Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the majestic beauty of Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria with a 19.5km hike from Telegraph Saddle to the stunning Sealers Cove. Just a short drive from Yanakie and 225km from Melbourne, this Grade 3 trail promises a moderate challenge through ancient rainforests, ferny gullies, and golden beaches. Marvel at the glassy turquoise waters of the Cove, unwind at the shady campground, or push your limits with a return hike to Refuge Cove. Don't forget to check the tide times if you're camping overnight, as crossing Sealers Creek is a must!

Length:

19.5km

Duration:

1-2 days

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 340m

Min elevation: 11m

Total Ascent: 1225m

Start: Telegraph Saddle Carpark

End: Telegraph Saddle Carpark

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Yanakie

From state capital: 225km

Latitude: -39.03261108

Longitude: 146.35561466217044

Overview

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Gallery

Weather

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Safety advice

Currently Closed: Successive storms and floods in 2021 caused significant damage to the Sealers Cove Boardwalk, which connects to the Tidal River visitor hub across an otherwise impassable swamp. In late 2023, funding was announced to rebuild the two-kilometre boardwalk over sensitive terrain. This complex project is expected to begin in 2025. For project updates and the recovery timeline, visit the project website. Access to Sealers Cove is still possible but via a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle.

Hike overview

Sealers Cove Walk is a 19.5 km hike through some of Wilsons Promontory National Park’s most breathtaking landscapes. This grade 4 trail can be completed as a long day walk or a more leisurely overnight hike, offering a mix of lush rainforest, fern-filled gullies, and a pristine coastal setting.

The trail begins at Telegraph Saddle Carpark, following a well-defined path through towering eucalypts and dense temperate rainforest. Early on, the walk is relatively gentle, allowing time to take in the cool, green surroundings and the occasional burst of birdsong. As the trail progresses, it descends more steeply, weaving its way toward the coast. The scent of salt air signals the approach to Sealers Cove, a secluded, crescent-shaped bay where golden sand meets the calm, turquoise waters of Bass Strait. Towering cliffs frame the shoreline, creating a natural amphitheatre that feels worlds away from civilisation.

Many hikers choose to spend the night at the Sealers Cove hike-in camping area, a shady, sheltered spot nestled just behind the dunes. It’s a rewarding place to rest, with the creek meandering past the campground and a gentle sea breeze filtering through the trees. Children, in particular, enjoy exploring the beach and splashing in the shallows, making this an excellent introductory overnight hike for families. However, those planning to camp should check tide times in advance, as crossing Sealers Creek—the final stretch before reaching the site—can range from ankle-deep at low tide to well over a metre at high tide.

For those with extra time and energy, an extension to Refuge Cove provides another stunning coastal destination just a little further along the trail. Otherwise, the return hike to Telegraph Saddle is more demanding than the descent, requiring a steady climb back through the forest. It’s best to allow plenty of time for the journey, especially when carrying overnight gear.

Bookings are essential for camping at Sealers Cove, and hikers should be prepared to treat creek water before drinking. Basic toilet facilities are available at the campground. Before setting off, be sure to check park alerts and weather conditions, as this remote and beautiful corner of the Prom deserves to be enjoyed safely and responsibly.

Tips

Toilets are located in the campground.
Advanced bookings are required for the hike-in campground. Camping on the beach is prohibited.
If walking from Telegraph Saddle please check the tides as crossing the creek to access the campground, is recommended at low tide.
Please ensure that you carry sufficient water on your walk. Water is available at the creek, please treat prior to consumption.

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Wilsons Prom: Sealers Cove Hike (19.5km)

Total distance: 19361 m
Max elevation: 340 m
Min elevation: 11 m
Total climbing: 1225 m
Total descent: -1225 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Fish Creek, Foster, Inverloch, Meeniyan, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Valley, Tarwin Lower, Tidal River, Yanakie

Getting to the trailhead in 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.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Accessible Parking
Public Toilets
Untreated Water
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Wilsons Promontory National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Wilsons Prom: Sealers Cove Hike (19.5km)

10 Reviews on “Wilsons Prom: Sealers Cove Hike (19.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

Access update regarding Sealers Cove boardwalk rebuild.

Planning for the $4.5 million Sealers Cove boardwalk is well underway, with the project moving through a range of assessments.

This work will provide more information on how we complete this complex project, which will see two kilometres of boardwalk rebuilt on challenging and sensitive terrain.

Assessments for this project include hydrology, ecology, coastal hazards, geotechnical and cultural heritage. It’s extensive work that will take time – but it’s important to make sure we deliver the boardwalk in the right place, in the right way.

The boardwalk was severely damaged by successive floods and storms, eventually rendering it unsafe. A detailed engineering assessment found that the majority the boardwalk needed to be replaced.

The new boardwalk will be made from fibre reinforced plastic. This material creates a sturdy walking experience with fewer maintenance requirements. It’s been successfully used at both Lily Pilly Gully and to Waterloo Bay. The designs will be slightly wider, higher above ground and water, and more appropriate to the aquatic and marine environment.

This is a long-term project. Timeframes for its completion will be subject to assessments and approvals, on-ground conditions and weather, and construction industry factors.

At this stage, we’re expecting works to commence in 2025, but will have a more detailed timeline to share during the year. In the meantime, information about it will be maintained on the ‘Projects’ section of our website: http://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects

03/04/2024, 18:13

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Rathish maanam Embar

Sealers Cove Walking Track closed until further notice
Wilsons Promontory National Park experienced widespread damage due to several flood and storm events in 2021. This significantly damaged many tracks including the Sealers Cove Boardwalk. A detailed engineering assessment found that the entire two kilometres of the Sealers Cove Boardwalk will need to be replaced. Planning is underway for this work, including costing the work to secure funding. Due to the extent of the damage, and complexity of the work required, Sealers Cove Walking Track will be closed until at least Spring 2023. Access to Sealers Cove is still achievable via Refuge Cove, which is a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle.

12/10/2022, 09:59

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Trail Hiking Australia

We love this hike. Such a beautiful and secluded destination.

24/03/2022, 05:17

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akshat saraswat

Looks beautiful. Can we light a fire in winter??

24/03/2022, 05:17

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Chris

Have walked this track on a number of occasions – once in summer when the bus from Tidal River was running up to the Telegraph Saddle car park and numerous times in winter. Much prefer walking this track in the winter months when there are less people around as it can get busy in the warmer months.

Last walked the track in 2015 in what started out as persistent showers and ended up as constant heavy rain. Fortunately the prevailing weather comes from the south east and much of the track was sheltered from the blustery conditions.

A great setting for an excellent not day walk.

24/03/2022, 05:17

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Shamie Przemek Bialous

Really good walk, we have done it in less than 3h

02/05/2019, 17:51

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Wilsons prom: sealers cove hike (19. 5km)

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.

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Wilsons Prom: Sealers Cove Hike (19.5km)