The Wilsons Promontory National Park, commonly known as The Prom, is a national park in the Gippsland region of Victoria, located approximately 160 kilometres southeast of Melbourne.
The 50,500-hectare (125,000-acre) national park is the southernmost national park on mainland Australia, known for its rainforests, beaches and abundant wildlife. It is also the southernmost point on the Australian mainland. A lighthouse on the southern tip has operated continuously since 1859.
The Park is very popular with bushwalkers and campers, and has many lodges and serviced caravan/camping areas near the mouth of Tidal River.
Some of the wonderful granite rock formation, fauna and bird life.
The schools all returned from the summer break on Monday 31st January, the day we took off for another trip in the van. The first after our Western Australian venture. We stayed at Yanakie Caravan Park. The peninsula can be seen in the background and Mt Oberon the highest peak at 560 mtr
Some of the sandy beaches where the incoming tide washes around granite boulders. Also many granite islands surround the The Prom.
One of the many species of Banksia Australian Wildflowers that are recognisable by there cone shaped flowering spikes. They can grow up to 30mtrs. A stop for lunch at the Fish Creek Hotel hit the spot.
An unusual re-work of the popular 60’s Kombi Van cited in Foster a nearby town.
Beautiful Angel Falls near Foster
We have visited the park many times and I have hiked around the peninsula with friends with overnight stops a highlight. Prior to the last Ice Age the mainland was joined to Tasmania at this point. Indigenous tribes have lived here for thousands of years before European settlement.
Extensive sealing occurred at Sealers Cove in the 1850’s to such an extent that seals are no longer found here. It was used as a commando training area during World War II. During the bushfires in 2009 50% of the park was lost to fire damage.
Wombats, kangaroos, emus, possums, birds, no crocodiles, but you guessed it, many snakes, although we did not see any. The park is so popular with campers etc. that booking is essential. December and January are subjected to a ballot system as it is totally booked.
