Wilsons Promontory camping: sites, booking and tips

Wilsons Promontory camping centres on one place, the Tidal River campground, and in 2011 it comes with a warning. A severe weather event damaged the park in March 2011. Tidal River was closed to campers after it, and Parks Victoria says many areas remain closed. Read the notice before you plan a trip. Then use this guide to see how sites are normally booked.

The Prom sits at the southern tip of mainland Australia. It has granite peaks, forest, rainforest and long beaches. Most campers normally stay at Tidal River, near the beach and river.

Sources for this section: Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park (park home page, Change of conditions notice).

What the March damage means for your trip

The park was damaged in March 2011. Parks Victoria says many areas remain closed, including some day walks and all overnight hikes. Boat launching at Tidal River is not available either.

In late April 2011 the southern part of the park, south of the Darby River bridge and including Tidal River, was to stay closed until around mid-year. Bookings at Tidal River up to 30 June 2011 were suspended. We could not find a firm reopening date for campers. So the first step is simple. Check the Parks Victoria "Change of conditions" notice for the Prom on the day you book and again the week you leave. Tell the booking staff what you want to do, and ask what is open. Do not plan a walk or a boat trip from an old brochure.

Sources for this section: Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park (Change of conditions notice); Foster Community Online, 27 April 2011 notice "Tidal River to re-close for repair works".

The Tidal River campground, as it normally runs

Tidal River is the main camping place in the park. Before the flood it had around 480 camping and caravan sites set near the beach and the river. Twenty sites are powered, and Parks Victoria says to pre-book those because they are popular.

• Fires and generators: campfires and generators are not allowed, so bring a gas or fuel stove.
• Distance to the beach: the campground and cabins are within walking distance of Norman Beach.
• Other beds: if you do not want a tent, Tidal River also has cabins, huts, group lodges and Wilderness Retreats.

Outside the peak periods, sites are not allocated in advance. You normally pick a spot when you arrive, and the first people in get first choice. Ask Parks Victoria whether that still applies while repairs go on.

Sources for this section: Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Camping and accommodation page.

How booking works, and when to apply

Demand is high, so the rules change through the year. These are the normal rules Parks Victoria sets out. Ask staff what applies while Tidal River is affected.

1. Ordinary weeks: you can book up to 12 months ahead by phone on 13 1963. Parks Victoria recommends booking from Australia Day to Easter.
2. The summer ballot: for the five weeks from Christmas to late January, sites are given out by ballot. Applications are made online during June. The 2011-12 ballot closed on 30 June 2011, so this summer's draw is done and applicants have been told the result.
3. Easter, Labour Day and Melbourne Cup weekends: sites are given out by online application, first in, first served.

Minimum stays apply in the busiest periods. The ballot also carries a cancellation fee once you have been drawn, so only apply if you can go. If you missed the ballot, ask about cancellations and about weeks outside the five-week block.

Sources for this section: Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Camping and accommodation page and Peak season bookings information.

Short walks near the camp

The best short walks start close to Tidal River. Squeaky Beach is the best known. Its rounded quartz sand makes a squeaking sound under your feet. Parks Victoria lists two ways to reach it.

The Tidal Overlook track climbs the headland between Norman and Leonard Bays. It gives the best views of the Prom's west coast. Because of the March damage, ask which tracks are open before you set out.

Sources for this section: Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach page; Change of conditions notice.

Packing and planning tips

• Bring a gas or fuel stove, since fires are banned.
• Bring food for the whole stay. Flood damage may limit shops and services, so ask what is open before you rely on any of them.
• Pack for cold wind and rain. The Prom faces Bass Strait.
• Phone Parks Victoria on 13 1963 for the newest news on closures and sites.

Rules, closures and fees change, so confirm each point with Parks Victoria before you pay. This guide is general information only.

Sources for this section: Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Camping and accommodation page.

Sources

1. Parks Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park: parkweb.vic.gov.au
2. Parks Victoria, Camping and accommodation, Wilsons Promontory: parkweb.vic.gov.au
3. Parks Victoria, Peak season bookings information: parkweb.vic.gov.au
4. Parks Victoria, Squeaky Beach: parkweb.vic.gov.au