We travelled with our 11-year-old Kidsetter to Wilsons Promontory which is 3 hours from the heart of Melbourne. Wilsons Promontory, or the Prom as it is affectionately known, is the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland.
The Prom’s rugged beauty is due to it’s distinctive granite rock. From the mountain tops to the beaches, the Prom’s landscape owes it’s appearance to the granite boulders formed millions of years ago.
We were fortunate with the weather. A top of 21C perfect for hiking. Our first stop was a stunning area called Picnic Bay. We met an avid surfer whom told us about his Great White Shark encounter. Scary!
The marine parks surrounding Wilson’s Promontory protect an amazing array of marine life. Over 90% of marine plants and animals that live in the southern temperate waters of Australia are found no where else on earth.
Our next stop was Squeaky Beach, which is one of the Prom’s iconic locations. The rounded quartz sand make a ‘squeak’ when walked on.
The rock boulders, also known as ‘Tors’ are stunning and our Kidsetter had fun climbing them. Tors are granite boulders formed when softer surrounding rock erodes. The surface of a tor is often dotted with small dark granite blobs, formed during a much older molten phase.
Over seven different types of granite occur at the Prom. They vary in the amount of black mica, the size of their crystals and the presence of inclusions and other minerals.
Next, we drove to the Wilsons Promontory National Park visitors centre. I can’t stress enough how useful visitors centres are. Even if you consider yourself a local the people working there are exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful. Some even have exhibitions and your Kidsetters will love learning new things.
We hiked the Tidal Overlook Circuit which is an easy hike – 3.8km, 1.5 hours return. Starting at Tidal River Footbridge, this walk takes you to the highest point between Norman and Leonard Bays.
We reached Pillar Point which is an outcrop of granite boulders for breathtaking views of Norman and Squeaky Beaches and the Prom’s offshore islands. You do need to be wary of unprotected cliffs.
Hikes are a great way to bond with your Kidsetters. Kidsetters love opening up and talking about all sorts of topics as you are hiking as you are usually side by side which is a supportive communication technique.
Next, I was eager for us to drive to the Prom Wildlife Walk – 2.3km, 45 minute walk return. This walk takes you across open grasslands to view native wildlife – if you are lucky. I had chatted to a local on our talk down from Pillar Point and learnt that Emus had been visible a month ago. I was super keen on spotting them.
Our Kidsetter is at that ‘tween’ age where after 15 minutes of walking in the afternoon sun he said ‘Why do you want to even see Emu’s? Just look up on YouTube.’ Hmmm….. missing the point I think.
Thankfully the Emu’s showed up for us and they did not disappoint. To our amazement there was a mum with 5 of her chicks. We watched them for at least an hour in awe. Our Kidsetter changed his tune after that experience – funny that.
More diversity exists in the Prom’s heathlands than in a rainforest. Among the wind pruned shrubs, tiny orchids bloom, fast-footed marsupials clash about and birds fill the heath with sound.
Next, we drove to Darby River carpark to commence a hike at Fairy Cove. It’s a 3.8km – 2 hours one way hike. We experienced magnificent views of Darby Swamp and Vereker Range.
We continued gently climbing through windswept coastal vegetation hiking viewed some stunning vistas of Tongue Point and Cotters Beach.
We then drove to the picturesque Whisky Bay for an afternoon swim.
Granite boulders, distinctive of the Prom, frame this sheltered beach. You can see why it’s a favourite for families.
Our Kidsetter enjoyed riding the waves as they rolled in.
The Prom’s landscape is one of the most dramatic in Australia, all of it home to a myriad of wildlife. From sun-drenched summer beaches to secluded winter walks among rainforest, the Prom has something for everyone.
