Wilsons Promontory, Camping or Glamping?

Melita Chaloner

6 years ago

I’m always on the lookout for beach camping spots that retain a sense of wilderness and have excellent facilities. Wilsons Promontory ticks all the boxes and offers every accomodation option you can imagine. Not only that it’s one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever experience.

From safari tents to beach glamping and everything in between.

Let’s take a look at whats on offer.

TIDAL RIVER CAMPING

Tidal River is a campground within Wilsons Promontory National Park surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. It lies on the western coast of Wilsons Promontory with Norman Beach running along one edge and Tidal River along the other.

CHOOSE YOUR CAMPING ADVENTURE

The camp grounds at Tidal River offers a range of camping adventures from luxury glamping to off the grid escapes. There’s the main camp site that has a temporary village and room for nearly 500 tents.

You can choose from powered or unpowered sites, a cabin, hut, a luxury wilderness retreat or a for large groups there are lodges.

The facilities at Tidal River campgrounds are pretty luxe for camping — including a general store for supplies, flush toilets, complimentary hot showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, kitchens with dishwashing stations, picnic areas with gas barbecue grills. There’s even an open-air cinema and a playground.

Unpowered campsite are $31.40 a night. Powered campsites are $35 a night.

See available dates for campsites

Tidal river wilderness retreat

Wilderness Retreat tent accommodation

Enjoy a luxury glamping experience in a spacious safari-style tent. Your accommodation includes elevated weatherproof tents with large wooden sundecks, queen-size bed and a pull out single bed, all bedding, linen, towels, private ensuite bathroom, gas heating, a small fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, quality timber furniture, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, communal barbeque and outdoor chairs.

The safari-style tents are located in a tranquil corner of Tidal River and can accomodate up to three people.

Room Configuration: 1 Bedroom with loungeMaximum Guests: 3 $346.90 a night

View availability here

Tidal river cabins

Tidal River Cabins

The cabins are the best way to spend the weekend with family or friends when you want all the comforts of home or if you’re just not a fan of camping.

There are only 17 cabins available so you need to book as early as 12 months in advance.

The cabins sleep 6, 1 double bedroom, 1 room with 2 bunks. The contain a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and fridge. The mobile phone reception is good. Easy walking distance to the boardwalk, river, beach.
View cabin accommodation here Phone – (03) 8427 2122 between 9am and 4pm.
Rates from $255 per night max occupancy – 6

Tidal river huts

Tidal River Huts

A great alternative to camping and perfectly located to access all that Tidal River has to offer. These single-room huts accommodate either 4 or 6 people.

Each hut has 3 bunk beds, a small table, kitchenette with crockery and cutlery, a small fridge, oven, gas stove, a sink with cold water, and a very effective heater.

Room Configuration: 1 room combined living and sleeping area Maximum Guests:4 $109

Room Configuration: 1 room combined living and sleeping area Maximum Guests:6 $166.80

Hut note- Guests bring their own linen, blankets, pillow and towels and make use of the nearby campground amenities. Linen and towel hire is available upon request.

View hut accomodation here

Tidal River Units

Tidal river units

Equipped with a spacious living area, sun deck, and shared barbecues the Tidal River Units offer a comfortable base to explore the Prom.

The one-bedroom units can accommodate two people in either a queen or two single beds. Adjoining units can be linked to accommodate up to four people.
Domain Unit has ramp access and a fully accessible kitchen and bathroom. A personal hoist, shower, and commode chairs are available on request free of charge.

Room Configuration: 1 Bedroom Maximum Guests: 2

Featuring a spacious living area, fully self-contained kitchen, bathroom and sun deck, these modern, one bedroom units are set in picturesque surrounds with a shared BBQ area and offer sweeping views to Mount Bishop. Adjoining units can be linked to accommodate up to four people in a combination of queen and single beds, all linen and towels are provided. $194

View unit accomodation here

Tidal River lodges

There are 4 lodges available, that are perfect for large families, club or school trips. Group Lodges can accommodate up to 30 people in dormitory rooms with bunk beds.

TR Group Lodges – Arthur-Lucas (24 beds), Baldwin Spencer (30beds) George Robinson (12 beds) John Gregory (12 beds)

View all Lodge accomodation here

Beachfront Glamping Tent in Yanakie

Bell Tent beach glamping -Yanakie

This romantic glamping tent is located in Yanakie, moments away from the entrance to Wilsons Promontory National Park. Accommodation is for 2 guests.

It has two comfortable mattresses dressed in quality linens and plush pillows, some cooking essentials, and plenty of space for storage. Linens and towels are provided, and there’s access to a washer and dryer and heating.

Outside, there’s a barbecue and space for parking, and the property boasts incredible waterfront views. This cozy holiday rental is heated and has access to a washer and dryer. Outside, there is a gas grill, and glampers will find a lovely beach steps away. View here

Things to Do

Spend a night glamping or camping.
Fishing -try the dedicated fishing platforms.
Hire a boat to explore the east coast and drop anchor at Little Waterloo Bay Beach, its beautiful and protected from the weather.
Explore the beaches
Have a movie night at the open-air cinema
Hike to Little Waterloo Bay or Refuge Cove , its spectacular. Be warned this is not an easy hike.

The wildlife are a constant source of entertainment. Who took my toast? Be warned the wombats will come onto your camping spot and join you for breakfast, it will be the highlight of your morning. At dawn and dusk it’s wildlife happy hour for the kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats and emus.

ESSENTIAL CAMP GROUND NOTES-

Book online or call for any questions, staff are very helpful. They’ll help you choose the most suitable accommodation for your needs.
The camp sites are not allocated. You drive in and choose your spot. I recommend printing off the camp map, it helps you find your desired location and if there are no staff on site, you can ask a camper to point you in the right direction.
Theres no water plumbed to the sites, this means you will need to fill up the tank in your van, bring bottled water or collect it in containers from the taps located near the amenities.
The Tidal River General Store offer a range of services including bistro-style meals.
No campfires or generators permitted.
Staff are only at the visitors center between 9-5pm.
The campsites are in great demand, make sure you book in advance for holidays and busy periods.
During summer a ballot is held to allocate camp sites- download ballot form
Theres a minimum stay that applies and all accommodation must be pre-booked.
It takes around half an hour to reach Tidal River Campground from the park entrance, accessed via Wilsons Promontory Road.
If you visit in peak season expect it to be crowded and there’s going to be noise. If you want to escape the crowds, book a hut, cabin, or retreat accommodation.
No dogs are allowed.