Stockyard Picnic Area

A woman rolls up a tent flap as a man moves more camping gear from the car to the tent.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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Stockyard Picnic Area

A nice alternative to the often-busy Tidal River, the Stockyard picnic area is hidden among eucalypts and banksias near the Wilsons Promontory National Park entrance.

The grassy surrounds are a favourite of native wildlife, while the in-flower banksias attract colourful native birds. Spot kangaroos, wallabies and wombats as they visit the picnic grounds and Crimson Rosellas, New-holland Honeyeaters darting between nectar-rich foliage.

Camping is currently not permitted at Stockyard.

Things to do in the area

 
A couple stop to enjoy the view of the ocean sat upon a granite boulder at Tongue Point.

Darby River to Tongue Point

Commencing at the Darby River car park, a sandy track follows Darby River as it winds its way to the coast. The small exposed beach is embraced at each end by rocky headlands. Please stay on the beach and avoid climbing fragile sand dunes
Family walks together on a coastal track at Wilsons Promontory

Day walks at the Prom

There are many walks around the Prom. The walks provide a perfect opportunities to view native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, emus and wombats as well as some spectacular views.
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.

How to get there

Stockyard Picnic Area

Stockyard Picnic Area sits right by the Wilsons Promontory National Park entrance. You may need to do a safe u-turn just past the park entrance to access the campground.

If you are driving, Stockyard Picnic Area is approximately 2.5-hours drive south east of Melbourne. Follow the Monash Freeway east before turning onto the South Gippsland Freeway and following signs to Wilsons Promontory.
Stockyard Picnic Area

When you're there

No opening hours apply to Wilsons Promontory National Park. While Stockyards is nestled in the northern section of the park, there is ample of fun to be had in the southern section. Download the Wilsons Promontory National Park visitor guide for more information about the park.

Need to know

Stockyard Picnic Area

Accessibility

The Wilsons Promontory Visitor Information Centre hires out an all-terrain wheelchair known as a TrailRider. The TrailRiders are free to hire, but must be booked through the information centre. Call on (03) 8427 2122 for more information.

The TrailRider is motorised and requires a minimum of two people to operate. Four operators are recommended for long trails or walks with significant gradients. The passenger of the TrailRider chair is required to wear a bike helmet when using the chair and visitors are asked to provide their own helmet.

The level of access to park trails and park beaches will largely depend on fitness of chair operators, ground surface, trail gradients and other factors. The All-terrain wheelchairs available easily disassemble and fit in the back of a station wagon.

Be prepared and stay safe

Wilsons Promontory National Park is in the South and West Gippsland fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions.

Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

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

    Tidal River Footbridge Closed

    Tidal River Footbridge is closed due to safety concerns following an engineering assessment.

    Pillar Point and Tidal Overlook Walking Tracks can be accessed from Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark and Squeaky Beach.

    Apologies for any inconvenience. 

    Stockyard Campground & Toilet Block Closed

    Stockyard Campground and Toilet Block are closed until further notice. 

    Stockyard Campground & Toilet Block Closed

    Stockyard Campground and Toilet Block are closed until further notice. 

    TIDAL RIVER GENERAL STORE STOCKTAKE CLOSURE

    The Store will be closed for stocktake all day on Wednesday 25 June. Therefore all day visitors, accommodation guests and Parks Victoria staff will need to make their own arrangements for food and groceries on that day.
     
    The closest alternative for supplies is the Yanakie General Store, around 35 minutes' drive to the north of Tidal River. 

    Park Closure - 5pm Sunday 17 August to 8am Friday 22 August 2025

    Wilsons Promontory National Park will be closed to all park visitors from 5pm Sunday 17th August to 8am Friday 22nd August 2025 to undertake essential park management and conservation programs. 

  • 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.

Similar Experiences

 

Thurra River Campground

This campground is located in coastal woodland between the river and the ocean near Point Hicks. This is a popular spot for families to relax on hot days.
Two hikers cross an estuary in the Croajingolong National Park.

Tamboon Inlet Campground

Access is by boat only. Car-based camping is available at the nearby Peachtree Creek Reserve, situated on the eastern shores of Tamboon Inlet.
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