Scenic view of the prom, with blue water and yellow beaches with interspersed trees and vegetation

Prom Sanctuary

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A 20-year vision to establish a climate change refuge where vulnerable wildlife and habitats thrive, at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Victorian wildlife, landscapes and habitats are facing serious threats.

Our climate is changing, and this change is putting significant pressure on native species and natural places – extreme weather events and major bushfires are adding to the existing pressures caused by introduced and invasive pests and weeds.

Parks Victoria and its partners are helping to protect Victoria's threatened species and ecosystems by establishing the Prom Sanctuary and working to:

restore Country,
eradicate introduced pests like foxes and cats,
bring endangered and locally extinct wildlife back from the brink, and
enable sustainable visitor experiences for all.

Donate now to Prom Sanctuary

Why the Prom?

As we seek to fight extinctions, the Prom Sanctuary has a significant role to play, with its unique strengths:

Size: At 50,000 hectares it’s big enough to make a real difference in terms of conserving nature and fighting extinction.
Shape: A planned predator exclusion fence at its narrow entry point will welcome park visitors in, but keep invasive foxes, deer and feral cats out.
Climate: Jutting out into the cool waters of Bass Strait, it is naturally buffered from the climate extremes of mainland Australia.
Biodiversity: The Prom is home more than 150 threatened plant and animal species and 10 major Australian ecosystem types.
Relationships: Strong collaboration with the Gunaikurnai, Bunurong and Boonwurrung people – the three Traditional Owner groups who assert connection with the Prom.

a green plant is smothering the sandy foreshore habitat

Sea Spurge is an invasive weed originating in the northern hemisphere. Spurge has spread along the southern Australian coastline from New South Wales to southern Western Australia. Many beaches at the Prom are infested with this weed. Image credit: Friends of the Prom.

Restoring Country

The Prom Sanctuary will see nature protected forever, free from the destruction of invasive pests and predators. It will work to recover critical habitats including grasslands, heathlands, offshore islands, coastal banksia woodlands and ancient tall forests.

To restore Country, we must increase the natural biodiversity, and weed management is a large part of this.

We are using best practice and adaptive management techniques to eradicate any new and emerging weeds wherever they occur and control existing weeds at sites of biodiversity significance.

Invasive weeds and overabundant native plants including Coastal Tea Tree, Mirror Bush, Sea Spurge and Ox-eye Daisy transform landscapes, crowd out other plants and prevent a diverse mix of species.

We are using tools such as ecological burning, mulching, carefully controlled chemical and bioagent control to remove weeds.

By improving the biodiversity of the Prom's Coastal Grassy Woodlands, Riparian Wetlands and Coastal landscapes, breeding populations of resident shorebirds and the abundance of small mammals will be better protected in a changing climate.

Eradicating pests

Introduced species such as deer, rabbits, foxes and feral cats are all major threats to nature. In Australia, pest animals typically have few natural predators or fatal diseases, and some have high reproductive rates. As a result, their populations have not naturally diminished. Pest animals can multiply rapidly if conditions are favourable.

To establish the Prom Sanctuary, we must reduce or remove major threats to nature on a scale that makes a difference. The unique shape of Wilsons Promontory provides the combined opportunity to build a 10km fence across the park entrance to stop the wave of pest animals entering the park, while providing easy access for Victorians and visitors to have empowering contact with nature. It is already highly valued by more than 500,000 visitors each year for its amazing nature-based experiences.

By removing introduced hog deer and rabbits, we are reducing grazing pressure on the incredible variety of native plants and plant communities, including some that are nationally threatened.

By targeting foxes and feral cats, we are reducing the threat of predation for native species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Potoroo, Ground Parrot, New Holland Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and the Hooded Plover.

All animal control programs are carried out under strict conditions, compliant with all relevant legislation, Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures, designed to ensure safe, effective, and humane practices are implemented.

Hog deer captured on a camera trap at Wilsons Prom. Image credit: Parks Victoria

two staff are looking into a computer screen - a fox with a native animal is in the middle of the computers image

Ben Fahey of Parks Victoria and ranger Emily Green inspect a photo of a fox with a dead tiger snake taken by a camera trap set up to monitor invasive fauna on Wilsons Promontory. Image credit: Guardian Australia.

