Down in Victoria's south, the glorious Wilsons Promontory National Park also known as "The Prom" will leave you in awe at the striking, granite ranges against white sand beaches, and amazingly lush coastal forest. For the nature enthusiast and outdoor junkie, there’s no better getaway then being surrounded by the stunning scenery of the prom through camping in Wilsons Prom. Whether you're in search of a quiet family vacay, an action-packed bushwalking adventure or a peaceful, off-grid escape, camping at Wilsons Prom is an unbeatable way to experience nature at its best.
Wilson Promontory at a glance
Wilsons Promontory is located about 200 km south-east of Melbourne and is the southernmost point of mainland Victoria. Its value is not confined only to its geographic location. There is a wide variety of ecosystems that make it a significant priority area that will help protect the state’s natural heritage.
Special Features
With Wilson prom camping, you’ll encounter giant scrub-lined, squeaky-clean quartz beaches, scaling cool, fern-filled gullies and admiring panoramic ocean views at dizzying granite peaks. The park also is a sanctuary for its wildlife. Be on the lookout for iconic Australian wildlife including wombats munching in open fields, kangaroos bouncing through the bush, and emus wandering along sandy tracks. This ecosystems provide habitat for many birds and sea creatures, so the island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Types of Experiences
Wilson Prom camping has something to offer your family. Bushwalkers can plunge in for days at a time, walking into more remote parts of the park and camping in wilderness areas. For those looking to get truly off the grid, the Prom offers off-grid camping options where you can disconnect and really connect with the great outdoors. Camping near Wilsons Prom Camping is available at numerous private campgrounds just outside the park.
Campsites in Wilsons Prom
The Wilson Prom camping ground you decide upon is a significant factor when planning your trip. The park features many choices for all levels of need and experience. Let’s look at the main grounds.
Main Campgrounds
Tidal River
This is the biggest, busiest campground - the "hub" of the park. It provides a great selection of powered and non-powered sites for camping, campervans or caravans. Tidal River has good facilities with modern amenities blocks, picnic areas, barbecues, a general store, and visitor information center. Located near Norman Beach, Tidal River and walking options, it’s a great choice for families or for those who like to have convenience close-by.
Sealers Cove
If you’re looking for a more isolated camping experience, you might like to set up camp in Wilsons Prom’s Sealers Cove. The attractive camping and picnic area can only be reached by a delightful 9.5-kilometer (one-way) walk. The payoff is a breathtaking sheltered beach and peaceful camping area hidden among dense foliage. There are basic amenities like toilets, and a water tank (you’ll need to treat the water for drinking). For a more back-to-nature Wilson Prom camping experience, it is perfect.
Caravan and Tent Options
Tidal River has specific areas allocated to caravans and campervans and a number of powered sites are available. There are unpowered camping locations scattered all over Tidal River, except for those not suitable for tents. Ensure you specify the type of site you need when reserving, so that you can adequately select one that meets your needs.
Private Campgrounds Near the Park Boundary
If the campgrounds in Wilsons Promontory park are all booked up, or you want additional facilities, you can camp near Wilsons Prom at private campgrounds that are just outside the park boundary. Properties like Tarra Valley Retreat and Long Jetty Caravan and Boat Park offer a selection of sites with extras such as swimming pools, washing machines and larger pitches. It's nice to have a bit of the park right outside your door, without having to pitch a tent, and also have extra amenities.
Sealers Cove and Roaring Meg are campsites you can only reach on foot. Other remote camping options on the longer, one to three-day walking track trails include Little Waterloo Bay and Refuge Cove. These need to be thoroughly planned and are for experienced bush walkers, who have the equipment required to sleep out self-sufficient. Don't forget to jump on the Parks Victoria website if you want to know more about each Wilson Prom camping grounds. Find out about access, facilities and whether you are required to have a permit at each of the campsites.
How to Book and What It Costs
Make sure you plan early for Wilson Prom camping – particularly during high season. All sites in Wilsons Promontory National Park need to be pre-booked on the Parks Victoria website. The online system shows you everything that’s available, let’s you pick your dates and site type, and even lets you pay securely. Strongly consider making a booking well in advance, especially if you're visiting during school holidays, long weekends or in the warmer months. Campsite availability can be limited in Wilsons Prom.
Types of Sites and Average Price
The price of camping in Wilsons Prom depends on the type of campsite and the season. Powered campsites at Tidal River are more expensive than unpowered campsites. Fees are generally lower at walk-in campsites are usually walk-in campsites.
