Wilsons Promontory in the Australian state of Victoria is one of the world’s most breathtaking and unspoiled destinations. Affectionately known as “The Prom,” this 50,500-hectare national park is renowned for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches and thriving wildlife. Now, Indian tourists can explore this amazing landscape with a full-day cruise that allows them to get up close and personal with the remote islands, rugged coastline, and flora and fauna. Here’s what you need to know.
Wildlife Coast Cruises runs an 8.5-hour tour that departs from Port Welshpool. The tour navigates the park’s eastern coastline and ventures to its southernmost tip and out to Skull Rock. A highlight of the journey is the two-hour stop at Refuge Cove, a hidden paradise typically accessible only to overnight hikers and boaters. Here, you can take a swim, snorkel, paddleboard or simply relax on the untouched beach while surrounded by lush forests and stunning coastal views. Once the cruise resumes, you'll witness dramatic cliffs and the historic Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse that is perched atop these rugged rocks. The lighthouse offers sweeping 360-degree views over Bass Strait.
Another natural marvel on the journey is Skull Rock (Cleft Island), a colossal, hollowed-out rock formation that resembles a skull. Towering 60 metres high and spanning 130 metres wide, it’s an awe-inspiring sight—and on a calm day, you may even get the chance to touch its surface.
Home to an array of native mammals, The Prom shelters potoroos, gliders, echidnas and possums, along with the more familiar kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and wombats. Birdlife flourishes here, too, with vibrant rosellas, emus, migratory wading birds and majestic birds of prey. Offshore islands serve as vital nesting grounds for seabirds, including vast colonies of short-tailed shearwaters.
The Kanowna Island Seal Colony is a must-see for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Home to thousands of Australian fur seals, this lively spot showcases these agile creatures sliding down rocky slopes and diving effortlessly into the ocean. Keep an eye out for playful common and bottlenose dolphins, often seen riding the boat’s bow waves.
The Wildlife Coast Cruise runs from February to mid-April 2025 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. For a limited time only (till March 31), adult fares cost AUD 415 (approximately INR 22,806), children from 3-15 pay AUD 290 (approximately INR 15,936) and a group of five people pay AUD 340.30 (approximately INR 18,700) per person. The fare is inclusive of morning and afternoon tea, lunch, snacks, and tea and coffee.
The cruise starts boarding at 9:15AM and departs at 9:30AM from the Port Welshpool jetty. For more details or to secure your spot, visit wildlifecoastcruises.com.au.