Darby River to Tongue Point

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Darby River to Tongue Point

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Offering magnificent views over Darby Swamp, Vereker Range and Darby Beach, The Darby River to Tongue Point Walk climbs an ancient sand dune before following the weathered headland towards Tongue Point. And don’t miss out on a break at the quaint Fairy Cove, enclosed by the iconic boulders of Wilsons Prom.
This brilliant coastal walk climbs gently from the Darby River Carpark and over Darby Hill, an ancient sand dune, before hugging the windswept headland. Don’t forget to look back towards Darby Swamp on your climb. Take in the views over the Darby River, as it snakes through the deep valley towards the Vereker Range.

As you make it over the saddle, the sandy terrain soon gives way to dense coastal heath jewelled with stacks of weathered granite. The chance of spotting wallabies amidst the coastal heath is ample. And while you are less likely to cross paths with echidnas and wombats, they can be seen foraging among the thick shrub – especially dusk or dawn, when they are most active.

On the walk, a short detour down to Fairy Cove is a must! The sheltered beach lies not too far from the tip of the tongue and its white sandy beach enclosed by granite boulders and crystal-clear waters make for the perfect snorkel or swim spot.

The final stretch of the walk meanders along the ever-narrowing headland with Shellback and Norman Island standing tall over the rough swells of Bass Strait. A semi-detached island, just beyond reach marks the end of the scenic walk.

Return via the same route or for a different view of Wilsons Prom, organise a car shuffle and finish your journey at Darby Saddle.

Things to do

 
The lighthouse keeper's cottage and lighthouse at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

The perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged coastal environment while staying in self-contained dormitory-style or private cabin accommodation. The Lightstation can only be reached on foot (minimum 19.1km one way). The walk is challenging (5-6 hours), requiring a high level of fitness.
The view from Mt Oberon at Sunset.

Mount Oberon

Starting from the Telegraph Saddle car park, this iconic Prom walk follows the management vehicle track to the summit of Mount Oberon.Steps below the rocky summit lead to postcard perfect, panoramic views over Tidal River, the coast and offshore islands.
Three hikers walk along the beach at Wilson Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Northern Overnight Hikes

Up for more of a challenge? Try the Northern Circuit hiking and camping through the park.
The view from the top of Mt Bishop in Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Mount Bishop

Follow the Lilly Pilly Gully Circuit Track and turn off at the side track that leads to the rocky summit of Mt Bishop. Magnificent views are offered of the Prom’s west coast and off shore islands. Retrace your steps to the car park or return via Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk.
Two women walk along the track between granite rocks and grass trees on the Southern Circuit hiking trail at Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes

Hike your way to overnight camping sites and sleep in bookable shady campsites with views of glassy torquoise water.

How to get there

Darby River to Tongue Point

Wilsons Promontory National Park is a good 3-hour drive from Melbourne. For the quickest route from Melbourne, follow the Monash Freeway east. Turn off at Pakenham and follow signs towards Koo Wee Rup before connecting with the South Gippsland Highway and heading towards Wilsons Promontory.

The Darby River Carpark, from where the walk begins, lies approximately 18-kilometres or a 15-minute drive from the park entrance.

Organise a car shuffle on your visit to Tongue Point. An alternate trail allows walkers to return via the Darby Saddle to Tongue Point Walk and offers a different view out over Wilsons Prom.

When to go

Although daytime temperatures through summer can be on the warm side, the crystal clear waters of Wilsons Promontory are the perfect escape from the heat. Fairy Cove, along the Darby River to Tongue Point Walk is ideal for a quick dip or snorkel.

Need to know

Darby River to Tongue Point

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Aerial deer control operation 6 -10 May 2024 – Wilsons Promontory

    Parks Victoria will be conducting an aerial deer control program from 5pm Monday 6th – 5pm Thursday 9th May 2024.

    The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:
    • Northern overnight hike circuit
    • 5 Mile Beach
    • Oberon Bay Campground
    • Oberon Bay
     
    Access to the following areas may be restricted at various times during the operation:
    • Big Drift
    • Stockyard Campground
    • Cotters Road, Cotters Lake and Cotters Beach
    • Vereker Outlook
    • Millers Landing
    • Boundary Track
    • Shallow Inlet via Hourigan Camp Lane
    • Yanakie Cemetery Walk
     
    During the operation, visitors may hear gunshots and see a helicopter flying a low levels. Safety is of paramount importance and Parks Victoria will have an Operations Controller on-site to ensure visitor safety in addition to signage advising visitors of current closures. 

    Stockyard Campground & Toilet Block Closed

    Stockyard campground and toilet block are closed until further notice.

  • Wilsons Promontory National Park

    Sealers Cove boardwalk is closed

    The Sealers Cove boardwalk needs to be rebuilt, following major storm and flood damage. 

    This will be a major and complex project. It will replace two kilometres of boardwalk over sensitive terrain while sensitively managing the surrounding environment.

    There is currently no public access to the boardwalk, and access to Sealers Cove is only possible via a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle.

    For more information, including expected timeframes for the rebuild, visit: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/eastern-victoria/sealers-cove-boardwalk-rebuild.

    Wilsons Promontory National Park - Invasive Species Control Programs

    Introduced species such as deer, rabbits, foxes and feral cats are all major threats to nature. Wilsons Promontory National Park is working towards pest free nature.

    Targeted invasive species control programs will be in place within Wilsons Promontory National Park between June 2023 - June 2025.

    Some access restrictions may apply. Please observe local signage.

    Park Closure - Sunday 4th August, 5pm to Friday 9th August, 8am 2024

    Wilsons Promontory National Park will be closed between 5pm Sunday 4th August and 8am Friday 9th August 2024 to undertake park management and conservation programs. 

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