-
Tidal River Powered Sites ($40AUD – $60AUD per night roughly)
-
Tidal River Unpowered Sites (Approximately $30–$45 AUD)
-
Walk-in sites such as (SEALERS COVE) -$15 – $20 AUD give or take!
Prices change with the seasons however, so be sure to check current rate before booking your wilson prom camping trip.
National Park Entry Fees
There are no additional entry fees for Wilsons Promontory National Park for day visitors or campers at the moment. The price you pay to book your Wilson Prom campsite includes your entry to the park. Still, you would be prudent to check the Parks Victoria website for updated fee structures before you go.
The best time to go camping at Wilsons Prom
-
Summer (December to February) The busiest time of the year, it is characterized by warm weather (with average temperatures in the low to mid-20s Celsius) and sunny days. It’s perfect for swimming, beach activities and the outdoors. But prepare to negotiate the masses and the high demand for booking of Wilson Prom campsite options.
-
Autumn (March–May): Cool and pleasant, fall brings comfortable temperatures, less crowds, and lovely foliage as the countryside begins to change colors. It is an ideal time to hike and explore the park’s trails. Camping must be booked in advance for Wilsons Prom, but it’s not as bad as summer.
-
Winter (June – August): Although winter can be slightly less appealing at a campsite, the experience is special and peaceful. The scenery can be dramatic, and you may find fewer fellow campers. Just be ready for some super chilly nights, and pack accordingly for your third and final day at Wilson Prom camping in winter. Also, higher altitude trails may be closed in poor weather.
-
Spring (September to November): Spring is a great time to visit when wildflowers spring up throughout the park and mild, sunny weather returns. As animals become more active, it’s one of the best seasons for hiking and wildlife spotting. Camping near Wilsons Prom and in the park for spring has been a popular pastime, so be sure to book ahead.
-
Wildflower and Hiking Season: Spring is definitely the best time to experience the vivid wildflower carpet that adorns parts of the Prom. Climbers and hikers will find the best park conditions in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, which are also the least crowded times to explore the park's extensive trail system. The summer may be too hot for a tough hike, and winter could be too difficult.
To escape the biggest crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (early fall or late spring) or during the week (as opposed to weekends). Choosing more secluded walk-in-only campsites — such as Sealers Cove, or exploring camping beyond Wilsons Prom might also help give you a quieter experience.
How Many Days Do You Need?
How long should you stay at Wilson Prom for? If you are in need of a quick retreat to nature or a week-long adventure, Wilson Prom camping is the best for some days.
Weekend Getaway (2 Days)
It's a fantastic short trip if you're new to camping at Wilsons Prom or are just after a chilled family break. Camp at Tidal River campground which is the focal point of the park. You’ll get to experience not-so-hard-to-reach landmarks like Squeaky Beach, Norman Beach and easy treks, like the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk. It’s an easy way to get a sense of the area without a lot of planning.
Medium adventure Mid-Length Adventure (3–4 Days)
If you have a few more days, mix beach relaxation with hiking. Squeeze in an extra day and take the summit walk of Mount Oberon, a day hike to Sealers Cove, or some of the less-traveled sites such as Whisky Bay. That is long enough to let players to engage a little bit, but it's not so long that it feels rushed for Wilson Prom camping.
Full Week Expedition
If you want to experience Wilsons Promontory camping at its fullest, 5 – 7 days is plenty. From here, you can trek to isolated spots such as Roaring Meg, Little Waterloo Bay or South Point, mainland Australia’s southernmost tip. These backcountry hikes have walk-in campsites and involve more planning, but you’ll find solitude, wildlife encounters and nestled off-the-grid serenity.
Don't forget travel time, trail difficulty and gear load if you're trekking into remote Wilsons Prom campsites. More time to rest, to explore, to actually get away from it all.
What To Pack For Wilson Prom Camping
As with any camping trip, it's important to pack the right gear for a comfortable and safe Wilson Prom camping adventure!
What You Need for Walk-In Campsites vs Car Camping
For car camping, have a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, cookware, utensils, stove, fuel, food, water containers, first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, and type of clothing, as well as lantern or headlamp and camp chairs.
For walk-in camping, just stick with the lighter versions of the aforementioned necessities. Opt for a smaller tent, a lighter sleeping bag and a light mat and cooking gear. A stable backpack to haul all this comfortably will also be required. Have water purification tablets or filter for remote locations during Wilson prom camping.