A bristlebird is being held in the hand of a researcher

The Eastern Bristlebird is a small golden-brown bird. It gets its name from the highly modified feathers around its beak which look like tiny whiskers, which help it grab fast moving insects. Image credit: DEECA.

Bringing species back from the brink

Jutting out into the cool waters of Bass Strait and as the southernmost point of mainland Australia, Wilsons Prom is naturally temperature buffered from many of the impacts of climate change. With the added protection of the barrier fence across the entry to the park, the Prom Sanctuary will become the perfect place for nature – both the species already present and those in need elsewhere.

As the threats posed by foxes, feral cats and deer are removed from Wilsons Promontory, it becomes a safer place for vulnerable native animals and plants. We are building the foundations to reintroduce and translocate targeted rare and threatened native species. We have already commenced with the reintroduction of Eastern Bristlebirds to the Prom, along with supplementing the genetics of populations of the native Pookila (New Holland Mouse). Over time there are plans to bring back the Rufous-bellied Pademelon and mid-level predators like the native marsupial cat, the Spot-tailed Quoll. Through captive breeding partnerships, threatened birds such as the Orange-bellied Parrot may once again thrive at the Prom.

Species translocations require careful planning, environmental restoration and protection, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that the species and their habitat will be safe and healthy. The translocation of the Eastern Bristlebird to Wilsons Promontory (featured) is one example of our commitment to protect threatened species within the state.

A fat little bandicoot is resting atop of straw and dirt

Southern Brown Bandicoot

The endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot is masterful at digging for its favourite prey underneath the moist ground. With large, blunted claws that look a little bit like Freddy Kreuger’s metal gloves, this rabbit-sized omnivore primarily hunts for truffle-like fungi, moving an estimated 4 tonnes of soil every year. Populations are cryptic and notoriously difficult to monitor, but invasive species such as feral cats and foxes, are one of the biggest causes of their population collapse in the last 50 years. Image credit: Museums Victoria.

A small weasel like marsupial sits atop of a log.

Swamp Antechinus

Listed as vulnerable in Victoria, this plucky little carnivore hangs on in Wilsons Promontory and thrives on the islands off its coast. Some individuals appear to have been marooned on these islands when coastal waters rose worldwide more than 10,000 years ago and have been isolated ever since. Their populations have had huge range contractions in the last few centuries, mainly from habitat loss and predation from introduced predators (such as feral cats and foxes) but altered fire regimes and the widespread effect of cinnamon fungus (that causes dieback in many native plants) are also to blame. Image credit: Museums Victoria.

Eastern Ground Parrot

The endangered Eastern Ground Parrot has suffered major population declines in the last 30 years and inhabits dense heathlands and sedgelands. As of 1990, there were estimated to be between 200-250 eastern ground parrots in Wilsons Prom. Their current population status in Victoria is poorly known but may only number in the hundreds. This species needs periodic burning of their landscape, as this provides renewal to their food sources. Wilsons Prom represents one of the most important areas for this species survival. Image credit: Museums Victoria.

A bug-eyed possum is sitting on top of decaying wood

Eastern Pygmy Possum

With populations considered to be in decline across Victoria, this adorable possum weighs less than a golf ball. They are important pollinators, especially for Banksias and Eucalypts, as nectar comprises a big part of their diet. Subfossil remains of this species indicate they were in high abundance prior to European arrival, as they made up a large portion of the regurgitated or faecal pellets of owls in nearby caves. Image credit: Museums Victoria.

