Trail Fast Facts

Three Bays Walk is a 12.5km, grade 3 hike in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 4-5 hours to complete.

Length: 12.5km

Duration: 4-5 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Circuit

Start: Tidal River Footbridge

End: Tidal River Footbridge

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Tidal River

From state capital: 259km

Latitude: -39.03061506

Longitude: 146.32191538810733

Overview

Map and GPX file

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Hike Overview

The Three Bays Walk, covering Squeaky Beach, Pillar Point, and Norman Bay, offers a stunning 12.5 km, grade 3 hike in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. This walk, typically completed in about 5 hours, showcases the natural beauty of both land and sea as you traverse coastal heathland, rocky outcrops, and pristine beaches.

Begin your hike at the Tidal River Visitor Centre, where you can park your car and gather any necessary information. From there, follow the Loo Errn Track along the south bank of Tidal River, crossing the footbridge to take in the surrounding scenery. Continue along the well-maintained path until you reach the junction of the Tidal Overlook Track and Squeaky Beach Track. Turn right onto the Tidal Overlook Track, gradually ascending through coastal heathland. As you climb, enjoy views of Norman Beach and Tidal River.

At the junction with the Squeaky Beach Track, turn left and head towards Pillar Point, where the rugged granite boulders offer panoramic views of the coastline. After taking in the sights, retrace your steps to the junction and descend along the western side of the headland to Squeaky Beach. The beach’s fine white sand produces a distinctive squeaking sound underfoot, making it one of the Prom's most unique spots. Enjoy the turquoise waters before heading back up the headland.

Once back at the junction, continue eastward, enjoying the unfolding coastal views. You can either return directly to the Tidal River Visitor Centre or take the Norman Bay South Track for a final scenic loop along the coast.

This hike provides an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of Wilsons Promontory National Park. With its mix of coastal scenery, serene beaches, and rugged points, the Three Bays Walk offers a memorable adventure in Victoria’s stunning coastal environment.

Campground facilities at Tidal River

Tidal River offers 484 camping and caravan sites situated near the beach and river. 20 powered sites are available. Campground facilities include modern amenity blocks with toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, dish-washing stations and picnic areas equipped with free gas barbecues.

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.

Map and GPX file

Three Bays Walk (12.5km)

Total distance: 12564 m
Max elevation: 138 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 362 m
Total descent: -362 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Three Bays Walk (12.5km)

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.

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If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.

Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.

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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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

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.

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Three Bays Walk (12.5km)

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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.

Trail Fast Facts