A new-look store with a wider range of food and supplies is on the way for Tidal River, Victoria’s largest and most popular campground, in Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Cruises has been chosen to operate the Tidal River General Store following an extensive Expression of Interest process and will extend its long association with the Prom.

The much-loved General Store will undergo a sympathetic modernisation to provide an enjoyable and sustainable experience for the more than 550,000 annual visitors to the park.

While work on the modernisation is completed, Wilsons Promontory Cruises will operate a temporary General Store which will continue to provide all the items campers love – from a morning coffee to a bag of ice, gas bottle or a hot potato cake.

The store was previously run directly by Parks Victoria. The transition means ranger teams can focus on their core job managing one of Australia’s most iconic national parks.

Part of the larger Searoad Ferries group, Wilsons Promontory Cruises’ amphibious boat tours have been a favourite among visitors since 2019.

The transition complements the Victorian Government’s $23 million Wilsons Promontory Revitalisation project to protect the park’s significant ecological values and improve visitor facilities.

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger Brett Mitchell

“We’re delighted the Tidal River General Store has a bright future under the new operator. This investment, alongside the new Visitor Centre and other exciting developments like the Sanctuary Fence and Sealer’s Cove rebuild, is great news for the Prom.”

Quotes attributable to a Wilsons Promontory Cruises spokesperson

“We are proud to take on the operations on the Tidal River General Store and to soon work to upgrade the facility. The project represents an investment in the future of visitor experience at Wilsons Promontory, delivering modern facilities while respecting the unique natural environment that makes the Prom so special.”

The Tidal River General Store is the hub for food and drinks at Victoria's most popular campground. Photo: Parks Victoria