Sunday 5/03/2023 Tidal Beach – Tidal Overlook Circuit – Pillar Point Lookout – Squeaky Bay Walk – Squeaky Beach
Wilsons Promontory National Park, VICTORIA
GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
After setting up camp in Tidal River Campground we headed out at 4:00pm to explore the local area. First heading across the heavily tannin-stained Tidal River across the curved footbridge before turning west and heading towards Pillar Point. Being situated right next to a 450-site campground you will likely never be alone on any nearby walk and that was certainly the case today.
Max elevation: 79 m
Total climbing: 509 m
Total descent: -508 m
Average speed: 4.44 km/h
Total time: 02:56:05
Still on the Tidal Overlook Circuit track section, I found someone surprisingly getting well within 1m of a rosella whilst taking its photo, I guess the local birds are well used to encountering people! Past the footbridge, the track climbs gradually and provides some good views back over Tidal River and beyond to the south. The track splits before Pillar Point with the other branch heading off to Squeaky Beach. We walked out to Pillar Point from which there are great views across Norman Beach and the coast towards the southeast.
Leonard Point and Squeaky Beach from Squeaky Beach Track
After returning to the Squeaky Beach track junction Sue headed back to camp, whilst I continued on towards Squeaky Beach. The track first heads off towards the southwest as it descends off the headland before turning to the north and Squeaky Beach a bit further along. There are great views as you descend to the beach and some notable weathered granite formations along the coastal fringe. Near the beach, I walked along the rocky foreshore looking for scenic viewpoints.
Now around 5:00pm there were still a lot of people on the far (northern) end of Squeaky Beach, which has a carpark located about 300m inland. Being low tide the walking was easy on firm sand and there were some interesting reflections on the wet sand. On the northern end of the beach, there are some very picturesque granite boulders where the small runs into the sea, demanding a few more photos be taken. The big challenge here was trying to get them without accompanying people, in the end, this provided fruitless, as a 15-minute wait for a departing surfer to put his shoes and socks on wasn’t long enough and someone else walking in and perched themselves on top on one of the rocks. Best visit at dawn or dusk!
Bare-nosed Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) on Tidal Overlook Circuit Track
There wasn’t much left of the day by the time I got back to camp but I did gain a very rewarding wildlife encounter on my return walk. Above Tidal River there was a wombat, not far from where I had seen the bird encounter on the way in. The wombat noted my presence and quickly made its way off track, without going too far. Then as I was walking past trying for a photo it decided to check me out and as I stood still came right up to my feet and seemed to inspect me! It seemed very comfortable with human company and I expect it frequently encounters friendly humans and has grown to trust them enough so as to not be scared off.
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.
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries and other content
