Bushwalk Australia

Hi everyone

I am planning on taking my 12 yr old son to Wilsons Prom to walk the southern circuit before Christmas. I have never been to the Prom so would appreciate some feedback on my planned walk.

My son has done numerous overnight walks (e.g. Bereepmo) however a three (or four) day walk will be a new experience.

The plan at the moment is to do the walk anti clockwise over either three or four days (need your advice here).

The three day option has us spending the first night at Roaring Meg (~13km from Telegraph Saddle); second night at Refuge Cove (~24km) and then back to Telegraph Saddle on the third day (~16km). The four day option has us staying at Roaring Meg on the first night (~13km); second night at Little Waterloo Bay (~17km); third night at Refuge Cove (a short 7km) or perhaps through to Sealers Cove (~13km for the day); and then the final day back to Telegraph Saddle (~16km or ~10km depending on where we camped).

I would prefer the four day option, although family commitments may not allow this (read that as I'm still to get permission from the boss of the family ). So my questions are:

- Most people appear to do the walk in a clockwise direction. Is the anti clockwise direction ok? My thinking is to get the less exciting section to Roaring Meg out of the way first - which I know others on here have done so.
- Is the three day option (in particular the second day's distance feasible? I am under the impression that the walk itself is relatively straightforward, although my son will need to walk a greater distance and be carrying more than what he is used to. Having to book the campsites in advance, all but restricts us making changes to our plan during the walk.
- From my reading, Refuge Cove campsite appears to be pretty special & perhaps a bit quieter than Sealers Cove. If we do the four day option, what would you recommend Refuge Cove or Sealers Cove for the third night.
-Although it is very hot here in Geelong at the moment, the weather looks much more inviting at the Prom so I'm assuming, although still on the warm side, heat will not be an isse.
- Any other thoughts/suggestions?

Many thanks in advance.

4 day option is best. 24km with a heavier pack than you're used to will be a struggle and possibly make the final day even harder. Best not to chance it.
I've always done the circuit widdershins. Reckon it's the best way.
More likely to get seabreezes and being so close to the water means it should be cooler, but there aren't any guarantees.
Sealers is more practical - if you're camped there the timing of the crossing is easier to adjust to - but Refuge is a better spot. Swings and roundabouts. Check the tides to see when the crossing is going to be easiest.

I'd say forget about Roaring Meg.
If you have 4 days go Telegraph Saddle - Little Waterloo - Refuge Cove - Sealers - Telegraph Saddle. Days 2 and 3 are really short. Plenty of time for beach and lazing.
If you have 3 days do the same thing with less time for lazing around.
Clockwise or counterclockwise, doesn't really matter.
Enjoy, it's gorgeous!

I agree with Drew. Roaring Meg is good if you plan on hiking to the lighthouse and south east point but not for the southern loop you're talking about. Do nights at Little Waterloo and Sealers for a 3 day/2 night hike and add a night at Refuge if you have the spare time. As for Refuge being a pretty special campsite, well, it is rather nice - but so are the others. Either direction - doesn't matter - though I prefer to get the road over with early.

Also, while there are a few more hills to climb than Beeripmo if you managed that walk without any problems you should manage this one without drama too.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

We have now got permission for the three nights from the boss , so now just have to work out the stops. I had been thinking that we should cover as much ground as possible (seeing South Point and the lighthouse) and must admit I hadn't considered a more leisurely walk with more beach time - which sounds equally as nice.

Many thanks again.

As others have suggested, there are several routes. But now that you have decided on a three-day trip, can you say what time do you realistically expect to start walking on Day 1 and what time do you hope to finish walking on Day 3? An answer to that would help in planning your best option.

peregrinator wrote: But now that you have decided on a three-day trip, can you say what time do you realistically expect to start walking on Day 1 and what time do you hope to finish walking on Day 3?

Oops meant that to read four days (three nights). The plan will be for an early start from home, aiming to be at Tidal R by 9-10am, giving us plenty of time to register and then not be in too much of a rush.

portlester wrote:Oops meant that to read four days (three nights). The plan will be for an early start from home, aiming to be at Tidal R by 9-10am, giving us plenty of time to register and then not be in too much of a rush.

Then I think your original plan seems good. As far as I'm aware, you do not have to register if you have booked camping sites in advance. This could be a problem though as sites for next week will probably have already been taken. But if not, you will have to get a shuttle vehicle from Tidal River to Telegraph Saddle at this time of year.

Based on distances stated by Parks Vic:

1. Roaring Meg camp 12.2 km. You mentioned South Cape as a possibility, which adds 7.4 km. Maybe you'd want to leave that for another time to save your energy for the next day, as it's the longest.

2. Little Waterloo Bay camp via Lighthouse 18.1 km.

3. Sealers Cove 13.4 km.

4. Telegraph Saddle 10.2 km.

I have the done Sealers/ Refuge/ Waterloo circuit twice recently. I did it in Nov. as 2 days and one night at Refuge cove. This month I did it as 3 days and two nights, camping at Sealers' and Lt. Waterloo respectively . The weather can do anything down there. It is easy to navigate , no too hilly , very scenic and relaxing . If you have walked with a full pack in the Vic. Alps before then it is not very demanding at all. ENJOY!

I would do it clockwise. You can park at Tidal River and take a bus up to Telegraph Saddle. Then finish the walk via Oberon Bay to Tidal River. That way you get a net down hill walk.