Victoria’s most popular multi-day bushwalk, the Southern Circuit, weaves from the slopes of Mount Oberon down to the eastern shore of Wilsons Promontory National Park, where it traverses south above the dramatic waters of Bass Strait to the dramatically positioned southernmost lighthouse on mainland Australia.
Along the way you'll discover verdant rainforest, glorious boulder-strewn beaches, coastal dunes, sheltered coves, plunging granite cliffs, wide heathlands and stands of thick coastal ti-tree. Secluded campsites offer beautiful vistas and bays with unbelievably blue waters to swim in.
Where to begin
The trailhead at Telegraph Saddle car park is just over three hours from Melbourne by car (there is no public transport). Embark on the walk from direction – Telegraph Saddle or Tidal River. During the summer period a shuttle bus service runs between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle car park, but at other times of the year you'll need to walk from Tidal River up the road to Telegraph Saddle to collect your car.
From the car park the trail meanders through thick forest down to the beautiful bay of Sealers Cove, before you ford Blackfish Creek and climb over the next headland. The trail then descends to the Refuge Cove. Heading further south again, you cross thickly forested hillsides before exiting on to the long beach of Little Waterloo Bay.
From beach to hills to the historic lighthouse
At the end of the beach, the trail steadily climbs again to the edges of high cliffs that afford breathtaking views across the crashing seas below. You then take a long forested section before reaching the junction with the Lighthouse Track. From here, you're just a short, highly recommended side trip out to the lighthouse. Completed in 1859 from granite quarried nearby, the lighthouse stands 19 metres tall and offers overnight accommodation for hikers rewarding themselves with a truly unique experience.
