Tidal River Overlook Walk – Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory has a smorgasbord of walks ranging from easy round trips to overnight hikes. The area is mountainous so you need to expect a few steep inclines but in turn, you will also be spoilt with sweeping views. There is an abundance of flora and fauna to explore and the national park is overall a beautiful place to visit. The Tidal River Overlook Walk starts and returns back to the accommodation area so it is easy to find and set-off if you are staying overnight. The walk is marked as 3.8kms but I think it is 3.8kms until you hit the Lily Pilly link track which is still over 1km from Tidal River. It took us a good 2 hours and we did not stop for too long.
From the accommodation area head towards the river and over the bridge. Turn left at the end of the bridge and follow the sandy track up the hill. There is a place to stop and sit halfway up and enjoy the views back over Tidal River and the beach. I did take a moment here – mostly because I was out of breath from the steep start of the walk.
The track continues up the hill and around to the right where you will start to see views of Squeaky beach and the west side of the national park. You can also see out over the ocean and spot the small islands off the coast including skull rock. The track seems to keep a steady incline for a long while and just when you think you cannot climb anymore there is another hill. In saying that the views are breathtaking and you cannot have views without being on top of the world.
Eventually, you get to the highest point and can rest at the area called “The Quiet Place’. This is an area dedicated to rangers who have lost their lives preserving parks internationally. It is a beautiful place to take in the sweeping views of the beaches and Mt Bishop. There is a plaque here where you can read the dedication.
As you start to descend you can see Mt Bishop and Lilly Pilly Gully and also more views of Tidal River. The descent is quite steep in places and I am glad that we did the walk in the direction we did. Although you do incline on the way up the descent is a lot faster and steeper. Eventually, you come to the Lilly Pilly link track where you can head right towards Tidal River or left towards Lilly Pilly Gully and Mt Bishop. The link track meanders back along Tidal River and eventually, you get to the bridge and back to the accommodation area.
Tidal River has a Cafe and general store so if you feel like some refreshments or a snack make sure you call in and have a look at what they have. During the summer months, this area is very busy with campers and other visitors. Accommodation can be scarce so make sure you book ahead if you want to stay in the area.
Overall this walk was amazing and as I have mentioned before, at Wilson’s Prom you are spoilt for choices of walks.
What is your favourite Wilson’s Promontory walk? What further tips do you have for exploring this area?
