Wilsons Promontory Caravan Parks & Holiday Parks Guide
If you’re planning a city escape, heading south from Melbourne for the 2.5-hour drive to Wilsons Promontory takes you through picturesque farmland to striking granite headlands and open coastline at Australia’s southernmost mainland tip. Wilsons Promontory caravan parks sit on the edge of this protected landscape, giving travellers access to well-marked walking trails, sweeping white-sand beaches and elevated lookouts – a drawcard for active couples and families. Much of the region lies within national parkland, preserving its rugged scenery while limiting development. As a result, Wilsons Promontory holiday parks are fewer than in other coastal regions, so booking early and choosing your base carefully is essential. If you’re travelling through Gippsland, here’s how the main caravan parks near Wilsons Promontory fit into your journey.
Stay Inside the National Park – Tidal River Campground
Tidal River Campground
Tidal River Campground is the only caravan park located inside Wilsons Promontory National Park. Nestled near Norman Beach and Tidal River, it places you within walking distance of some of The Prom’s most popular tracks and lookouts.
Of the 484 sites, sizes vary, with both powered and unpowered options available for motorhomes, caravans, and camper trailers. Facilities include hot showers, toilets, laundry amenities, a general store and a visitor centre.
Why travellers choose it:
Walk to family-friendly Norman Beach.
Direct access to Mount Oberon hikes and Lilly Pilly Gully tracks.
You’ll often see wildlife wandering through the campground.
Pet-friendly: No. In the national park, pets are not permitted.
Staying here means you’re already inside the national park each morning, rather than driving each day. This is the definitive Wilsons Promontory holiday park experience – but it books out quickly during peak periods.
Yanakie – Closest Holiday Park to The Prom Entrance
Just minutes from the national park entrance, Yanakie is known as the Gateway to the Prom, and offers a comfortable Wilsons Promontory caravan park alternative if Tidal River is full.
BIG4 Wilsons Prom Holiday Park sits between Corner Inlet and Shallow Inlet, with powered and unpowered sites and cabins for travellers wanting extra comfort. Book early to enjoy the sites that offer panoramic views across Corner Inlet toward the Prom.
Reasons to consider staying here:
Close access to The Prom without staying inside the park.
Fishing and boating are nearby, plus an in-park boat ramp.
BBQ area, kiosk, playground and basic amenities.
A quieter, small-park setting.
Pet-friendly: Some sites may allow pets, so confirm directly with management.
Also in Yanakie, Shallow Inlet Caravan Park provides powered and unpowered sites in a quieter bush setting near Shallow Inlet. Facilities are simple but functional, with amenities blocks and a camp kitchen – making it a practical choice for self-contained motorhome travellers who don’t need resort-style extras.
Both parks in Yanakie are practical options for travellers with dogs, as pets are not permitted inside Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Waratah Bay – Beachfront Caravan Park Near Wilsons Promontory
Around 30 minutes from The Prom gates, Waratah Bay Caravan Park delivers wide-open shoreline and uninterrupted ocean views. With direct access to 30 kilometres of open coastline, it’s a relaxed base for safe family swimming, fishing and long coastal walks.
The caravan park offers powered and unpowered sites suitable for caravans and camper trailers, just steps from the sand.
Facilities generally include:
Powered caravan sites.
Camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and a convenience store for ice, bait and gas.
Playground, amenities and laundry.
Pet-friendly: Dogs are permitted year-round on campsites, making this one of the more flexible options near the Prom.
This option suits travellers who want a beach-focused stay while still exploring The Prom by day.
Sandy Point – Coastal Base, a Short Drive to the National Park
Located near Shallow Inlet, Sandy Point Holiday Park is roughly 40 minutes from The Prom entrance. The area is popular for fishing and windsurfing, with quieter beaches compared to other Victorian holiday spots.
A 2-minute walk from the beach, the park offers powered and unpowered caravan sites, along with standard facilities such as amenities blocks, BBQ areas and a camp kitchen.
Pet-friendly: Typically allowed outside peak periods – upon application only.
Sandy Point works well if you’re combining Prom hikes with time spent on the sand, particularly in shoulder season.
Foster – A Practical South Gippsland Base
If you’re travelling from Melbourne through Gippsland, Foster is often the last major township before the road narrows toward The Prom. About a 40-minute drive from the national park’s entrance, staying here provides easy access to supermarkets, fuel and cafes – useful if in-park accommodation is unavailable.
Located close to the town centre, Prom Central Caravan Park offers powered sites and standard amenities within walking distance of shops and dining options.
Facilities include:
Powered and unpowered RV/caravan sites, and RV sites with grass pitches.
Amenities block, camp kitchen, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.
Easy access to town services.
Pet-friendly: Generally permitted on sites, so confirm when booking.
This park works well as a pre-Prom overnight stop or as a more serviced base for exploring South Gippsland.
What To Consider When Booking
As the national park is environmentally protected, caravan parks near Wilsons Promontory are limited compared to other coastal destinations in Victoria. Planning ahead will avoid disappointment.
Keep these points in mind:
Peak Season Demand
Summer holidays, Easter and long weekends book out early, especially Tidal River.
Site Size & Access
Some parks have tighter internal roads. Check site dimensions if travelling with a larger motorhome.
Pet Restrictions
Pets are not permitted inside Wilsons Promontory National Park. If you’re travelling with furry friends, focus on Yanakie, Waratah Bay, Sandy Point or Foster.
Supplies
Stock up in Leongatha or Foster before heading toward The Prom. While Tidal River has a general store, options are limited.
Pair Your Stay With a Longer Gippsland Road Trip
Many travellers combine their Wilsons Promontory caravan park stay with a broader Gippsland itinerary. If you’re driving from Melbourne, consider breaking the journey in South Gippsland before heading into the park.
A flexible approach might look like:
Overnight in Foster.
Two nights at Tidal River.
Finish with a coastal stay at Waratah Bay or Sandy Point.
For a detailed route and stopover ideas, explore our Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory Road Trip guide.
Find The Right RV For Your Wilsons Prom Escape
With limited caravan park availability and long stretches of protected coastline, travelling with the right setup makes the experience far easier. Whether you’re planning a weekend in a campervan, touring Gippsland in a motorhome, or heading south with a caravan or camper trailer, Apollo’s range is designed for real Australian conditions.
Explore the full Apollo RV range or visit your nearest Apollo dealership to start mapping out the best things to see and do once you’re parked up in Wilsons Promontory.