Wilsons Promontory South East Circuit is a 55km, grade 4 hike located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3-4 days to complete.
Hike overview
Victoria's most popular multiday hike, the Wilsons Promontory South East Circuit, weaves its way from the slopes of Mount Oberon down to the eastern shore of Wilsons Promontory National Park, where it traverses south above the dramatic waters of Bass Strait to the southernmost lighthouse on mainland Australia. From the dramatically-positioned lighthouse, the trail takes you north through the heart of the park, before returning to Tidal River via spectacular Oberon Bay. Along the way, the trail takes bushwalkers through verdant rainforest, across stunning beaches, wide heathlands and stands of thick coastal tea-tree, while secluded campsites offer beautiful vistas and bays with cerulean waters to swim in.
The trailhead at Telegraph Saddle car park is just over three hours from Melbourne by car (there is no public transport). The walk can be done in either direction, from Telegraph Saddle or from Tidal River. During the summer holidays a shuttle bus service runs between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle car park, but at other times of the year you have to walk from Tidal River up the road to the Telegraph Saddle to collect your car.
From the car park the trail meanders through thick forest down to the beautiful bay of Sealers Cove, before you ford Blackfish Creek and climb over the next headland. The trail then descends to the cerulean waters of Refuge Cove. Heading further south again, you traverse thickly-forested hillsides before exiting on to the long beach of Little Waterloo Bay.
At the end of the beach, the trail steadily climbs again, eventually traversing the edges of high cliffs that afford the walker breathtaking views across the crashing seas below. You then take a long forested section before reaching the junction with the Lighthouse Track. From here, you are just a short, well-advised side trip out to the lighthouse. Completed in 1859 from granite quarried nearby, the lighthouse stands 19m tall and offers overnight accommodation for hikers after a truly unique experience.
Back at the junction, the trail climbs to the inland campsite of Roaring Meg, which is located by a beautiful fern-lined creek. Heading north further inland, you cross wide heathlands under the watchful eye of crimson rosellas and superb fairywrens, before being deposited on the Telegraph Track. This is followed past Halfway Hut to Telegraph Track junction, where the trail leads west along a sandy four-wheel drive track to the stunning Oberon Bay, from whose campsite is a great place to go swimming after a long day on the trail.
The trail traverses north across the beach at Oberon Bay, skirting mountainsides as it passes gorgeous Little Oberon Bay and Norman Bay, which provides stunning views back towards Mount Oberon, before depositing you back at the creature comforts of Tidal River elated at covering some of the best terrain the State has to offer.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 339 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 2553 m
Total descent: -2748 m
Trail location
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Getting there
Wilsons Promontory National Park is approximately three hours drive from Melbourne. Follow the Monash Freeway (M1) to join the South Gippsland Freeway (M420/A440) to Meeniyan. Take the Meeniyan- Promontory Road (C444) to the Wilsons Promontory Entrance. Tidal River Visitor Centre is 30km south of the park entrance. There is no fuel at Tidal River. The closest fuel outlet is at Yanakie.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Bitumen Road
- Gravel Road
- Speed Bumps
- Accessible Toilet
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
Gallery
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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: South East Circuit Hike (55km)”
It feels like the sealers cove stretch has been down forever. I love that boardwalk. Last time I looked into they still hadn’t started to rebuild it.
Gavan Mitchell I hear it might not be reopened until 2025.
Sadly the track from Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove was badly damaged in storms and is still closed. It is only possible to reach sealers cove currently by hiking via LW and refuge bays which makes it a much longer hike. Always check the Parks Vic site for track closures before booking and local fire reports before starting.
The Hiking Physio.au yes. Hopefully it’ll be open again this year or maybe early next. Thanks for reminding people to always check conditions first. One to add to the list for the future.