Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit, nestled in Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park. This 6km, Grade 3 trail promises an immersive journey through Australia's southernmost warm temperate rainforest in a moderate 2-hour round trip. Starting at the Lilly Pilly Gully car park, you'll traverse eucalypt forests, coastal heathland, and fern gullies, with a captivating ascent to Mount Bishop. Perfect for a day trip, don't miss this unforgettable hike if you're in the area.

Length:

6km

Duration:

2 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 170m

Min elevation: 25m

Total Ascent: 206m

Start: Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark

End: Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Tidal River

From state capital: 222km

Latitude: -39.02226363128472

Longitude: 146.32147550473263

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

4,957 views

Hike overview

The Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit, located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, is a 6 km, grade 3 hike that offers an opportunity to explore one of Australia's southernmost patches of warm temperate rainforest. This track is a popular day destination and typically takes about 2 hours to complete.

Beginning at the Lilly Pilly Gully car park, the trail follows the Lilly Pilly Gully Track, winding through the lush rainforest of Lilly Pilly Gully. As the hike progresses, the trail ascends to the southern face of Mount Bishop, passing through a stringy-bark forest before descending back into the rainforest.

The circuit provides a diverse experience of the Prom's forested interior, with sections that traverse heathland, eucalypt forest, and a boardwalk through stands of warm temperate rainforest, showcasing the rich natural beauty of the area.

The Lilly Pilly Gully circuit will take you past a variety of vegetation including eucalypt forests, coastal heathland and temperate fern gullies. If you had time to do only one walk at Wilsons Promontory, this one is quite special and well worth taking the time to explore the complete circuit.

Tips

Toilets are located at the Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark.

Gallery

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Click to view form >>

Submitting your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Walk map and GPX file
Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Hike (6km)

Total distance: 5570 m
Max elevation: 170 m
Min elevation: 25 m
Total climbing: 206 m
Total descent: -206 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory National Park is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne. To reach the park, take the Monash Freeway (M1), then continue on the South Gippsland Freeway (M420/A440) to Meeniyan. From there, follow the Meeniyan-Promontory Road (C444) to the park entrance. Once inside the park, it’s a 30-minute drive to Tidal River. Be mindful of wildlife while driving, especially between dusk and dawn. The nearest fuel and electric vehicle charging station is located at Yanakie.

To reach the Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark, drive approximately 2.6 km from Tidal River toward Melbourne. The carpark is located just after the turnoff for Squeaky Beach Carpark Road.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Fish Creek, Foster, Inverloch, Meeniyan, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Valley, Tarwin Lower, Tidal River, Yanakie

About the region

Discover the walking trails of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Wilsons Promontory National Park, located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, offers a variety of walks, bushwalks, and hikes that showcase the area's stunning landscapes. Situated near the town of Foster in Victoria, Wilsons Prom is approximately three hours' drive from Melbourne, the state's capital city.

Visitors can explore remote coastal bushland trails and relax on pristine beaches, all while being surrounded by the park's signature granite tors. Whether you choose to camp at the family-friendly Tidal River or hike to a more secluded campsite, encounters with the local wildlife, including wombats, kangaroos, and emus, are common.

Norman Beach, just a short walk from the Tidal River Campground, is perfect for swimming or snorkelling, offering a unique view of Victoria's largest marine national park. Families can enjoy a comfortable stay at Tidal River, with options ranging from powered or unpowered campsites to roofed accommodation.

For those seeking more challenging hikes, the granite peaks of Mount Oberon provide breathtaking panoramic views over the sea, especially at sunset. Mount Bishop offers an excellent alternative, with a summit accessible from the Lilly Pilly car park or via the Lilly Pilly Circuit walk. The summit rewards hikers with views of the Prom's western coastline and offshore islands. For a broader perspective of the National Park, consider the lesser-known Vereker Outlook.

Adventure seekers can take on an overnight hike through The Prom, exploring the remote and rugged northern regions or heading south to visit the historic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and Sealers Cove. For a more tranquil experience, enjoy the secluded beaches of Wilsons Prom, such as Cotters Beach, Whisky Bay, and Fairy Cove. Accessible options, including all-terrain wheelchairs, TrailRiders, and beach wheelchairs, are available to ensure everyone can enjoy the park's natural beauty.

When visiting the beaches and coastal areas, it's important to be aware of natural hazards. To ensure a safe and enjoyable day at Wilsons Promontory National Park, please follow the recommended water safety guidelines.

Want to find the best trails in Wilsons Promontory National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wilsons Promontory National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Hike (6km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Hike (6km)