Clothing for Changeable Weather
Wilsons Promontory weather can change, even in one day. Carry a moisture-wicking baselayer, insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket), and a waterproof and windproof shell. Prepare for warm/hot weather and cool weather, plus the possibility of rain. You’re going to need comfy, durable hiking boots if you want to walk anywhere. Be sure to include socks and a hat for sun protection, and a beanie for warmth.
Food Storage
Wombats are experts in stealing food and it is important to store it well, to safeguard the food and avoid attracting animals to your camp. Stiff-sided, lockable containers are strongly suggested. Suspending food in bags from tree branches can also work, just keep it high and not main trunk adjacent. Never leave food alone, if only for a minute. Responsible camping at Wilson Prom camping involves appropriate food storage.
Solar and Portable Power Solutions for Longer Visits
For campers thinking of going off grid or staying at unpowered sites like Sealers Cove or Roaring Meg, portable power solutions can be a real life saver, particularly for charging phones, lights, cameras or even running a smallish fridge.
The BLUETTI AC180 is a reasonably slim and lightweight portable power station that’s great for this sort of trip. It delivers 1,800W of AC output (2,700W surge), charges up using solar panels or 12V vehicle ports and runs plenty quietly, making it great for national parks where fuel generators are off-limits.
With its 1,152Wh battery, it can keep your gear charged for days in a row, while being the perfect Wilson Prom camping unit you don’t need to depend on local facilities for. You can use it to:
-
Charge your phone, camera: Keep in touch and store memories.
-
Power LED lights: Safely and efficiently light up the camp.
-
Power a portable fridge You can keep your food and drinks cold for long periods.
-
Charge other small electronics: Like a GPS or portable speaker.
For recharging the BLUETTI AC180 during the day, hook up portable solar panels for a continuous and sustainable power supply on your longer off grid Wilsons Promontory camping trips.
Tips For A Great Camping Experience
-
Plan to Book Ahead, Especially at Peak Times: For Wilson Prom camping, especially at Tidal River, planning to book ahead is essential. You will need to book early to ensure that you get the dates and the place you want.
-
Arrive early and set up before dark. Getting in with enough daylight to set up your tent and arrange your stuff without-issue before night falls is way nice. This is particularly crucial if you are new to the campground or pulling up to a remote walk-in site.
-
Download the Parks Victoria App (Map + Alerts): The Parks Victoria app comes in very handy to help guide you around the park and for checking maps of possible walking trails plus any park alerts, closures, or safety information. Download it before your trip, as you may not get good mobile reception in some regions.
-
Respect wildlife and leave no trace: Wilsons Promontory is a safe haven for native wildlife, and its wellbeing is in our hands. View wildlife from a safe distance, do not feed animals and keep food stored away safely. Pack out all you pack in, minimize campfire impacts, dispose of trash and waste properly, leave what you find and respect wildlife.
With beautiful landscapes, unique wildlife and many Wilsons Prom campsite options available, it is one of those unforgettable camping at Wilsons Prom experiences. By being prudent in preparation, thoughtful in packing, and respectful with the environment, you are bound to have a fantastic adventure in this Victorian coastal paradise. Well, then it’s time to start planning your Wilson Prom camping trip!
FAQs
Do you have to book campsites at Wilsons Prom?
Yes you do. All Wilsons Promontory campsites must be prebooked online through the Parks victoria website. This is the case even at popular spots like Tidal River, from where walk-in sites such as Sealers Cove can take you into even more remote country.
Where are the best campsites at Wilsons Prom for beginners?
Tidal River is the most convenient and crowded campsite, ideal for new-comers. It provides powered and unpowered sites with clean facilities and is close to beaches and walking tracks.
Can you camp off the grid Wilsons Prom?
Yes! Remote walk-in sites including Sealers Cove, Roaring Meg, and Little Waterloo Bay provide off-grid camping. These campsites are hike-in only, and you will need to be self-sufficient when you go.
What should I pack for Wilson Prom camping?
Pack a tent, sleeping bags and sleeping pads, food and the cookware to prepare it, first aid kit, water proof clothes, and stout, broken-in footwear. For walk-in camping, you’ll want your gear to be lightweight and to pack a backpack and water purification tablets, as well as a portable power station such as BLUETTI AC180.
What is the best time to camp at Wilsons prom?
Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) are the best times to go camping, with enjoyably warm weather, few people and increased wildlife activity. Summer is ideal for beach bums but quite crowded, and winter is quiet but cool.
