Grade 1

Wilsons Prom: Northern Circuit Hike (60km)

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria

60km

3-4 days

Grade 5

Circuit

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Quick overview: Experience the challenge and beauty of the 60km Wilsons Promontory Northern Circuit in Victoria, Australia. Starting and ending at the 5 Mile Road Car Park, this Grade 5 trail is located 225km from Melbourne CBD, close to the town of Yanakie. Over 3-4 days, hikers will traverse headlands, cross rivers, navigate through marshland, and enjoy stretches along Five Mile Beach. Overnight camping is allowed, adding to the wilderness experience of this difficult, yet rewarding trail.
Length:
60km
Duration:
3-4 days
Grade:
5
Style:
Circuit

Max elevation: 174m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 1253m

Start: 5 Mile Road Car Park
End: 5 Mile Road Car Park
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Victoria
Nearby town: Yanakie
From state capital: 225km
Latitude: -38.921823521719126
Longitude: 146.30258202552798
6 Reviews
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Essential information

This hike is in a remote area. Map and compass navigation is required. Only experienced, well equipped and physically fit hikers should attempt this hike.

Hike overview

The Prom has always been a popular destination for hikers. You may be familiar with destinations such as Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay, Oberon Bay and the Lighthouse, these are all fabulous places for both the day and overnight hiker.

If you are seeking a greater challenge and more of a wilderness experience, see what the Wilsons Prom Northern Circuit has to offer. This is a challenging hike with long stretches along five mile beach, multiple headlands to traverse which require navigation skills, river crossings and sections through muddy swamp and marsh land with minimal navigation aids.

The following conditions apply to the Northern Circuit.

  • Hikers must fill out a Hiker Self Assessment Form before a hiking permit is issued. Call 13 1963 for further information.
  • Some track sections are marked with flagging tape however other sections are undefined therefore hikers must be proficient in navigation with a map and compass.
  • Overnight camping is permitted for two consecutive nights only at each of the camp areas throughout the year.
  • Maximum group size at any one campsite is six.
  • The current price (December 2020) for overnight hikes in the prom is $7.00 per person per night but this is revised annually.

Day 1 (18.4km)

  • Five Mile Road car park to Barry Creek camp (6.7 km, 2 hours)
  • Barry Creek camp to Five Mile Beach camp (12.5 km, 3.5 hours)

Day 2 (17.5km)

  • Five Mile Beach camp to Johnny Souey Cove camp (3.5km, 1.5 - 2 hours)
  • Johnny Souey Cove camp to Tin Mine Cove camp (15km, 6-7 hours)

Day 3 (11.5km)

  • Tin Mine Cove camp to Lower Barry Creek camp (12 km, 4-6 hours)

Day 4 (9.7km)

  • Lower Barry Creek camp to Five Mile Road car park (10.3 km, 3-4 hours)

Track Notes

By James Bell - 26 January 2021

Five Mile Carpark to Five Mile Beach is 18km all along a management vehicle access road. The road is exposed and steep in sections. You will have views looking North over the entire hike from some sections of the road. Barry’s creek campsite is a good spot to stop for lunch along the way. Barry’s Creek will also be the last high-quality water source to fill up from for the next 2-3~ days. The last 1km is along the Northern portion of Five Mile Beach. Five Mile campsite sits in between the beach and Miranda Creek. The campsite has space for only ~5 tents at most, you would struggle to find space for many more. Miranda Creek is an estuary, you cannot drink the water from it. There is a water source across the estuary, to find it, from Five Mile Beach campground looking across the estuary towards the track to Johnny Suey Cove (track marked by a small rock cairn) the water source will be ~20 metres along the estuary to the left (south-west) from the trailhead.

Five Mile Beach to Johnny Suey, the track conditions are quite good and not too overgrown. You will walk over the exposed scrubby headland to Johnny Suey. Johnny Suey is a beautiful campground, the designated site only has space for 1-2 small tents, however there is also a ‘boaters campground’ with a much nicer view over the cove and with a lot more space to camp. There was no running water at Johnny Suey in January 2021. Pushing ~100 metres through dense scrub deep up the estuary (adjacent to designated campsite) we were able to find a small stagnant freshwater pool which needed filtering. You cannot rely on water here in summer. Johnny Suey had thousands of tiny soldier crabs along the beach, as did the beach leading to Lighthouse Point.

The Section from Johnny Suey to Lighthouse Point is potentially dangerous. You are walking along large rocks at the next headland for ~600 metres, even at low tide it is to deep to paddle/wade through the water alongside the rocks. Scrambling with your hands along the rocks is required for some sections. After this you are on the beach all the way to Lighthouse Point.

Lighthouse Point to Tin Mine Cove the track is overgrown and scrubby. The track in this section is mostly navigable with a footpad still visible most of the way. I took gardening gloves and used them to snap the scrub in our way. Once you come out onto Chinaman Long Beach it is just 2km~ North to Tin Mine Cove, this section of the track is quite good. The water at Tin Mine was very poor in January 2021. The water quality did not improve further upstream from the beach. The water was heavily tannin and tasted strongly metallic, it was not at all refreshing. This is the last water source until you reach Chinaman Swamp (if you are desperate) or Lower Barry Creek campground. March flies and Sand flies were a major issue here (and for most of the Northern Prom), they often bit us through our clothes, tropical strength insect repellent is almost essential. Tin Mine Cove hiker’s campground is good, with enough space for ~10 tents. Five Mile Beach to Tin Mine Cove is approx. 21km total.