A green frog sits on top of a brown branch

Growling Grass Frog

The vulnerably listed Growling Grass Frog has been sighted in Wilsons Promontory National Park but the range and status of their population is not well understood. One of the largest frog species in Victoria, this species is an ambush predator, sitting and waiting for prey to come past and have even been known to eat other frog species. Their populations have suffered considerably in the past 30 years throughout Victoria but is listed as threatened in Victoria due to climate change pressures, including altered water flow, increased predation by feral cats and foxes, and an introduced fungal disease called Chytrid, which is responsible for widespread collapse of frog populations across Australia. Image credit: Jeremy Tscharke.

a black and white bird sits atop of rocks

Hooded Plover

The vulnerable Hooded Plover is a small shorebird affectionally known as a “hoodie”, due to its conspicuous black head. It is often found bobbing in between seaweed piles in the splash zone looking for tiny crustaceans. Invasive plants such as sea spurge are smothering available habitat of this bird, with predation by foxes and feral cats taking a high toll. Image credit: Mark Lethlean.

a grey brown kangaroo relative stands ontop of grass holding a food item

Long-nosed Potoroo

The vulnerable Long-nosed Potoroo is prominent in six clustered areas across the state, but Wilsons Prom is one of the most important areas for this species survival in south-eastern Australia. Generally found in coastal heaths and eucalypts forests, this marsupial eats a high proportion of fungi and also plays an important role in mixing leaf litter, which aids in the breakdown of forest litter. Image credit: Museums Victoria.

A small native mouse is in teh middle of the image, it has a long tail

Pookila - New Holland Mouse

Locally extinct in numerous regions across Victoria, this endangered native mouse was thought to be extinct in Wilsons Prom when no-one had spotted this species for half a decade. Small populations were re-discovered within the national park, and they now need immediate help to ensure their survival. Working with Zoos Victoria, we’ve been focusing on re-introducing this species to the Wilson prom landscape. Image credit: Museums Victoria.

Swamp Skink

The endangered Swamp skink has several populations throughout Wilsons Promontory, but is restricted to densely vegetated swamps, wet heaths and saltmarshes. Its population has been in decline throughout Victoria; of the 72 sites it is known from, only 12 are considered secure. Predation by foxes and feral cats, and the drainage of wetlands, are considered the biggest threats to their survival. Image credit: Parks Victoria.

Enabling sustainable visitor experiences for all

More than a climate change refuge, the Prom Sanctuary will be a place where visitors will get the chance to witness preserved landscapes and rare wildlife being brought back from the brink. It will ensure that future generations will get the chance to experience what so many have long-loved about Wilsons Promontory National Park.

We need your help. A whole-of-community approach is needed to ensure nature is healthy, protected and resilient for future generations.

Parks Victoria and the People and Parks Foundation (PPF) are working together to help protect Victoria’s threatened species and ecosystems.

The People and Parks Foundation is a long-term charity partner of Parks Victoria. It is an Australian charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission and is trustee for the People and Parks Environment Trust (Deductable Gift Recipient 1).

Visit the People and Parks Foundation to help save Victoria's vulnerable wildlife, landscapes and habitats.

Donate now to Prom Sanctuary

Partnering to achieve the Prom Sanctuary vision

Wilsons Promontory is of cultural significance to three Traditional Owner groups, Gunaikurnai, Bunurong and Boonwurrung, who are all working closely with Parks Victoria on this project.

Critical partners in achieving this vision include:

Wilsons Promontory Technical Advisory Group
Traditional Owner Leadership Steering Committee (involving the three Traditional Owner groups who assert connections to the Prom – the Gunaikurnai, the Bunurong and the Boon Wurrung).
Museums Victoria
Zoos Victoria
Royal Botanic Gardens
Friends of the Prom
Research partners including universities, CSIRO, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, BirdLife Australia, and more.

The Prom Sanctuary project is helping to deliver on government strategies to protect nature, including Protecting Victoria's Environment - Biodiversity 2037 and the Australian Government's Threatened Species Strategy 2021-2031.

Listen to learn more

Closer to Nature, a Parks Victoria podcast, travels across the state to learn how Parks Victoria is protecting parks, reserves and everything that lives there in times of unprecedented change.

Closer to Nature and the Prom Sanctuary

Chief Scientist at Parks Victoria, Dr Mark Norman, is the host of the Parks Victoria podcast Closer to Nature. Many episodes feature Wilsons Promontory National Park, and what we’re doing to support nature. In episode 5, Mark explains a new decision-making tool (the Resist, Accept, Direct framework), and how this new way of thinking offers the best way to assist nature’s changing needs across the state and in the context of Wilsons Promontory and the Prom Sanctuary Project.