Hike at a glance
Hike length
Average duration
Trail Difficulty
Hike Type
Technical details
Max elevation: 340m
Min elevation: 5m
Total Ascent: 1827m
Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.
Trail details
Hike summary
The Eastern Circuit of Wilsons Promontory is a stunning coastal hike that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Victoria, Australia. The 36.5km circuit explores secluded beaches, sheltered coves, and lush rainforests, all while offering breathtaking views of the Bass Strait.
The Eastern Circuit is a relatively challenging hike (due to its length) and is recommended for experienced hikers. The hike can be completed in 2-3 days, although 3 days is recommended to allow you to fully enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Make sure you check the tide times before reaching the camp site at Sealers Cove at the end of day 1. The depth of the creek can vary between 200mm through to 1.5m deep at high tide.
Suggested sections for a thee day hike:
- Day 1. Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove: 9.5km
- Day 2. Sealers Cove to Little Waterloo Bay: 14.7km
- Day 3: Little Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Saddle: 12.3km
Or
- Day 1. Telegraph Saddle to Refuge Cove: 17.3km
- Day 2. Refuge Cove to Little Waterloo Bay: 6.9km
- Day 3: Little Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Saddle: 12.3km
Sealers Cove (9.5km from trailhead)
- Sealers Cove is a picturesque, circular cove boasting glassy turquoise water, golden sand and a shady campground.
- Sealers Cove is accessible via the Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove Track.
- Sealers Cove is also accessible as part of an extended Southern Prom Hike (refer to the Overnight Hikes park note in the Related Documents section below).
- There is a campground and toilets at Sealers Cove.
Refuge Cove (17.3km from trailhead)
- Refuge Cove is stunning, secluded beach situated on the east side of the Prom accessible via walking track from Sealers Cove to the north or Little Waterloo Bay to the south. The track between Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove offers many great views.
- Refuge Cove campsite, located at the southern end of the cove, is surrounded by lush vegetation and is within close proximity to the water.
Little Waterloo Bay (24.2km from trailhead)
- Little Waterloo Bay is only accessible by foot from the overnight hike track from Tidal River. When you get there you will be rewarded with a lovely white sand beach and crystal blue water. There is a camping area with basic facilities. Composting toilets are provided. Toilet paper is not supplied.
Track difficulty
Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.
Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.
Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.
Planning essentials
Map and GPX file
Safety and preparation
Planning this hike?
Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Let someone know
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes..
Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →
Free checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →
Accommodation nearby
Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.
Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Fish Creek, Foster, Inverloch, Meeniyan, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Valley, Tarwin Lower, Tidal River, Yanakie
Discover more
About the region
Explore nearby hikes
Photo gallery
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Weather on the trail
The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.
Trail Reviews
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
9 Reviews on “Wilsons Prom: Eastern Circuit Hike (36.5km)”
This walks looks amazing! Would it be ok in reverse?
Leesa Harris
Tilly Peppers
Louise Osborn Mojca Krusic Anna Carter we can do this one… ?
Karley Mac
This is a beautiful walk. If you can spare the time id suggest staying at refuge cove for two nights.
This looks like an amazing walk. I will have to lock that into my calendar!
Finished this hide today.
3 days in ‘reverse’ direction.
Telegraph Saddle to LWB. LWB to Sealer’s. Sealer’s to Telegraph saddle.
Love the beaches, and views.
Great pic Peta
Has anyone done this in 1 day? I’m thinking of a 6am start. Is it possible? Please and thankyou
Hey Trail Hiking team,
Quick question. I contacted Parks Vic for info about passes for camping in the Prom. They told me the Northern part of the Prom is for experienced hikers only. Would this hike be included in this? I’ve done a fair share of hiking but my partner not so much. I just want to be sure this circuit is well marked and easy to navigate?
Thanks!
Hi Gemma. No trouble at all doing this in reverse. In fact any of the prom hikes are OK to do in any direction.
I have done it in 2 and 3 days but never one. If you are a trail runner I guess it would not be a problem. If you want to attempt this as a ‘long’ day hike I would suggest waiting until we have more daylight hours. Even then you would be pushing it in my opinion.
Just completed this hike last week with Riley Beaton, great hike was very beautiful and a good one for an enjoyable walk without too much difficulty. would recommend maybe going in the warmer months as it makes the river crossing easier and also you can take advantage of the wonderful beaches!
Just completed this one over two days, Telegraph Saddle to Refuge Cove via Sealers, return via LWB. A great walk but probably more enjoyable if done over three days.
It is certainly possible over two days but they would be two long days of around 19km each.
I would suggest the following.
Day 1. Telegraph Saddle to Refuge Cove: 17.3km
Day 2. Refuge Cove to Little Waterloo Bay then to Telegraph Saddle: 6.9km + 12km
Re getting there from Foster. I am not aware of any bus service. Your best option would be to call the Tidal River Visitors Centre on (03) 5680 9555 and ask them for options.
Hello ! I would like to do this trip but only on 2 days.
like this:
Day 1. Telegraph saddle at Refuge Cove: 17.3 km
Day 2. Refuge Cove at Little Waterloo Bay then Telegraph Saddle: 6.9 km + 12 km.
Do you think it is possible to do this or it’s too hard ?
I saw this question had already done but with none answer about the difficulty.
Thank you for your help =)
Hi Camille. Yes that would certainly be possible. I have done that hike and they are long days but certainly achievable
It is spectacular.
Hi Ronja, no, the Eastern Circuit does not go near the Northern Section. The Eastern Circuit is on well formed trails for the entire distance. It is a big one to tackle though if you have not done many overnight hikes.