Last year I was 70 and Liam & Ryan treated me to a weekend away at Wilsons Promontory including a hi-speed boat ride to the surrounding islands. A weekend for three, Sarah was wondering who the third person was, until mum was advised that she was not part of the plan. It was for Liam, Ryan and myself. We decided to take the caravan as the Promontory is one of Victoria’s most popular national park and camping /cabins/ vans. Booking is essential from December till Easter.
See my previous post for details of this stunning park.
We left Friday 3rd March in beautiful sunshine, passing through Korrumburra, Leongatha & Fish Creek.
We arrived with plenty of daylight to spare. I took the opportunity to enlighten Ryan and Liam all the set up procedures for the van, as I hope one day they will use the van to take their families away. There is a lengthy checklist when towing and setting up a van.
The weather forecast was warm and sunny for Melbourne, but The Prom is the southern most point of the mainland and is at the cusp of the the cooler Southern Ocean influence and the hotter northern inland heat from the desert.
Liam and Ryan prepared a lovely meal with drinks and a great night of stories and laughter followed. Also the nightly walk through by a local Wombat.
Around midnight the calm and tranquil night turned into the Windy City, with Liam and myself having to roll in the awning to save it from blowing off.
Head off from base camp (Tidal River) over the top for a hike to Squeaky Beach. Good trail all the way with great views from the top, before we descend down to the beach. The beaches on the prom are wonderful, sandy bottoms, the depth is very gentle, still only waist deep a hundred metres from the shore. Very fine grains of sand that compress under your feet, giving an audible squeak as you walk.
Time to take a dip. Although it is mild, the water is at its warmest, it is windy, which makes the air temperature feel cold when immersed.
Time to reflect and take in the serenity. The view across to Squeaky Beach, and looking back at Tidal River on the ascent 
After a great walk and a swim we decide to head into Foster. This is a small town (pop.2300). It is only about 20 km north of the beautiful Gippsland coastline which includes Shallow Inlet, Corner Inlet, Waratah Bay, Yanakie and Wilsons Promontory. The district is known for its fishing fleet, beef cattle, dairying, sheep production and its local produce which includes cheeses, wines, preserves, potatoes and herbs. The town’s primary appeal is that it is a typical rural destination with quiet beaches, rainforests and waterfalls and time to relax and enjoy peacefulness away from the bustle of the city.
We decided to have lunch in the Exchange Hotel, rebuilt in 1907 after a fire, from Western Australia Jarrah. A few locals in for the horse racing streamed in from around Australia. Had a few bets hoping for luck as I have no knowledge of racing. Lost $25, but had some fun.
A local Crimson Rosella joined us for breakfast. A beautiful warm sunny morning. Some views of Tidal River where we are camped, with the rounded granite rocks that are prominent at The Prom.
The large speed boats that take you to the surrounding Granite Rock Islands that are abundant around the promontory. The sides of the islands drop sheer onto the ocean floor, no sandy beaches here.
Mt Oberon with a height of 558 mtr provides panoramic views of the Promontory and its sandy beaches on all sides. Skull Rock lies 8 klm off the coast and the cave was formed when the sea level was much higher, During the last Ice Age, there was a land bridge to Tasmania.
Thanks for a great weekend Liam & Ryan
