Hike at a glance

10,579

Quick overview: Experience the rugged beauty of Wilsons Promontory National Park with the 10.5 km Tongue Point, Darby River, and Saddle hike. This Grade 4 trail offers breathtaking views of coastal landscapes, Darby Swamp, Vereker Range, and the unique granite formations of Tongue Point. Be prepared for a challenging ascent through heathland and a descent through stringybark and casuarina forest. Don't forget to check the tides before visiting the secluded Fairy Cove.

Hike length

10.5km

Average duration

4 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Hike Type

One Way

Technical details

Max elevation: 271m
Min elevation: 6m
Total Ascent: 612m

Start: Darby River carpark

End: Darby River carpark

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Tidal River

State capital distance: 213km

Latitude: -38.97556667

Longitude: 146.2765458226204

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Hike summary

The Tongue Point, Darby River, and Saddle hike is a 10.5 km, grade 4 hike in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. This hike, which typically takes 4 hours to complete, combines two return routes: Darby River to Tongue Point and Darby Saddle to Tongue Point, allowing you to fully experience the stunning coastal landscapes of the area. The hike can be completed in either direction, though a car shuttle will need to be arranged.

Starting from the southern end of the Darby River carpark, the trail follows the Darby River to Tongue Point Track. This section offers magnificent views of Darby Swamp, Vereker Range, and the beaches of Darby and Cotters. The path gently climbs through wind-swept coastal vegetation before following the headland towards Tongue Point, a coastal landmark adorned with weathered granite formations. The track ends before reaching the semi-detached island; for safety reasons, do not attempt to cross to it. Just before the junction with the Darby Saddle Track, a short side path with steps leads down to the secluded Fairy Cove. It is important to check tides before visiting the cove.

After exploring this area, retrace your steps to the junction with the Darby Saddle Track and continue towards Tongue Point. This headland is characterised by its tumbled stacks and boulders of weathered granite, with the track ending before the semi-attached island, which should not be crossed.

The section from Tongue Point to Darby Saddle offers spectacular coastal and forest scenery. The trail ascends steeply through low heathland, passing Lookout Rocks, where you can enjoy views across to Norman Island. Approximately 7.8 km into the hike, a short side track leads to Sparkes Lookout, offering expansive views, including the pyramid-shaped Rodondo Island to the south and Shallow Inlet to the north. From here, the track descends through stringybark and casuarina forest to Darby Saddle, marking the end of the hike.

Track difficulty

Grade 4 (hard) badge

Grade 4 (Hard)

Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.

Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Tongue Point, Darby River & Saddle Hike (10.5km)

Total distance: 10527 m
Max elevation: 271 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 612 m
Total descent: -465 m

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

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

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, and it only takes two minutes..

Let someone know your plans →

Planning something more serious? The comprehensive trip intentions form is designed for remote, overnight, and off-track trips where your emergency contact needs more detail. Register your advanced plans here →

Free 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

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. Drive to C444 in Wilsons Promontory and park at the Darby River carpark, just past the Anakie Airfield turnoff.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Fish Creek, Foster, Inverloch, Meeniyan, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Valley, Tarwin Lower, Tidal River, Yanakie

Discover more

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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Weather on the trail

Wilsons Promontory National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

7 Reviews on “Tongue Point, Darby River & Saddle Hike (10.5km)”

Overall rating

Margaret Luckhurst

It’s a great walk. If it’s warm have a swim at Fairy Cove. It’s beautiful

29/07/2024, 21:22

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Margaret Luckhurst brrr. The thought of swimming right now. Totally agree, it’s a great spot for a dip when the weather is a tad warmer. 🙂
  
  29/07/2024, 22:34
  
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Trail Hiking Australia

This is a great hike if you are at the Prom. Can do a shorter variation of it too by returning to the trailhead rather than a car shuffle

25/07/2024, 22:08

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Jods Newton

Scott Timson

24/03/2022, 05:22

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Acknowledgement of Country

Tongue point, darby river & saddle hike (10. 5km) 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

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Darby River to Tongue Point (8.4km)

Woodland Walk (8.5km)

Darby Saddle to Tongue Point (11.5km)

Picnic Bay Walk (3.3km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

7 Reviews on “Tongue Point, Darby River & Saddle Hike (10.5km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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