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Australia

Hike at Wilsons Promontory

Wilson’s Promontory, or “The Prom” as most Aussies know it, is one of the most pristine and beautiful locations in the state of Victoria. The National Park contains the most Southern point of mainland Australia, is home to an array of flora and fauna, and is a popular destination for campers as well as hikers.

I was lucky to get a three-day, two-night hike in down there recently with some friends just before the floods hit a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, the damage sustained by the torrential downpours caused the closure of much of the park, including the main camping ground at Tidal River. It even forced air-evacuations for a few groups of school kids.

When the park is at its best it is a sensation for the senses; wild rock formations, deep blue and green ocean water, golden sands and dense forest form a stunning environment. The range of colours is incredible, I especially loved the orange glow of the rocks at sunset and sunrise.

Native wildlife is in abundance. We even crossed upon a few snakes on the first day! Wombats are common, especially around the Tidal River campground. Don’t be surprised to come across kangaroos, wallabies, possums, blue-tongued lizards and echidnas either.

Our hike began at the Mt Oberon carpark, went out to Little Waterloo Bay where we spent the first night, on to Refuge Cove for the second, and the return passed through Sealer’s Cove. It was challenging, and you need to be in reasonable shape to do it, but I wouldn’t call it difficult.

If you are keen on getting out there, hit up the Parks Victoria website for updates on the condition of the trails, as well as to obtain a required permit. The number of hikers they let in is limited, so get in early if you plan on going during holiday times. Remember that the weather can change damn quickly down there, so pack accordingly. If you’re not too keen on hiking, the main campground is pretty well kitted out, and the surrounding beaches still have a wow-factor.

 

19 Responses to “Hike at Wilsons Promontory”

  1. Rob says:

    Amazing photos, and part of the world for that matter. You’ve inspired an imminent venture… thanks!
    Rob recently posted..MENTAWAI TATTOO REVIVALMy ComLuv Profile

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  2. Sarah Wu says:

    Such beautiful nature photos guys! Really inspiring and beautiful place to hike.

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  3. Alexandra says:

    I LOVE YOUR BLOG! So cute and so similar to my travel dreams. I am now following, check out my work in progress: http://moneuphorie.blogspot.com/
    Cheers!
    Alexandra

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  4. ayngelina says:

    Love the post processing, seems so fitting for the landscape.
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  5. The NVR Guys says:

    Really great shots. I love how that processing technique gives the pictures a sense of history.
    The NVR Guys recently posted..Travelogue – avoiding “Memory” in PragueMy ComLuv Profile

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  6. Beautiful place, beautiful photos. It sounds like a great place to hike. You certainly were lucky to be there ahead of the floods.
    Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A French Connection on the LESMy ComLuv Profile

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  7. Beautiful photos! I would prefer being there right now instead of in my windowless office for sure!
    Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Gondolas- The “New” Mass-Transit OptionMy ComLuv Profile

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  8. Wow. That’s crazy that they had to air rescue some people out of the park. It looks like a great place!
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  9. Gorgeous photos! We’re hoping to travel to Australia soon, and this area will have to get added to our list of places to visit. :)
    Christy @ Technosyncratic recently posted..Photo Essay- White Sands National MonumentMy ComLuv Profile

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  10. photos are amazing! i’m totally sold on this place- it looks phenomenal- and the wildlife?? seriously?? love it. :)
    Lorna – the roamantics recently posted..The Best Gift EVER- A Friend Gives Me the WorldMy ComLuv Profile

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  11. robin says:

    Wow.

    That’s it. Wow.

    Ultimate hiking country!
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  12. BEAUTIFUL shots!
    xxx

    http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

    P.S: I’m giving away FIVE supercool Travel Photography guides.. I thought you might be interested! :D
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  13. inka says:

    Ha, ha, great, another hike. I love to read about them as long as I don’t have to do them myself.

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  14. What lovely photos of the Prom. Would love the opportunity to go hiking there.

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  15. Grace says:

    The third photo is stunning!! I really want to make my way over to Australia.
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  16. jade says:

    Like the rest of OZ, absolutely stunning!

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  17. Brian says:

    We want to be there! For now, we’ll settle for Kathmandu. We sent you some blog love over on our site. Check it out: http://bit.ly/gkm1zn

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  18. MattyD says:

    Sweet joint, rad pics. Our school had a camping trip planned over a few days, including when the storm was at its most severe, but we bailed out our students the day it hit. The night before the storm, the wind was rather intense too, enough so, that in the morning the kids had to get up and rescue the tent covers from the nearby trees.
    Whinging and complaining about the wild winds, rain and soggy shoes they were crying to their parents to come pick them up. Back at school and upon hearing they could have had free evacuation trips in helicopters, they started complaining again, saying they should have stayed!! Classic kids. Hopefully this doesn’t discourage anyone from going though, it’s a magical place. Something not to be missed.

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  19. Great you were able to see it before it was covered in floods
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    Following you now

    Eileen
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