Is Tidal River Campground at Wilsons Prom the Best Campsite in Victoria?

Wilsons Promontory, 3-hour drive from Melbourne, boasts around 480 campsites! But Tidal River Campground makes choosing a spot a whole lot easier.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

About Tidal River Campground

Wilsons Promontory – nicknamed ‘The Prom’ – consists of 505km² of National Park on the southernmost point of mainland Australia.

After camping at Tidal River for just short of a week we completely understood why the National Park is one of Victoria’s most loved places. Swapping phone reception for sunsets and crowded streets for peaceful nights under a million stars is kind of a no-brainer.

From the iconic granite peak of Mt Oberon to the long stretches of pristine coastline (including Squeaky Beach!), this iconic national park is a magnet for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re seeking solitude on hidden trails, hiking one of the many walking trails, or catching sunrise views over Norman Beach, every turn offers another stunning view.

With activities for all kinds of explorers, The Prom’s unspoiled landscapes invite you to roam, relax, and get truly lost in nature.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

You’ll definitely see plenty of birds and wombats around camp too – remember, animal feeding isn’t allowed!  | @megforbesphotography

History of Tidal River Campground

The heart of Wilsons Promontory, Tidal River Campground, has been a family camping destination since the 1940s, attracting generations of visitors who come to experience the Prom’s raw coastal beauty.

Originally established to provide accessible nature escapes, the campground has evolved over the years while preserving its connection to the natural landscape and its status as a home to many rambling wombats.

The Prom’s wilderness has long been recognised for its diverse ecosystems and its significance to the Boonwurrung and Gunaikurnai Peoples, who have deep connections to this land.

Today, Tidal River is the launching pad for a number of hikes and outdoor adventures.

If you can’t fit it all in or don’t know where to start, trekking up Mt Oberon and visiting Norman Beach are a must.

Can recommend departing Tidal Campground on foot to hike to the top of Mt Bishop for sunrise | @jessleenheme

How To Get To Tidal River Campground

Type ‘Tidal River Campground’ into Google Maps. It’s roughly 200km from Melbourne so about a 3-hour drive.

Skill Level

Beginner

Essential Gear For Wilsons Prom National Park

• Camping gear
• Good shoes for bushwalking
• Surfboard or kayak
• Camera and gear
• First aid kit

Sandals are good, but bare feet on sand and smooth rock? Bliss

What It’s Like Camping at Tidal River Campground

You can only enter Wilsons Promontory by one road, winding through the valley, observing the mountains, and getting glimpses of the beautiful coastline before reaching the campground.

Being outside of school holidays, we had our pick of the unpowered campsites just over the dune from Norman Beach.

This is rarely the case! In summer you normally have to enter a ballot around June to land yourself a patch of ground at this campsite. In the summer of 2024 Parks Victoria announced a free camping initiative so you might be lucky and score a site not just when you want it, but also for no dollars down!

Make sure you ask Park Rangers at your designated campsite before putting up your hammock and use tree-friendly straps to protect the bark!

It’s not often you get a National Park with facilities like these. You could consider it glamping, with toilet blocks containing showers, power points, phone charging lockers, washing machines, and the luxury of a porcelain toilet.

If you want the extra support, a local company Good Times Tours runs all-inclusive camping tours, which are definitely worth checking out.

During the week we completed many of the shorter walks around Wilsons Promontory but there’s also plenty of other options like fishing, surfing, swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.

Even if you just laze around camp, views of the huge granite mountains, open rainforest, and sweeping coastlines never grow old.

FAQs Tidal River Campground

Will I get bored at Tidal River Campground?

Boredom doesn’t exist in Wilsons Prom! To make the most of the beautiful April weather we spent our time surfing and swimming at Norman beach, kayaking the Tidal River, going on different bushwalks to incredible lookouts, and soaking in the beautiful scenery.

Do I need a booking to camp at Tidal River?

Yes, especially in peak season! Even when promotions are running for free campsites you still need to book ahead.

What facilities are available at the campground?

Tidal River has toilets, hot showers, washing machines, charging lockers, and even BBQs.

Is there mobile reception at Tidal River?

Reception is spotty at best, so prepare to unplug and embrace the wilderness.

Can I bring my own kayak or surfboard?

Absolutely! Norman Beach is ideal for both, plus there’s kayak access on the Tidal River.

Adventures Worth Having in Wilsons Prom

• Hike the Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit
• Hiking at Wilsons Promontory Eastern Circuit
• Weekend Dreaming on Wilsons Prom