From Tin Mine Cove to Lower Barry campground is approx. 22km and the track is extremely overgrown. The walk back from Tin Mine Cove to the Chinaman Swamp trailhead at the south of the Chinaman Long Beach is easy going along the beach. At this point, gaiters become pretty much mandatory. The 6km section from the trailhead to Lower Barry Creek took us 5.5 hours. The trail disappears entirely in some sections, particularly when going through sections with lots of button grass. Flagging tape has all but disappeared from the track, but it is essential to follow the old trail. We lost the trail at one point and ended up in extremely dense scrub. We saw a snake in this section. The ‘Getlost map 81254-2 DARBY Topographic Map V14d 1:25​,000’ is freely available on the Avenza Maps app had an accurate line marking of the trail. Once we realised we needed to stay on the trail we managed to bash our way back to this GPS line and things improved somewhat. The section through the Chinaman’s Swamp was knee deep and lasted for approx. 100m. We stopped a number of times on the way to Lower Barry Creek wherever we could find shade under the Banksia trees, this was due to the extreme heat (36 degrees at the Prom). Lower Barry Creek was flowing well and the water was extremely refreshing when we arrived.

The section from Lower Barry Creek back to the Five Mile road did not improve much. It was still extremely overgrown although the track was easier to follow. Once you get back to the road it is ~5km to the carpark.

Downloadable forms

Hiker Self Assessment Form

Overnight Hike Application Form

Overnight Hiking Guide

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Practical information

The following conditions apply to the Barry Creek, Lower Barry Creek, Tin Mine Cove, Johnny Souey Cove and Five Mile Beach overnight hike camp areas.

  • Hikers must fill out a 'Hiker Self Assessment Form' before a hiking permit is issued. Call 13 1963 for further information
  • Some track sections are marked with flagging tape however other sections are undefined therefore hikers must be proficient in navigation with a map and compass
  • Overnight camping is permitted for two consecutive nights only at each of the camp areas throughout the year
  • Maximum group size at any one campsite is six
  • Toilets are not provided. Bury all faecal waste and paper at least 15cm deep and at least 100 metres from campsites and watercourses. Mix waste with soil to aid decomposition and discourage animals.
  • Hikers must obtain a permit before commencing their walk and carry it with them at all times. After completing your hike, please return your permit to the Tidal River Visitor Centre or in the permit boxes located at the Five Mile car park, outside the Park Entrance Station or outside the Tidal River Visitor Centre. This system informs rangers of your safe return.
  • Do not do this trail during summer, water is extremely unreliable.
  • Carry lots of water capacity ~6L each.
  • Stick closely to an accurate GPS for the section from Tin Mine Cove to Barry Creek.

Walk map and GPX file

Wilsons Prom: Northern Circuit Hike (60km)

Total distance: 58995 m
Max elevation: 174 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 1253 m
Total descent: -1249 m
Login to Download GPX

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

Register your plans

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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Gallery

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Reviews

Wilsons Prom: Northern Circuit Hike (60km)

6 Reviews on “Wilsons Prom: Northern Circuit Hike (60km)”

Overall rating
  • Nate hart avatar Nate Hart

    Have done this hike three times now. The 10km section through the overgrown and prickly swamp never gets easier. It’s a torturous and arduous slog, often with no footpad, and head high bushes with prickles as long as half your arm.
    1. Trail hiking australia avatar Trail Hiking Australia

      Nate Hart yep. I know exactly what you mean. Gets even worse on a king tide when you need to wade through the mud.
      1. Liz marr avatar Liz Marr

        Trail Hiking Australia its comments like this that keep it on the lower end of my list 🤣
      2. Trail hiking australia avatar Trail Hiking Australia

        Liz Marr fair enough too
  • Eric krista avatar Eric Krista

    Appreciate you making people aware of an amazing part of the Prom. Please note the reference to Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay, Oberon Bay and the light house should ideally be removed as they are on the Southern circuit and are very distant. Highlights of the the Northern section actually include 5 Mile Beach Camping area, Johnny Souey Cove, Three Mile Beach, Tin Mine Cove, plus more.
    1. Trail hiking australia avatar Trail Hiking Australia

      Eric Krista cheers mate. I don’t know what happened there. Glitch in the system.
    2. Darren edwards avatar Darren Edwards

      Eric Krista All fixed, thanks again.
  • Trevor sutton avatar Trevor Sutton

    Great effort!
  • Brenda avatar Brenda Trail Author

    Comments from a recent hike.

