Trail Fast Facts

Wilsons Promontory Little Waterloo Bay Circuit is a 43km, grade 4 hike in the Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2-3 days to complete.

Length: 43km

Duration: 2-3 days

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Telegraph Saddle

End: Tidal River

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Yanakie

From state capital: 225km

Latitude: -39.030619222959

Longitude: 146.3216954469681

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Weather

Reviews

Hike Overview

The Wilsons Prom Little Waterloo Bay Circuit hike visits Waterloo Bay, Little Waterloo Bay and Oberon bay on the east and west of the southern peninsula.

Little Waterloo Bay is only accessible by foot via 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. The southern half of Waterloo Bay contains two white quartz sand beaches separated by a small granite headland.

The northern Little Waterloo Bay beach faces east, is 300 m long and is backed by steep, forested slopes with large protruding granite boulders. Small creeks drain across the northern end of each beach. The southern Waterloo Bay beach is 1 500 m long, faces east and is backed by a low vegetated foredune and a swamp up to 1 km wide. The Refuge Cove walking track reaches the camping area at the northern end of Little Waterloo Bay, then turns inland through the swamp behind Waterloo Bay.

There is a camping area with basic facilities. Composting toilets are provided. Toilet paper is not supplied. Advance booking is required. You can book online or call parks Victoria on 13 1963

Camping in a remote overnight hikers campsite ( you will need to carry everything you need for the weekend on your back)

Day 1

Telegraph Saddle to Telegraph Track junction, 6.1Km
Telegraph Track is followed south downhill. The descent is quite rapid and after 2.8km you will cross McAlister Creek and begin skirting the eastern side of large tea tree swamps. After a further 3.2km the trail junction is reached.

Telegraph Track junction to Little Waterloo Bay, 4.8km
From the Telegraph Track follow the track over sand dunes and swamps to Little Waterloo Bay. Turn right and walk along the beach in order to find the start of the track leading to the Light Station.

After setting up camp you can drop your packs and do the return 14km walk to Refuge Cove or alternatively you can camp at Little Waterloo bay another night and do the return hike to Refuge Cove the following day. (refer to additional Map and GPX file below)

Day 2

Little Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Track junction, 4.8km
From the Telegraph Track follow the track over sand dunes and swamps to Little Waterloo Bay. Turn right and walk along the beach in order to find the start of the track leading to the Light Station.

Telegraph Track junction via Oberon Bay to Tidal River, 21.4 km
Follow signs and management road to Telegraph Track junction then Oberon Bay. Continue to walk to Tidal River following the coast.

Costs:

You will need to purchase a camping permit for Little Waterloo Bay, cost approx $12. Plus camp fees if camping at Tidal River.

More information

Parks Victoria

Overnight Hikes

Trail features

Steep Terrain
River Crossings

Map and GPX file

Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)

Little Waterloo Bay Circuit
(28.7 km circuit, 10 hours)

Total distance: 28420 m
Max elevation: 209 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 697 m
Total descent: -893 m

Download

Refuge Cove camp to Little Waterloo Bay camp
(14 km return, 4-5 hours)

Total distance: 8600 m
Max elevation: 199 m
Min elevation: 9 m
Total climbing: 541 m
Total descent: -544 m

Download

Getting there

Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)

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.

Get directions

Access conditions

Entry Fee
Untreated Water
Camping Area

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

Track Grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

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.

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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.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)

3 Reviews on “Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)”

Overall rating

Brian E

Over Easter we walked from Telegraph saddle to Little Waterloo bay on Friday, nice campsite: water, beach and friendly feral cat?! Saturday to Oberon bay. Very sandy campsite. No supplied water, but we filtered a bit. Sunday back to Tidal river.
Beautiful scenery. Weather was great which meant nice to swim and was the muck off…

24/03/2022, 05:17

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Wilsons prom: little waterloo bay circuit hike (43km)

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.

Trail Fast Facts