Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore Victoria's breathtaking Wilsons Promontory National Park on the 12.5km, grade 3 Three Bays Walk. Experience the unique squeaking white sands of Squeaky Beach, panoramic coastal views from Pillar Point, and the tranquil Norman Bay. Starting and ending at the Tidal River Visitor Centre, this moderate circuit hike, typically completed in 4-5 hours, is a must for every outdoor enthusiast seeking the perfect mixture of serene beaches, rugged landscapes, and coastal heathland.

Length:

12.5km

Duration:

4-5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 138m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 362m

Start: Tidal River Footbridge

End: Tidal River Footbridge

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Tidal River

From state capital: 259km

Latitude: -39.03061506

Longitude: 146.32191538810733

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Hike overview

The Three Bays Walk, covering Squeaky Beach, Pillar Point, and Norman Bay, offers a stunning 12.5 km, grade 3 hike in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. This walk, typically completed in about 5 hours, showcases the natural beauty of both land and sea as you traverse coastal heathland, rocky outcrops, and pristine beaches.

Begin your hike at the Tidal River Visitor Centre, where you can park your car and gather any necessary information. From there, follow the Loo Errn Track along the south bank of Tidal River, crossing the footbridge to take in the surrounding scenery. Continue along the well-maintained path until you reach the junction of the Tidal Overlook Track and Squeaky Beach Track. Turn right onto the Tidal Overlook Track, gradually ascending through coastal heathland. As you climb, enjoy views of Norman Beach and Tidal River.

At the junction with the Squeaky Beach Track, turn left and head towards Pillar Point, where the rugged granite boulders offer panoramic views of the coastline. After taking in the sights, retrace your steps to the junction and descend along the western side of the headland to Squeaky Beach. The beach’s fine white sand produces a distinctive squeaking sound underfoot, making it one of the Prom's most unique spots. Enjoy the turquoise waters before heading back up the headland.

Once back at the junction, continue eastward, enjoying the unfolding coastal views. You can either return directly to the Tidal River Visitor Centre or take the Norman Bay South Track for a final scenic loop along the coast.

This hike provides an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of Wilsons Promontory National Park. With its mix of coastal scenery, serene beaches, and rugged points, the Three Bays Walk offers a memorable adventure in Victoria’s stunning coastal environment.

Campground facilities at Tidal River

Tidal River offers 484 camping and caravan sites situated near the beach and river. 20 powered sites are available. Campground facilities include modern amenity blocks with toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, dish-washing stations and picnic areas equipped with free gas barbecues.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Three Bays Walk (12.5km)

Total distance: 12564 m
Max elevation: 138 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 362 m
Total descent: -362 m

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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

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.

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Three Bays Walk (12.5km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance