Explore
Tidal River Campground
Tidal River is the main visitor hub for Wilsons Promontory National Park. This picturesque spot offers a range of accommodations options to make the most of one of Victoria's favourite National Parks.
With 484 camping and caravan sites, this is the most popular and well-equipped camping ground in Wilsons Prom and is the perfect base to enjoy scenic walks, swim, surf or relax at your campsite. Tidal River Campground has a range of beautiful sites - choose between a campsite nestled in the tea trees for a short walk to the sandy shores of Norman Beach or a family-friendly site closer to the calm waters of Tidal River.
If you're interested in spending time at Tidal River, but would prefer the comfort of a cabin or lodge, check out our Tidal River Accommodation.
As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Tidal River is a safe and enjoyable one.
Things to do in the area
Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes
Mount Oberon
Day walks at the Prom

Norman Beach
Squeaky Beach

Whisky Bay
Tidal River Visitor Centre
How to get there
Tidal River Campground
Wilsons Promontory is a three-hour drive from Melbourne. Follow Monash Freeway (M1) to join South Gippsland Freeway (M420/A440) to Meeniyan. Take the Meeniyan‐ Promontory Road (C444) to the Wilsons Promontory entrance.
Tidal River is a further 30 minutes drive from the entrance. Please drive carefully and look out for wildlife. Avoid driving between dusk and dawn. There is no fuel at Tidal River with the closest fuel supplies are at Yanakie, Fish Creek and Foster.
When you're there
The Tidal River General Store stocks basic supermarket items, as well as ice, a range of souvenirs and camping gear. It also offers takeaway food and drinks. The store is open 7 days a week (9am to 5pm) and is closed Christmas Day with reduced opening hours on Boxing Day (9am to 2pm).
A free shuttle bus operates between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle during the summer and Easter holidays and on weekends from November to April. Departure points include the Tidal River Visitor Centre carpark, the overnight hikers carpark (Tidal River) and Telegraph Saddle carpark. Telegraph Saddle carpark is closed to vehicle access when the shuttle bus is in operation.
Bookings for selected holiday periods
Advance bookings apply for selected holiday periods for Tidal River camping, including Labour Day weekend (minimum three nights), Easter weekend (minimum four nights) and Melbourne Cup weekend (minimum four nights).
A ballot is held for booking Tidal River camping and accommodation (except Wilderness Retreats) for the five weeks from Christmas until late January. Minimum stays apply.
See further information on ballots and peak season bookings.
Need to know
Tidal River Campground
Preparing for a busy summer
The Prom gets extremely busy over summer. For both visitor safety and your enjoyment, there is a limit to the number of vehicles that can be in the park. On busy summer days it can be challenging to park and safely move around popular sites like Tidal River and Squeaky Beach as cars and pedestrians often share the same roads.
If you are visiting the Prom this summer, please:
- consider visiting the Prom during on a weekday if you can
- carpool to and within the Prom to reduce congestion issues
- you may have to wait in your car, please bring food and water
- arrive before 10am and be prepared for crowds
- check the Prom webpage before you travel for the latest conditions
- only bring a maximum of two vehicles per site with your camping booking – this will be monitored and enforced
- support the park team by leaving the park when you check-out to allow space for new campers and visitors
Accessibility
A motorised TrailRider and a range of beach wheelchairs are available for free hire from the Tidal River Visitor Centre. They allow people with significant physical disabilities or mobility limitations to explore the great outdoors at Wilsons Promontory National Park.
These all terrain wheelchairs are designed for different abilities and are available for both adults and children. The chairs are suited for sandy and semi-rough tracks where conventional wheelchairs cannot go. Contact the Tidal River Visitor Centre on (03) 8427 2122 for booking enquiries.
Safety in Nature
To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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
Stockyard Campground Closed
Stockyard Campground closed to campers. Bookings for camping at Tidal River can be made online.
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.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