THE PROM PAGE

Wilson's Promontory, the southernmost point of the Victorian mainland, is one of Gippsland and Victorias most spectacular coastal location, and one of my favourite places to be.

This panorama is made up of seven shots taken from the rugged Northern slopes of Mt Norgate. In the centre is Oberon Bay and Mt Oberon, with Norman Island to the left and Mt Wilson and Monkey rocks out to the right. The view actually takes in nearly a full 180 degrees, and shows beautifully the contrasting landscape of the Promontory. Click it to see the larger version.

Granite mountain ranges topped with mist and cloud one minute, sunshine the next. Long and short walks through trickling ferny glades to hidden blue coves and white sand beaches. Ancient trees and monolithis, open grass plains and rugged coastal scenery. The historic Lighthouse, majestic Rodondo Island (below). The Kangaroos, wallabies, emus, parrots and countless other native creatures.

And for those who prefer a more conventional seaside holiday, or just passing through on a day trip, the Tidal River camping park and tourist centre provides all you could need. The Prom has something for everyone.

Rodondo Island, about 10 miles (16km) off the south end of the Wilson's Prom.

Click here for more on Rodondo Island.

Promontory Facts and figures.

Wilson's Promontory National Park covers an area of 49,000 ha.

Formed by volcanic action around 380 million years ago, the Prom forms the visible tip of a range that runs beneath Bass Strait to Tasmania, once joining Tassie to the mainland.

Around 700 species of native flora have been identified on the Prom, from tiny ground orchids to the tallest eucalypts.

Many native animals are present on the Prom, from Kangaroos and Echidnas to gliders and bats. Interestingly, a variety of species such as the platypus and lyrebird which were not known to inhabit the Prom but were introduced in the early days as a national park, failed to take hold in the environment and are said not to be found there today.

About 230 species of birds have been noted at the Prom, many of which are permanent inhabitants.

The spectacular environment of the Prom has been subjected to cattle grazing, bushfire, quarrying, logging and introduction of foreign species such as the fox in the years since European settlement.

The campaign for national park status began in 1880, and after years of politics, the Prom finally received full status as a National Park in 1908.

Click Here to see a map of Wilson's Prom.

Bushwalking on the Prom

The Prom is laced with walking tracks, the means of seeing much of what this fantastic park has to offer. It is also sometimes possible to gain permits for off track walks in approved areas, though the criteria for such walks is strict, and rightly so. The off track environment of the Prom, complete with it's magnetic anomalies, is not for the inexperienced.

There are one or two particular points to note about walking on the Prom.  Firstly, the weather is very changeable. Its like the whole place has its own private weather system.  Beautiful one minute... hailing the next!  You can sit at Walkerville, across the inlet, in brilliant Spring sunshine, and watch the Prom disappear in flashing thunderclouds.  This is all part of the spectacular nature of this unique and beautiful place... but you have to be aware of it, and be ready for any conditions. The sky, and temperature, can quite literally can drop on you with no warning, and you may find the forecasts have little to do with what actually happens.

Other points to remember are that no fires are allowed, and permits must be obtained for access to the park and for all walks, on or off track, being undertaken. These can be obtained at the rangers station or at Tidal River, and the tourist and information centre at Tidal can provide all you need to know about making the most of the Prom.

Boat at anchor on Refuge Cove

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