Wilsons Promontory: Day Trips and Tours from Melbourne

Located on the southernmost tip of Australia is Wilsons Promontory. With expansive sandy beaches and glorious granite peaks, the Prom, as it is affectionately known, is popular with Victorians and tourists alike.

Whether you want to spend a day on the beach or hiking in the Aboriginal landscape, a day trip to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne is guaranteed to please.

Here's all you need to know about Wilsons Promontory, one of the most exciting day trips from Melbourne.

How to get to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne?

Wilsons Promontory is located about 200 kilometers southeast of Melbourne. You can reach the peninsula by car, public transportation (up to Fish Creek) or a guided tour.

From Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory by car

The most straightforward route to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne is via the M1, A440 and C444 roads. Leaving Melbourne on the M1, you take the South Gippsland Freeway (M420/A440) and follow it to Meeniyan.

From there, you take the Meeniyan - Promontory Road (C444), which will lead you to the Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Keep in mind that there are no fuel stations at Tidal River, with the closest one located at Yanakie. The journey should take just under 3 hours without stops.

From Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory by public transport

There are a few bus services from the Southern Cross Coach Terminal in Melbourne that can take you to Fish Creek, in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. From there you can head to Wilsons Promontory, about 40 kilometers away, by taxi.

Guided tour to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne

If you would rather avoid the long drive or negotiating bus schedules, you can book a guided tour to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne. Many of the tours offer a hotel pickup and drop-off service in luxury air-conditioned vehicles, as well as the option of a cruise.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your journey to Wilsons Promontory begins early in the morning with a pickup at your hotel or prearranged meeting point in Melbourne. During the drive to the southern coast, there will be a few stops along the way to stretch your legs and stock up on snacks and drinks.

Once you arrive at the Prom, your tour guide will show you around the scenic beaches and forest trails. Along the way, you may encounter some of Australia's most recognizable residents, such as kangaroos, wallabies and emus.

Most tours include a hike up Mountain Bishop, giving you a spectacular panoramic view of the Bass Strait and the granite cliffs of Giant Rock. When the tour concludes, you will be dropped off back at your hotel in Melbourne.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Wilsons Promontory?

There are a few different kinds of tours to Wilsons Promontory, depending on how much time you have available, what you would like to do and your budget.

Guided tours to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne

The most straightforward way to explore Wilsons Promontory is with a guided tour. Most of the tours on offer include transportation by coach or minivan and guided walks through the Australian rainforest and bush. Depending on the itinerary, guided tours can last 10 to 14 hours.

There are also boat tours around the coast, however these typically depart from ports near Wilsons Promontory. The duration of these tours is usually 2.5 to 3 hours, with cruises including whale spotting lasting 6 hours.

Private tour to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne

For a more flexible and relaxed excursion to Wilsons Promontory, consider booking a private tour from Melbourne. These tours include luxury transportation in air-conditioned minivans and are ideal for small groups and families, as they are customizable.

During your private tour, you will also have the undivided attention of your guide. Private tours typically last 10 to 12 hours.

How much does a day trip to Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne cost?

The most affordable way to tour Wilsons Promontory is with a guided day trip, which usually costs US$90 to US$130 per person, depending on the itinerary and duration.

Guided boat tours around the coast are about US$100 per person, while cruises that include whale watching are priced at US$130 per person. These do not include transportation to the departure points.

The cost of a private guided tour to Wilsons Promontory starts from about US$120 per person. The final price depends on the size of your group.

What will you see and do?

Wilsons Promontory is a very popular family-friendly destination that gets very busy over the summer months, thanks to its sandy beaches and spectacular mountain views.

The iconic Squeaky Beach with its white sand is the star attraction, but you can also check out Norman Beach for some surfing or Picnic Bay to explore the rock pools. On the northern end of the Prom, you will find the Big Drift sand dunes, which are nothing short of spectacular at sunset.

Should you have a few hours to spare, you can also arrange to go on a boat cruise. Aside from enjoying the spectacular view of the coastline, you will also likely get to see seabirds, seals, leatherback turtles and even whales.

If you are looking for something more active, there are many hiking opportunities. The trails to the summits of mountains Oberon and Bishop take about 1.5 hours, while the more demanding trek to Sealers Cove can take up to 3 hours.

When is the best time to visit Wilsons Promontory?

The best time to visit Wilsons Promontory is during the summer high season, between January and May, when it is the warmest and sunniest. For a more relaxed experience, you can visit from June to September, when it is still relatively warm, despite the moderate humidity.

What other places can be visited from Melbourne?

• Yarra Valley
• Phillip Island
• Penguin Parade
• Twelve Apostles
• Grampians National park
• Sovereign Hill

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes to best enjoy the hiking trails.
• Avoid feeding or interfering with wild animals, it can be dangerous.
• Bring water and snacks with you for the journey.
• Visit on weekdays and as early as possible in the morning, when it is less crowded.