Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park with the 43km Little Waterloo Bay Circuit hike. Starting from Telegraph Saddle and ending at Tidal River, this Grade 4 trail takes 2-3 days to complete and offers a unique experience with its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. The journey, which is only 225km from the CBD and close to the town of Yanakie, will lead you through remarkable terrains like the forested slopes with granite boulders and a vast swamp, all while enjoying the basic amenities of the secluded camping area.

Length:

43km

Duration:

2-3 days

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 209m

Min elevation: 4m

Total Ascent: 697m

Start: Telegraph Saddle

End: Tidal River

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Yanakie

From state capital: 225km

Latitude: -39.030619222959

Longitude: 146.3216954469681

Overview

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Hike overview

The Wilsons Prom Little Waterloo Bay Circuit hike visits Waterloo Bay, Little Waterloo Bay and Oberon bay on the east and west of the southern peninsula.

Little Waterloo Bay is only accessible by foot via the overnight hike track from Tidal River. When you get there you will be rewarded with a lovely white sand beach and crystal blue water. The southern half of Waterloo Bay contains two white quartz sand beaches separated by a small granite headland.

The northern Little Waterloo Bay beach faces east, is 300 m long and is backed by steep, forested slopes with large protruding granite boulders. Small creeks drain across the northern end of each beach. The southern Waterloo Bay beach is 1 500 m long, faces east and is backed by a low vegetated foredune and a swamp up to 1 km wide. The Refuge Cove walking track reaches the camping area at the northern end of Little Waterloo Bay, then turns inland through the swamp behind Waterloo Bay.

There is a camping area with basic facilities. Composting toilets are provided. Toilet paper is not supplied. Advance booking is required. You can book online or call parks Victoria on 13 1963

Camping in a remote overnight hikers campsite ( you will need to carry everything you need for the weekend on your back)

Day 1

Telegraph Saddle to Telegraph Track junction, 6.1Km
Telegraph Track is followed south downhill. The descent is quite rapid and after 2.8km you will cross McAlister Creek and begin skirting the eastern side of large tea tree swamps. After a further 3.2km the trail junction is reached.

Telegraph Track junction to Little Waterloo Bay, 4.8km
From the Telegraph Track follow the track over sand dunes and swamps to Little Waterloo Bay. Turn right and walk along the beach in order to find the start of the track leading to the Light Station.

After setting up camp you can drop your packs and do the return 14km walk to Refuge Cove or alternatively you can camp at Little Waterloo bay another night and do the return hike to Refuge Cove the following day. (refer to additional Map and GPX file below)

Day 2

Little Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Track junction, 4.8km
From the Telegraph Track follow the track over sand dunes and swamps to Little Waterloo Bay. Turn right and walk along the beach in order to find the start of the track leading to the Light Station.

Telegraph Track junction via Oberon Bay to Tidal River, 21.4 km
Follow signs and management road to Telegraph Track junction then Oberon Bay. Continue to walk to Tidal River following the coast.

Costs:

You will need to purchase a camping permit for Little Waterloo Bay, cost approx $12. Plus camp fees if camping at Tidal River.

More information

Parks Victoria

Overnight Hikes

Trail features

Steep Terrain
River Crossings

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)

Little Waterloo Bay Circuit
(28.7 km circuit, 10 hours)

Total distance: 28420 m
Max elevation: 209 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 697 m
Total descent: -893 m

Refuge Cove camp to Little Waterloo Bay camp
(14 km return, 4-5 hours)

Total distance: 8600 m
Max elevation: 199 m
Min elevation: 9 m
Total climbing: 541 m
Total descent: -544 m

Gallery

Photos: Darren Edwards and Jason Davidson

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

Access conditions

Entry Fee
Untreated Water
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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

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

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Wilsons Promontory National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Reviews
Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)

4 Reviews on “Wilsons Prom: Little Waterloo Bay Circuit Hike (43km)”

Overall rating

Brian E

Over Easter we walked from Telegraph saddle to Little Waterloo bay on Friday, nice campsite: water, beach and friendly feral cat?! Saturday to Oberon bay. Very sandy campsite. No supplied water, but we filtered a bit. Sunday back to Tidal river.
Beautiful scenery. Weather was great which meant nice to swim and was the muck off…

24/03/2022, 05:17

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Acknowledgement of Country

Wilsons prom: little waterloo bay circuit hike (43km)

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:

April 30, 2025

Hike at a Glance