Tidal River, Victoria: What are the best things to do?

The best things to do in Tidal River, Victoria, are the Wilsons Promontory Cruises from Norman Beach. There are also several excellent walking trails – including those to Squeaky Beach and Little Oberon Bay.

Tidal River, Victoria, is the main hub of the Wilsons Promontory National Park. To call it a town would be heavily overegging things. Tidal River is essentially a giant campground run by Parks Victoria.

There is a general store in Tidal River, which also serves takeaway food. But there is no fuel – you’ll have to stop in Yanakie or Fish Creek for that.

Tidal River accommodation

The main point of Tidal River is to act as a base for the Wilsons Promontory National Park, one of the best places to see wildlife in Victoria. Tidal River accommodation includes the Tidal River Cabins, managed by Parks Victoria, but most stay in the campgrounds.

Tidal River accommodation should be booked via Parks Victoria.

4 ways to explore Wilsons Promontory

Wilderness cruise from Tidal River – with plenty of wildlife viewing.
Small group day tour from Melbourne – with focus on hiking.
Small group eco tour from Melbourne – including Squeaky Beach.
Full day catamaran cruise from Port Welshpool.

Wilsons Promontory Cruises

Tidal River, Victoria, is also home to the fantastic Norman Beach. This is where Wilsons Prom’s best tour departs from. Wilsons Promontory Cruises heads out around the coastline for two-and-a-half hours in an amphibious boat.

This cruise takes in several islands, including the Glennies, Ander Island and the enormous granite monolith, Skull Rock. You’re also likely to see Australian fur seals and dolphins on the way.

Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria — Tidal River on Wilsons Promontory, Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Tidal River walks

If you’d prefer to explore under your own steam, there are several excellent walks in the Tidal River area. The easiest is the wheelchair-accessible, 1km-long Loo-Errn Track. This is mostly boardwalk along the river. Interpretive signs along the way explain the birdlife on show.

The best things to do in Tidal River, Victoria, also include the 8.2km walk to Little Oberon Bay, which offers great views of the islands, and the 4.2km climb over the headland towards Squeaky Beach.

For more walks, Parks Victoria has a useful list of routes.

Good spots elsewhere on Wilsons Prom include Fairy Cove and Whisky Bay.

This article came as a result of a Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip in March/ April 2022. This trip was supported by Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria.