Hike at a glance

11,615

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

Difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Trail type

Return

Route details

Max elevation: 340m
Min elevation: 11m
Total Ascent: 1225m

Start: Telegraph Saddle Carpark

End: Telegraph Saddle Carpark

Location: Wilsons Promontory National Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Yanakie

State capital distance: 225km

Latitude: -39.03261108

Longitude: 146.35561466217044

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

About this trail

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Photos

Weather

About this trail

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.

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.

Trail difficulty

Grade 4 (hard) badge

Grade 4 (Hard)

Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.

Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.

Planning information

Preparation matters: Plan your overnight hike well and bring the right gear, weather-appropriate layers, food and plenty of water. Before you head out, read up on bushwalking safety and use this overnight hike planning guide to make sure you're ready. Need help getting started? Check out the full hike preparation guide.

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.

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

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Australian conditions can turn a small oversight into a serious situation faster than most walkers expect. The Hiking Safety Systems and planning calculators are designed to help you identify and close those gaps before you leave home. Work through the Interactive Safety Scenarios to see how incidents unfold, then use the tools to build your plan and make sure a trusted contact has your trip details before you head out.

Let someone know

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, and it only takes two minutes.

Let someone know your plans →

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead — your emergency contact will need more detail. Register your trip plan here →

Free 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 and where to stay

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

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

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Accommodation →

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Fish Creek, Foster, Inverloch, Meeniyan, Port Albert, Port Welshpool, Sandy Point, Tarra Valley, Tarwin Lower, Tidal River, Yanakie

Explore the region

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.

Explore nearby hikes

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Weather on the trail

Wilsons Promontory National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

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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Acknowledgement of Country

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

March 25, 2025

Hike at a glance

Route details

About this trail

Hike summary

Trail difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Planning information

Trail tips

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there and where to stay

Access conditions

Accommodation nearby

Explore the region

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Wilsons Prom: Eastern Circuit Hike (36.5km)

Wilsons Prom: Refuge Cove Hike (34.5km)

Wilsons Prom: Southern Circuit Hike (42km)

Wilsons Prom: South East Circuit Hike (55km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

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

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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