79 The magical Wilson’s Promontory – Tidal River to Squeaky Beach Walk

The Magica Wiso’s Prootoy

The southernmost tip of Australian’s mainland is arguably the most spectacular place in our fine country. Wilson’s Promontory National Park, affectionately known as the Prom, will take your breath away with its picturesque landscape and natural beauty.

The Prom is a walker’s paradise. Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area, spanning over 50,000 hectares, houses not only an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas, and swamp wallabies but a labyrinth of walking tracks around Tidal River, which is a 30-minute drive from the national park entrance. The variety of trails encourages spending several nights in the national park with an option to also complete an overnight hike.

Ranging from a grade 2, which is suitable for all walkers on a track that is generally mostly flat, to grade 4 hikes that require previous experience and a good level of fitness, the Prom walks are the best way to take in all this national park has to offer.

In the middle of difficulty levels and one of the most popular tracks is the Tidal River to Squeaky Beach walk. Starting at Tidal River footbridge, this walk hugs the contours of the coast offering views of Norman Bay and the famous Squeaky Beach before strolling on the white sand of the latter. Although this is a walk, you certainly will want to go for a swim at Squeaky Beach. The alluring turquoise ocean is irresistible.

Located just a few hundred metres from the Tidal River Visitor Centre (where you can collect a walking guide and map), Tidal River footbridge provides access from the camping grounds to the north side and is a wonderful spot to start this walk. In good weather, canoers and children playing give a joyous spirit to the tea-coloured river that floats out to Norman Bay.

Take in the granitic mountains and hills from the bridge and throughout the walk. It’s a steady climb over the headland to the first viewing and rest point if you need. The outlook to Norman Beach is worth the pause. Sections of the gravel trail are pleasantly shaded by a tunnel created by the lined tea trees and grasslands.

The Prom’s grass trees Xanthorrhoea australis provides food in the form of nectar, pollen, larvae and seeds for the birds, insects, and mammals in the area. This unique plant is also unfortunately susceptible to a deadly pathogen, so as the signage indicates, people should stick to the formed paths to stop the spread.

Tida Rive to Squeaky Beach Wak

Words & Images Danielle Ralph

Half-way through the walk, there is the option to continue up the path to Pillar Point before returning to the intersection and continuing to Squeaky Beach. Pillar Point is an outcrop of granite boulders from which panoramic views of Norman and Squeaky Beaches and the Prom’s offshore islands can be obtained. However, you will need to navigate uneven ground and rocks to get to this lookout, so proceed with caution.

One of the most spectacular features on this walk is the large granite boulders. As the descent down to Squeaky Beach commences, the striking size, quirky shapes, and shades of colour of the rocks become even more eye-catching.

There is no better path than one that has the green mountains on one side and the sparkling turquoise ocean on the other.

Take in just how glorious that ocean is as it comes into view along the windy path that heads down to Squeaky Beach. This beach may be famously named after the fine, rounded grains of quartz sand that squeaks under your feet, but the true beauty is that stunning turquoise water in contrast to the mountains and surrounding rock formations. The gravel path turns to sand having arrived at the beach. It’s recommended to take a dip and refresh at the opposite end to the entrance from the walking trail. As noted on the signage and like many beaches here, swimmers need to be mindful of ocean swells and conditions. Surf Life Saving patrols generally do not supervise here.

Although the guide is an hour and half to complete the Tidal River to Squeaky Beach walk, to fully enjoy the experience including a swim in the beach, allow half a day. The track that leads to Squeaky Beach is the same one for the return journey to Tidal River.

For those ready for a grade 4 challenge, the uphill Mt Oberon Summit hike should be on your bucket list. The reward is the 360-degree views of Wilson’s Promontory National Park. What a treasure.