended Circuit Overnight Hike (5 Days)
- The Northern Wilderness Overnight Hike (4-6 Days)
Wilsons Promontory National Park is one of the best places in Australia for multi-day hiking, offering various remote coastal bushland trails leading to hidden beaches and coves.
This blog post tells you about the Prom’s best multi-day hikes, click here for the best day hikes.
1. The Southern Prom Circuit Overnight Hike
36km – 3 Day Circuit
The famous Southern Prom Circuit is the best overnight hike in Wilsons Promontory, and visitors come from all over the world to experience it.
Starting at Telegraph Saddle car park, the track winds through eucalypt forest towards Sealers Cove then hugs the coastline to Refuge Cove and Little Waterloo Bay before heading back to Telegraph Saddle.
Most people tackle the Southern Prom Circuit in 3 days/ 2 nights.
Although 3-4 hours of walking per day may seem relatively tame, remember that you will be carrying everything on your back including a tent, luggage, food and water so it can be quite challenging.
Recommended route:
Day 1
Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove, 10.3km, 3 hours (camp at Sealers Cove Camping Area)
Day 2
Sealers Cove to Little Waterloo Bay, 13.6km, 4.5 hours (camp at Little Waterloo Bay Hikers Camp)
Day 3
Little Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Saddle, 12km, 4.5 hours
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this walk will blow your mind, so be prepared to see some of the most beautiful spots in Australia and as well as amazing wildlife.
It’s honestly so hard to believe that you’re still in Victoria on this walk because the landscape is so tropical and the ocean so crystal clear and turquoise.
Please note that a camping permit is required to stay at the remote campsites in Wilsons Promontory.
They can be bought from the Tidal River visitors centre upon arrival (a small fee is charged for the permit).
Camping permits must be kept with you at all times and returned to the visitors centre when you leave the park so that the rangers know you have completed your multi-day hike safely.
You must also leave your car at the overnight hikers car park during your trek.
2. The Southern Prom Extended Circuit Overnight Hike
65km – 5 Day Circuit
If 3 days hiking isn’t enough for you, choose the Southern Prom Extended Circuit instead (yellow route on the map).
This 5-day hike (65 km) takes you further south to Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and South Point, the southernmost place in mainland Australia.
At Wilsons Promontory Lightstation you have the opportunity to stay in a cottage next to the 19th century lighthouse, which was built by convicts.
Alternatively, you can stay at Roaring Meg hikers camp or the Half Way Hut campsite further along the extended circuit.
Again, a camping permit is required to do this circuit and your car needs to be left at the overnight hikers car park.
3. The Northern Wilderness Overnight Hike
57km – 4-6 Day Circuit
Another one of the best overnight hikes in Wilsons Promontory is the Northern Wilderness Overnight Hike.
I’ll start by saying that this multi-day circuit is only suitable for experienced hikers.
This is because in some places the track is poorly defined, passing through dense heath and across creeks that are sometimes high when the tide is in.
All hikers must fill in a Hiker Self Assessment Form before starting to ensure you have an appropriate fitness level – call 13 1963 for further information.
Nevertheless, if you think you can take on the Northern Wilderness Circuit, you’re in for a real treat.
You’ll be hiking in one of the most remote spots on the continent, offering beaches and forests completely unspoilt by mankind.
Most hikers complete the Northern Wilderness Circuit in 4-6 days and you can stay at any of the five campsites for a maximum of two consecutive nights.
- Barry Creek
- Lower Barry Creek
- Five Mile Beach
- Tin Mine Cove
- Johnny Souey Cove
The northern part of Wilsons Promontory is classed as a wilderness zone and there are few facilities – camping permits are required.
Overnight hikers will need to bring a 6L water container and water purification aids, along with plenty of food, toilet roll and a small trowel for digging a hole (I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate any further).
*My map is only intended to provide a general overview of the route. Please use a detailed map, GPS and a compass when hiking in this area of the Prom.
If you want to experience the northern section of Wilsons Promontory without any overnight hiking, choose the easy half-day Vereker Outlook Walk or the Millers Landing Nature Walk.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best overnight hikes in Wilsons Promontory National Park, don’t miss my Ultimate Wilsons Prom Guide or my guide to the Best Day Walks in The Prom.