Wilson's Prom: it's true love

 



I've fallen in love. Hard.

It's the unexpected kind: when you think nothing could surprise you, and then you see this place and you just fall for it.

Gippsland. It's always been there, right on my doorstep. The edge of it is just an hour's drive from my home, but I ignored it - never knowingly, it simply never entered my thoughts when I was planning a trip. It was more of a place to drive through on the way to other spots - maybe the far edges of the region, or further.

It's funny how that happens: the things that are closest to you are the ones you overlook so easily.

First it was Walhalla. Now it's Wilson's Promontory.

The Prom, as it's called, is just two hours drive from me and two-and-a-half hours from Melbourne. And it is AMAZING.

From perfect white sand beaches...



[caption id="attachment_1194" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Abbey tests the sound effects of the sand on Squeaky Beach"][/caption]

... to sparse flatlands...

[caption id="attachment_1198" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Spot the kangaroo!"][/caption]

... to rolling hills...

[caption id="attachment_1201" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Yep, it's definitely the rolling hills that made me stop here"][/caption]

... to some of the state's best bushwalking...





... there is so much to do and to see here.

We spent our time at Wilson's Prom giving Abbey a taste of bushwalking, relaxing by the beach, spotting dozens of wild animals (wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and birdlife), driving around to explore the surrounding countryside, and enjoying a good country pub meal (you can't blame me for wanting to partake in some local seafood and wine!).

The Prom is the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland, and has only recently re-opened after the March 2011 floods, when they were hit with about 330mm of rain overnight. The remains of the damage are still visible in spots: landslides and rebuilt roads, as well as some walking paths still closed (the famous Mt Oberon walk is still shut, but we found views just as good - and in all honesty, a better bushwalk - at Mt Bishop on the west side of the Prom).

There is one place to stay in the Wilson's Prom National Park itself: the Tidal River campground, which offers tent sites, powered sites, cabins and group lodges. It's an easy way to enjoy camping, with full facilities available including showers, toilets, barbeques, an information centre and a general store. Even so (says she who is used to bush camping!), it's a beautiful spot tucked into the bushland, with a very short stroll to the beach. You'll even find wombats wandering around at dusk! There are plenty of other places to stay outside the park - more camping, bed and breakfasts and hotels.

We loved every minute of our time at Wilson's Prom. A weekend wasn't enough, and we'll be back very soon for more.

Because a long-distance love won't work, unless I visit more often.

Enormous thanks to Destination Gippsland and Brand Meets Blog for sending my family and me to enjoy a weekend at Wilson's Prom. Travelling and writing = my dream job!