Irecently squeezed in a day tour to Wilsons Promontory National Park in South Gippsland, Victoria. Wilsons Promontory, (nicknamed the "Prom" by the locals), is the southern most point of mainland Australia, jutting sharply out into the Bass Strait. It is covered by vast towering granite outcrops and wide spreading eucalypt forests punctuated by grooves of Banksia bush and lush fern gullies, laden with unique pink berry clad Lilly Pilly trees in the cool moisture soaked gullies Our first pitstop was the quant town of Fish Creek where we collected our picnic lunch, then we rolled on down into Wilsons Promontory to the base of Mount Bishop. A leisurely walk if taken at a steady pace, the track corkscrews between huge granite slabs gently winding up the steep contours. We were rewarded at the summit by stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape and Bass Strait ocean, and a much anticipated lunch!
After a quickly paced decent, we then drove to Tidal River, a popular well equipped camping ground and met with two friendly and patient hairy nosed wombats who proceded to pose for the cameras in a long suffering manner. We then plodded around the coast in warm sunshine to Squeaky Beach, a fine white quartz grained beach that squeaks when you stomp along the sand. Seriously! We then cooled our feet in the sparkling turquose ocean and jumped on the bus to trundle along the track up to the plains of Derby River. By this time it was dusk and our cheerful, talkative guide took us on a information packed walk pointing out the diverse range of fauna, including the colourful Rosellas and Gallahs. Emus and kangaroos grazed quietly at a distance, cautious glances darting in our direction.
After the hazy orange sunset, we headed back to sleepy Fish Creek for some fresh fish and chips for tea, and trundled on through the darkness, only punctuated by the shimmering moon light bouncing off the calm Westernport Bay.
All together a well rounded trip with Luke, a helpful and knowledgable guide throughout the duration of the day. Very good value for such an extensive 1 day tour. Thumbs up!”
Ben |