Wilsons Promontory Little Waterloo Bay Circuit is a 43km, grade 3 hike located in the Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 2-3 days to complete.
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
Little Waterloo Bay Circuit
(28.7 km circuit, 10 hours)
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 209 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 697 m
Total descent: -893 m
Refuge Cove camp to Little Waterloo Bay camp
(14 km return, 4-5 hours)
Refuge Cove camp to Little Waterloo Bay camp
(14 km return, 4-5 hours)
Max elevation: 199 m
Min elevation: 9 m
Total climbing: 541 m
Total descent: -544 m
Trail location
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About the region
Welcome to Wilsons Prom, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. Walk remote coastal bushland trails and swim at pristine beaches dominated by granite tors. Camp in comfort at family-friendly Tidal River or hike to a more secluded campsite. Either way, the local wombats, kangaroos and emus are waiting to meet you.
Swim at Norman Beach - just a few minutes' walk from Tidal River Campground, or go snorkelling for a unique underwater view of Victoria's largest marine national park. Bring the family and camp in comfort at Tidal River. Choose from powered or unpowered sites or stay in roofed accommodation.
Scale the granite peaks of Mount Bishop or Mount Oberon for panoramic views, or enjoy an overnight hike in The Prom. In the north there's a remote and rugged wilderness to explore, while the south is home to the historic Wilsons Promontory Lightstation and Sealers Cove.
Feel the sand between your toes at some of the more secluded beaches of Wilsons Prom, from Cotters Beach to Whisky Bay and Fairy Cove. Check out Big Drift, an impressive inland sand dune system, one of the Prom's well kept secrets. You can book a free all-terrain wheelchair, TrailRider or beach wheelchair to explore the great outdoors at Wilsons Promontory National Park.
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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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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.Â
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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.
3 Reviews on “Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)”
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…