Last Visited: 20/09/2010
Length (km): 5.8 km
Time (hrs/min): 2 hours
Grade: Easy
Return / Circuit / One-Way / Partial Circuit: Circuit
Region: South-East Victoria
Park: Wilsons Promontory National Park
Closest Town: Yanakie (30 km)
Maximum Elevation: approx. 189 m (according to MapMyHike.com)
Total Ascent: approx. 179 m (according to MapMyHike.com)
Further Details / Source(s): Inspiring Gippsland Walks brochure.
Car Access: Once through the park gates, keep an eye out for a sign on the left to the Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark. The walk begins from here.
This was our introduction to The Prom and while it would hardly be the highlight of the park, it gives an insight into how diverse the place is. I can’t wait to go back and do some longer walks down there! We completed the walk in the opposite direction to the way recommended in the Park Note, so that is the way I’ll describe here. I don’t think it would make too much difference which way you walk.
Since our visit was in early Spring, we were treated to the
beginnings of a magnificent wildflower display
Head up Mount Bishop Track (the track to the left of the toilet), climbing slowly through tall stringybark forest. When you come to a track junction, you have the option to take a short detour to the summit of Mount Bishop. We weren’t sure enough about how much time we had so we skipped the detour but later wished we hadn’t. Unfortunately I didn’t take note of the time/distance this would have added to our walk so I can’t provide you with those details but at most it would be a few extra km. If you don’t wish to visit the summit, continue straight ahead.
Tidal River
The track begins to drop into Lilly Pilly Gully and loops back around to join up with the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk (the shorter and more accessible alternative to this walk). You will soon find yourself alongside the crystal clear waters of Tidal River. Another optional short detour is available here on a boardwalk through one of Australia’s southern-most patches of warm temperate rainforest. We did spend a few minutes checking out the boardwalk, so it is included in the time and distance estimates above.
A section of the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk
At the end of the boardwalk circuit, continue south-west on the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk. The remainder of the track meanders through much more open forest (lots of fire damage is visible here) and huge groups of grass tree’s, taking you straight back to Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark.
Note: This walk was part of a feature article that I co-wrote, which appeared in the February/March 2011 issue of Great Walks Magazine.
Accommodation Ideas:
- Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Retreats – A cross between tent and luxury bush-cabin, the Wilderness Retreats are the best accommodation available at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Unfortunately they have a price tag to match, so they probably won’t be the accommodation of choice for the average hiker. If visiting with a loved one for a special occasion, I recommend you consider them for something special.
- Tidal River Camping & Accommodation – This is the only other accommodation in Wilsons Promontory National Park, although there are other towns with accommodation outside of the park. I have never stayed here myself so I can’t really comment, apart from to say that Tidal River is a beautiful spot.
Related Walks:
- Mount Oberon Summit was the only other walk that we had a chance to complete during our short stay at Wilsons Promontory.
- Update (9/1/2019): I’ve now publshed a guide to all the best walks in Wilsons Promontory National Park, along with everything you need to know to plan your trip.
Have you visited Lilly Pilly Gully? If you have any stories, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.