    We just attempted this hike over the long weekend. The section between Tin Mine Cove and Lower Barry Creek Campsite (Day 3 for us) was so overgrown and poorly marked it was impossible to follow the ‘track’. Once off where the track used to be a compass is not much help as the bush is dense and very difficult to traverse. We got about a third of the way through the inland section to the creek crossing – not difficult about ankle deep mud – but the dense bush was practically impenetrable. We were running out of daylight and only half a day of water left, so we made the decision to turn around and go back to Tin Mine Cove (last water source). We didn’t reach the coast before nightfall, so camped where we were overnight and made it back to Tin Mine Cove the next day. We found some kind strangers with a boat at Tin Mine Cove who rescued us.

    NB: The inland section between Five Mile Beach and Tin Mine Cove (Day 2 for us) was also overgrown and easy to lose the track.
  • Lauren bray avatar Lauren Bray

    Josh Bray ?
    1. Craig pearce avatar Craig Pearce

      Not seen much (i.e. nothing so far) from anyone on joining the northern and southern sections (e.g. going from 5 Mile Beach camp to Sealers Cove). Be interested to hear of anyone who’s done it.
    2. Mikey faulkner avatar Mikey Faulkner

      Laura Layton hot digity damn
      1. Luke ognibene avatar Luke Ognibene

        Matthew Cooper
        1. Trish asibal avatar Trish Asibal

          Serene Silva
          1. Pam thornton avatar Pam Thornton

            Susan Tebbitt Lexi Randolph-Carter Hana Davies Let’s lock in a date gals!
          2. Anthony burns avatar Anthony Burns

            Thanks Hamish! And Happy Birthday!!!!
          3. Ben avatar Ben

            There’s plenty of water at Tin Mine Cove campsite and Lower Barry Creek campsite. Drank the Tin Mine Cove water even untreated because it’s fast stream and looks very alright ;).
            There is also some water at Johnny Souey Cove campsite, however it’s quite stale there so not sure of the quality.

            BTW: We found hardly any tape in the area of Three Mile Point (just after Johnny Souey Cove campsite when heading north) and most of the tape was totally faded as well already (so it was white instead of pink). Maybe it was just us not finding the right trail but we eventually just bush bashed our own trail up there, so be prepared ;). That’s where your GPX file came really handy for the rough directions where we have to go.

            And the Chinaman swamp is totally dry BTW because there was hardly any rain this season. So no swamp to fight through whatsoever.
      2. Laura layton avatar Laura Layton

        Mikey
      3. Darren edwards avatar Darren Edwards Trail Author

        That’s fantastic to hear. I am doing this hike over the Easter weekend. How easy was it to find drinking water?
    3. Ls gorms avatar LS Gorms

      Love The Prom! Lucky me got to work there for two months a few years ago.
    4. Alasdair duffy avatar Alasdair Duffy

      Mate let’s lock this in!!! Reckon the chicks would make it….??
      1. Peter scheffer avatar Peter Scheffer

        Michael Gomersall
    5. Jess boyle avatar Jess Boyle

      Stede Nyland 3 days just to cross the bog ?
  • Sarah marie avatar Sarah Marie

    Em Cee ?
    1. Craig pearce avatar Craig Pearce

      Hey James, I gather you did 5 Mile Road carpark to to Tin Mine Cove in 1 day – if so, roughly how long did it take? Cheers
    2. Helen letitia avatar Helen Letitia

      Here we come Rodney
      1. Sophie nielsen avatar Sophie Nielsen

        Hi
        I am about to embark on the north loop and think your trail map would be a great asset but am wondering which GPX app to use to open it. Does anyone have suggestions.
        Thanks
        S
    3. Ben avatar Ben

      hey, I did this hike on the weekend and just wanted to thank you soo much for the GPX file you provided! That literally was gold for us to find our way in the dense bush sometimes :).
      So again, thank you so much for sharing that!
    4. Iryna legchilina avatar Iryna Legchilina

      Hi Leith!

      My apology for not replying earlier ! I didn’t get any notifications about new comments and didn’t check this page for months!
      I know this info not much of a use now but we ended up doing a walk in Buller-Howitt area (Mt Koonika/Mt Speculation /Mt Cobbler). But still thinking of doing this northern circuit some time .. What about you, did you end up going there?

      Iryna
    5. Darren edwards avatar Darren Edwards Trail Author

      Hi Nathan. The campsite at Johnny Souey is on the headland near the beach. It is tiny and only suitable for a few small tents. Water is hard to find there too and last time I was there it was only a trickle. We camped at five mile beach then headed straight to Tim mine cove
    6. Darren edwards avatar Darren Edwards Trail Author

      I use pocket earth on iPhone. I’d suggest taking a topo map and compass though as I’ve come across people navigation with a phone on this circuit and they were list as their phone battery had died.
    7. Nathan avatar Nathan

      Is the Jonny Souey Cove campsite on a beach and what is the water quality like?
    8. Stede nyland avatar Stede Nyland

      Jess Boyle hahaha your fave
  • Sophie nielsen avatar Sophie Nielsen

    Hi
    I am about to embark on the north loop and think your trail map would be a great asset but am wondering which GPX app to use to open it. Does anyone have suggestions.
    Thanks
    S

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Acknowledgement of Country

Wilsons prom: northern circuit hike (60km) 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:

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