Sunday 5/03/2023 Springs Track
Wilsons Promontory National Park, VICTORIA
GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Keen to start our exploration of Wilsons Promontory National Park we stopped at one of the first tracks shown on our map. Springs Track starts several kilometres in from the park entrance and heads towards the east coast. There is no carpark, only enough off-road space for a couple of vehicles. It was a warm morning and we would have the track all to ourselves, which we were later to learn would be something of a rarity at Wilsons Prom.
Max elevation: 27 m
Total climbing: 151 m
Total descent: -151 m
Average speed: 4.52 km/h
Total time: 01:57:24
This is actually a national park-only vehicular track so the walking is easy. We noted one set of tyre marks with many animals tracks on top but ours were the only footprints we saw the whole way. Being a less visited part of the park probably meant our encountering a pair of emus and a shingleback lizard on the track had been more likely than elsewhere.
Blotched Blue-tongued Skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea)
By the time we had reached the coast, we had really warmed up and quickly prepared for a refreshing dip, walking into the very shallow waters off a tiny sandy beach.
We did find this walk worthwhile for the solitude it provided although there were certainly none of the landscape features for which Wilsons Promontory is well known. The multitude of animal tracks and wildlife encounters, however, made up for this.
The local flora, fauna, geology, history and some other walks (ChatGPT)
Wilsons Promontory National Park, also known as “The Prom,” is located in Victoria, Australia and is part of the traditional lands of the GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung peoples. The area has been an important cultural site for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years, and there is evidence of Indigenous occupation and use of the area dating back at least 6,500 years. The park is now jointly managed by Parks Victoria and the Gunaikurnai and Bunurong peoples.
The flora of Wilsons Promontory was incredibly diverse, ranging from towering eucalyptus trees to beautiful wildflowers that bloomed in a riot of colour during the spring months. The area was also home to a range of shrubs, ferns, and other plants that had adapted to the unique conditions of the region, including the harsh coastal winds and the occasional bushfire.
The fauna of Wilsons Promontory was equally diverse, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and wombats wandering through the underbrush, and emus striding across the open plains. The surrounding waters were home to seals, dolphins, and a variety of fish species, including the famous southern bluefin tuna.
The geology of Wilsons Promontory was shaped by millions of years of geological activity, including volcanic eruptions and glacial movements. The landscape was dotted with rocky outcrops, towering cliffs, and stunning beaches, each one a testament to the power of nature and the passage of time.
The history of Wilsons Promontory was just as fascinating as its natural beauty. The area was once home to indigenous communities, who had lived on the land for tens of thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The arrival of Europeans brought significant changes to the area, including the establishment of grazing and farming operations, as well as timber harvesting.
Today, Wilsons Promontory is a protected national park that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the region. The park features a range of different walks and trails, from short, easy walks that take visitors through the surrounding woodland areas, to challenging hikes that climb to the summit of some of the park’s highest peaks.
The Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove walks are particularly popular, taking visitors on a scenic journey through the stunning coastal landscapes of the park, where they can see a variety of plant and animal life up close. The park is also home to several campsites and accommodations, making it the perfect destination for a nature-filled vacation.
Overall, Wilsons Promontory is a truly remarkable place, offering a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of this part of Victoria. Its stunning beauty and unique ecosystem make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to explore the wonders of the Australian landscape.
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