Tongue Point, Darby River and Saddle is a 10.5km, grade 3 hike located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Tongue Point, Darby River and Saddle hike is a combination of two return hikes; Darby River to Tongue Point and Darby Saddle to Tongue Point. This track allows you to fully enjoy the stunning Tongue Point coastal area. The hike can be done in either direction however you will need to organise a car shuttle.
Commencing at the southern end of Darby River carpark follow the Darby River to Tongue Point Track.
Darby River to Tongue Point
Offering magnificent views of Darby Swamp, Vereker Range and Darby and Cotters Beach, this walk climbs gently through wind swept coastal vegetation before following the headland towards Tongue Point, a coastal headland jeweled with stacks of weathered granite. The track ends prior to the semi-attached island. For your safety don't attempt to cross over to it. Just before the Darby Saddle track junction, a short side track with some steps leads down to the delightful and secluded Fairy Cove. For your safety, check tides before you go.
Retrace your steps and continue to the junction of the Darby Saddle Track. Continues to Tongue Point, a coastal headland jeweled with tumbled stacks and boulders of weathered granite. The track ends prior to the semi-attached island. For your safety don't attempt to cross over to it.
Tongue Point to Darby Saddle
The track to Darby Saddle provides spectacular coastal and forest scenery as it ascends steeply through low heathland towards Lookout Rocks, a vantage point offering views across to Norman Island. Approximately 7.8 km into the hike a short side track leads up to Sparkes Lookout which offers views as far as the pyramid-shaped Rodondo Island in the south and Shallow Inlet in the north. From here the track descends through stringybark and casuarina forest to Darby Saddle and the end of the hike.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 271 m
Min elevation: 6 m
Total climbing: 612 m
Total descent: -465 m
Trail location
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Getting there
From Melbourne follow M1 (Monash Freeway) to Pakenham. Take the exit for C422 from M1. Follow Koo Wee Rup Rd/C422 and Koo-Wee-Rup Bypass Rd to S Gippsland Hwy/M420 in Koo Wee Rup. Then follow the South Gippsland Hwy/M420 and A440 to Meeniyan-Promontory Rd/C444 in Meeniyan. Drive to C444 in Wilsons Promontory and park at the Darby River carpark, just past the Anakie Airfield turnoff.
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 “Tongue Point, Darby River & Saddle Hike (10.5km)”
Scott Timson