Hike at a Glance

Australia > Victoria > Wilsons Promontory National Park

Quick overview: Experience the unique charm of Squeaky Beach, a 4.2km, Grade 3 return hike in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. Famous for its quartz sand that squeaks beneath your feet, the trail offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore granite boulders. Starting from the River Picnic Area, the hike can be completed in about 1.5 hours, ideal for a family day trip. Note, swimming can be risky due to strong waves and rips, so stick to exploring and surfing.

Length:

4.2km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 73m

Min elevation: 8m

Total Ascent: 218m

Start: River Picnic Area

End: River Picnic Area

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Tidal River

From state capital: 225km

Latitude: -39.02928572843068

Longitude: 146.32058771437752

5 Reviews

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Hike overview

Squeaky Beach, a standout attraction in Wilsons Promontory, is well-known for its distinctive white sand that emits a squeaking sound as you walk. For a more tranquil experience, consider taking the route from Tidal River via Pillar Point, where you can explore the granite boulders at the quieter end of the beach. If you wish to extend your hike, the trail continues to Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay beaches, though it is a one-way path, so arranging a pick-up at Picnic Bay carpark would be ideal. For those with limited time, Squeaky Beach is accessible via a short 200-metre walk from the nearby carpark.

Squeaky Beach is a 4.2 km, grade 3 return hike located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, typically completed in about 1.5 hours. Starting at the River Picnic Area and crossing the Tidal River footbridge, the trail offers expansive coastal views as it winds across the headland between Norman and Leonard Bays before descending to Squeaky Beach. The return journey follows the same path.

Renowned for its fine, rounded quartz sand, which creates a squeaky noise with each step, Squeaky Beach is also surrounded by striking granite boulders that enhance its picturesque appeal. Access to the beach is available from the Squeaky Beach carpark or from Picnic Bay.

This walk is ideal for a family day trip, showcasing one of Victoria’s most iconic beaches. Beyond the beach, the coastal track extends over Leonard Point towards Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay, or you can head south to Pillar Point for expansive coastal views.

Squeaky Beach is a popular surfing spot, but the strong waves and persistent rips make swimming risky. It's important to follow water safety advice to ensure a safe visit.

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Squeaky Beach Hike (4.2km)

Total distance: 4571 m
Max elevation: 73 m
Min elevation: 8 m
Total climbing: 218 m
Total descent: -218 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

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.

Planning 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

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.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: 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.

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Squeaky Beach Hike (4.2km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Squeaky beach hike (4. 2km) trail hiking australia

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

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Squeaky Beach Hike (4.2km)

Squeaky Beach Hike (4.2km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

Tidal Overlook Circuit (4.2km)

Pillar Point Walk (4km)

Little Oberon Bay Hike (8.8km)

Three Bays Walk (12.5km)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Squeaky Beach Hike (4.2km)

Squeaky Beach Hike (4.2km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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