Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory Road Trip

If city living is driving you towards an open-skied, salty-aired RV getaway, a Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory road trip has plenty to tempt your travel appetite, with a delicious mix of freedom, food and fauna. Along winding coastal roads and through seaside towns, you’ll find plenty of spots to pull over, stand still, and take it all in. One of Victoria’s most treasured national parks, “The Prom”, as it’s affectionately known, our guide to Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory reveals the best of Australia’s southernmost tip.
 

How Far Is Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne?

If you’re wondering how far Wilsons Promontory is from Melbourne, the distance is about 196km, and the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours without stops. The drive is ideal for a leisurely weekend getaway, winding through a patchwork of rolling farmland, coastal forest, salty townships, and glimmering ocean views.

Once you leave the bustle of Melbourne behind, head southeast on the South Gippsland Highway (A440), before hitting these highlights:

Stop 1: Phillip Island – Penguins and Panoramas

Phillip Island

Distance from Melbourne: 142km | Drive Time: 2 hours

Make your first stop at Phillip Island, famous for its penguins and world-class surf breaks. Stroll along Cowes Beach or enjoy a sheltered swim before a casual seaside meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Book through Phillip Island Nature Parks to see the evening Penguin Parade — the world’s largest colony of little penguins. Each dusk, hundreds waddle back to their burrows after a day at sea. If you’re travelling with kids, take a tree-top walk through the Koala Conservation Reserve for a dose of Aussie cuteness. The island’s relaxed energy makes it a great first taste of Victoria’s southern coast.

Stop 2: Inverloch – Rock Pools and Views

Bass Strait Views

Distance from Phillip Island: 55km | Drive Time: 50 minutes

Continue along the coast to Inverloch, a laid-back surf town that’s perfect for a swim, lunch stop or overnight stay in your RV. Explore the natural sandstone rock formations at Eagles Nest on the Bunerong Coast or wander the Anderson Inlet Foreshore 5.5km paved walking track for sweeping views over Bass Strait. The calm waters make a welcoming location for paddleboarding, kitesurfing, or a refreshing swim on the beach near the Tarwin River estuary. Inverloch helps slow the pace for you to prepare for The Prom’s natural beauty.

Stop 3: Fish Creek – Small Town, Big Character

Distance from Inverloch: 38km | Drive Time: 28 minutes

Point the campervan east and tucked away in the rolling hills of South Gippsland, you’ll find Fish Creek. This creative little town is full of charm — from unconventional art galleries and cider tastings at Gurneys’ Cidery to the mullet sculpture-topped Fish Creek Hotel and Ride The Wild Goat Sculpture Garden for more quirky creations. Blink and you’ll miss it, but it’s the perfect place to refuel and stretch your legs before reaching the natural wonders of Wilsons Prom.

1. Exploring Wilsons Promontory from Melbourne

From Fish Creek, drive the 20 minutes to Wilsons Promontory National Park to view stunning granite peaks rising above Instagram-worthy turquoise bays, where wildlife roams freely through the bushland. You could easily spend days enjoying hiking, swimming, kayaking, or just sitting quietly watching the light change over the hills.

1. Hike Mount Oberon

Mount Oberon Summit Lookout

The Mount Oberon Summit Walk is one of the park’s most iconic trails. With a moderate to challenging incline that climbs steadily for 6.8km return, it’s worth the rewarding coastal panorama. The view from the top, especially at sunset, is nothing short of breathtaking.

2. Relax at Squeaky Beach

Squeaky Beach

Just as its name suggests, this stunning white-sand beach really does “squeak” underfoot due to its fine quartz grains. It’s one of the most photographed sites in Victoria, so immerse yourself in its beauty with a post-hike swim or picnic. Crystal-clear water, smooth granite boulders, and a peaceful vibe make it a must-do location.

3. Explore Tidal River

Wilsons Promontory National Park’s main visitor hub, Tidal River, has everything you need for a weekend RV retreat — from walking trails and picnic areas to the peaceful Tidal River Lagoon. It’s also the spot where you’ll find the main campground and visitor facilities.

4. Meet The Locals

From wombats to wallabies, you’ll spy plenty of furry or feathered faces and the occasional inquisitive emu. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas, and native birds. The best times for wildlife spotting is early morning and dusk, from the walking trails or even near your campsite.

5. Off The Beaten Path

Whisky Beach

For those with extra time, explore Whisky Bay beach framed by distinctive granite boulders or Norman Point outcrop and offshore islands. More time on your hands, try the lesser-known Big Drift, where the ever-changing sweeping inland sand dunes feel a world away from the coast. Each offers a different slice of The Prom’s stunning landscapes.

Camping and RV Stays at Wilsons Prom

For RV travellers, Wilsons Promontory offers a great mix of camping options. The main place to stay within the park is Tidal River Campground, offering powered sites, BBQ areas, and facilities suitable for campervans and motorhomes. Be sure to book ahead, as sites fill quickly during peak seasons.

If you prefer something quieter, nearby towns like Yanakie and Sandy Point offer scenic caravan parks close to the park entrance. Travelling in your Apollo camper gives you the freedom to choose your holiday, whether you like to linger at the beach or get up early to catch a sunrise hike.

Tips for Your Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory Drive

Returning from Wilsons Promontory to Melbourne

When it’s time to head home, you can either retrace your route along the South Gippsland Highway or, for a change of scenery, loop inland through historic Meeniyan with its museums and Korumburra, popular with cyclists on the Great Southern Rail Trail. The drive from Wilsons Promontory to Melbourne takes around 2.5 hours, making it a comfortable and picturesque return trip.

Discover Victoria’s Coastal Paradise in an Apollo RV

Capturing the very best of Victoria’s wild side, including white-sand beaches, granite peaks and quiet bush trails teeming with native wildlife, Wilsons Promontory is one of those places that helps you slow down and breathe deeper. With an Apollo campervan or motorhome, your Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park adventure will look and feel better. You’ll have everything you need on board, a comfy bed, kitchen, and plenty of space to unwind after a day of exploring open roads and unforgettable views.

Ready to hit the road? Talk to our Apollo RV Super Centre team today and travel at your own pace.