The Rough Hike To This Stunning Australian Beach Is Worth It For The Secluded Paradise

Named after Queen Victoria in 1851, Australia's Victoria State features an over 2200-mile coastline. It is awash with coastal towns, walking trails, and national parks, including the popular Wilsons Promontory National Park. This incredible Australian national park is a must-visit for its stunning landscape views, flourishing rainforests, opportunities for spotting local wildlife such as wombats, kangaroos, and emus, great hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, and clear, dreamy water beaches. Also known as "The Prom" or Wilsons Prom, the park is a stunning peninsula with a total surface area of about 50,000 hectares. It is located south of Australia's mainland, about 124 miles from Melbourne and around 137 miles from Melbourne Airport (MEL).

The park is dotted with several bays and hidden coves, some of which are only accessible via boat and foot, making it one of the best hiking spots in Australia. Actually, there are many hikes (both overnight and day hikes) around the UNESCO-designated Biosphere reserve, most of which are on pristine trails overlooking the ocean or leading to secluded beaches. A case in point is the hike to Refuge Clove, a moderately challenging trail with amazing seaside views and scenic landscapes that lead to the remote Refuge Clove Beach. The Prom was first discovered by George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1798. The two were surveyors who were exploring the coastline. It is named after Thomas Wilson, a prominent Australian trader at the time.

If remote beaches and trails are your cup of tea, then the 21.4-mile Refuge Cove trail in the eastern part of the Wilsons Promontory National Park won't disappoint. It is one of the must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers and leads to the remote Refuge Cove Beach. Visitors can access it either via Little Waterloo Bay from the south or via Sealers Cove from the north. A hike on the moderately difficult trail (Grade 4) will reward you with breathtaking landscape views, plush greenery, including wet gullies and eucalypt forests, as well as amazing coastal views. Some parts of the trail are a bit rocky and uneven, so be sure to bring hiking boots. You will also pass by Norman Island and Five Mile Beach, other great destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Besides hiking, visitors can enjoy camping, kayaking, and boating on the serene beach, making it a great gateway destination for those looking to escape the ever-bustling modern city life.

The Refuge Cove is home to two sandy beaches tucked between slopes, and the entrance has a breadth of about 400 m. The southern beach is a bit small and is mostly used for boat docking, while the northern counterpart is bigger and more open. While both beaches are ideal for swimming, note that they are unmonitored and the water is a bit deep even near the shoreline. For camping enthusiasts, the cove also features a hiker's camp. The site offers the best retreat haven for visitors who want to sleep under the stars while enjoying the stunning, rugged shoreline views in a wilderness-like setting. Set up your tent within the flourishing vegetation and enjoy wildlife views or a quiet evening around a bonfire.

There are many other activities to enjoy in the park. For example, if you are with kids, the Lilly Pilly Nature Walk is a great alternative to the Refuge Cove hike. The grade 2 hike is family-friendly and about 3 miles round-trip. Don't forget to check out the breathtaking boardwalk area. For a more amazing beach experience, you can give Squeaky Beach a shot. It is one of the most spectacular beaches in Australia, and is named after its bright white silica sand, which screeches when you step on it. The beach offers opportunities to spot different types of wildlife, including penguins and seals.

For more wildlife viewing opportunities, stop by the Wildlife Viewing area. It is located a few miles from the main entrance, and you can spot different types of animals, including emus, kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. If you feel hungry, there are several options nearby. Promontory Restaurant and Winery has a diverse menu, which includes braised lamb and Indian pork. It is located off the South Gippsland Highway and about 36.1 km from the national park.