Explore
Southern Overnight Hikes
The Southern Prom is one of the highlights of Wilsons Promontory National Park. Yet only a very small proportion of visitors to the park venture there. The way to get the most out of the Southern Prom is to tackle an overnight hike on the famous Southern Circuit.
The most popular Southern Prom overnight hike is three-day circuit starting and finishing at Telegraph Saddle Carpark, including overnight camps at the gorgeous Sealers Cove and Waterloo Bay on the secluded eastern coast of the Prom. This circuit does not take in Wilsons Prom Lightstation or South Point, the southernmost place in mainland Australia. However, you can make your own itinerary or walk the five-day Southern Prom Extended Circuit.
Camping Areas
Sealers Cove Camping Area
Little Waterloo Bay Camping Area
Halfway Hut Camping Area
Oberon Bay Camping Area
Roaring Meg Camping Area
Rufuge Cove Camping Area
How to get there
Southern Overnight Hikes
Wilsons Promontory National Park is approximately three hours’ drive from Melbourne. Tidal River is further 30 minutes drive from the entrance. Drive carefully and look out for wildlife. Avoid driving between dusk and dawn. There is no fuel at Tidal River. During peak summer months and on weekends from Melbourne Cup to Easter long weekend, a free shuttle bus takes visitors to Telegraph Saddle from Tidal River and the overnight hikers car park. Telegraph Saddle car park is closed to all other vehicles during these times.
When you're there
Overnight hikers must obtain a permit before commencing their walk and carry it with them at all times. Please ensure that you have an emergency contact who has been notified of your trip itinerary. Each area has a maximum of two consecutive nights and a maximum group size of 12 people.
Download the guide to the Southern Circuit overnight hikes and the Wilsons Prom visitor guide.
Take a look at our sample three-day itinerary.
Day 1 Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove, 10.3km 3 hours
This is the quintessential Wilsons Prom hike - and is popular with day trippers as well as overnight hikers. The exceptional natural beauty includes verdant fern gullies, mountains, a swamp and at the end, a sheltered golden beach with crystal clear turquoise waters.
Day 2 Sealers Cove to Little Waterloo Bay, 13.6km 4.5 hours
Today you'll see two more beautiful slices of paradise in the form of Refuge Cove and Waterloo Bay. Before that, enjoy sweeping views of the remote northern Prom from some massive granite boulders. Refuge Cove will be visible shortly afterwards.
Day 3 Little Waterloo Bay to Telegraph Saddle, 12km 4.5 hours.
Leave Little Waterloo Bay and head inland where you will cross a number of swampy areas before climbing to a saddle between Mounts Wilson and Boulder. Eventually you will come to the Telegraph Track which leads north to Telegraph Saddle Carpark.
Need to know
Southern Overnight Hikes
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Little Oberon Bay Walking Track (Norman Point to Oberon Bay) Closed
Little Oberon Walking Track is closed between Norman Point and Oberon Bay until further notice due to significant erosion to the track.Oberon Bay Campsite is only accessible via Telegraph Saddle Walking Track until further notice.Stockyard Campground Closed
Stockyard Campground closed to campers. Bookings for camping at Tidal River can be made online.
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 temporarily closed.Access to Sealers Cove is still achievable via Refuge Cove, which is a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Ground shooting operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks from December 2022 to June 2023.Some access restrictions may apply. Please observe local signage.Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)Buchan Caves ReserveBurrowa-Pine MountainCape Conran Coastal ParkCabbage Tree Creek Flora ReserveErrinundra National ParkHowitt-Wellington PlainsLake Tyers State ParkMount Baw Baw National ParkMount Buffalo National ParkMount Mittamatite Regional ParkMount Mitta Mitta Flora ReserveMount Lawson State ParkMount Granya State ParkMountain Creek Education AreaPheasant Creek Flora ReserveWabba Wilderness ParkWilsons Promontory National Park