"Squeaky Beach is a multicultural melting pot, because it attracts so many people from all around the world."

Graeme Baxter, Ranger, Wilsons Promontory National Park

The southern-most point of the Australian mainland, Wilsons Promontory National Park, is arguably Victoria's most loved National Park. Affectionately known as ‘The Prom' it gives visitors a wilderness environment in which they can experience nature at its best.

According to Graeme Baxter, Ranger at Wilsons Promontory National Park, The Prom is a "one stop shop. It has everything." If "everything" is panoramic views, spectacular beaches, rugged mountains, plentiful wildlife and a feeling of isolation from the rest of the world, then The Prom delivers the whole package.

Wilsons Promontory has an early history of Aboriginal occupation, with archaeological records dating back 6500 years. It always had a spiritual significance for different Aboriginal groups, who knew the area as Yiruk or Wamoom. Graeme says that "when you visit The Prom you can understand why, it is a magical place where you can easily lose yourself."

Visitors can discover the allure and intrigue of Wilsons Prom on any number of walking tracks. "You can walk for an hour, hike overnight or several days if you chose," says Graeme. The paths will lead you through diverse habitats including eucalypt forest, rainforest, heath, grassy woodlands, swamps and coastline. "It doesn't take much to find your own secluded beach."

For visitors to the park, the short walk to Squeaky Beach is a favourite. There are breathtaking views from the headlands over Norman and Leonard Bays, and the track descends to a postcard-perfect beach.

"Take off your shoes and you can feel the course texture of the quartz sand between your toes. As you walk, hear the squeaking noise for which the beach is famous. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters or simply laze on the beach enjoying the serenity of such an idyllic location," says Graeme.

Wilsons Prom is known to have different moods, because the environment seems to be constantly changing with the seasons and weather patterns. "It's a park for all seasons: autumn generally has the most stable weather, storms and mists mark the winter; the wildflowers herald spring and the summer's heat bring visitors and campers down in great numbers."

"One of my favourite walks is to Norman Bay to watch the sunset over the sea," says Graeme. "On a warm summer's night, the pinks and oranges light up the sky long after the sun has dipped below the horizon."

There are several accommodation options at the park, ranging from camping and caravan sites at Tidal River, to self-contained lodges and budget huts. By far the most unique, are the cottages at the Lighthouse. Perched on the cliffs overlooking Bass Strait, the Lightstation and head lighthouse keeper's residence were built in 1859.

"At this southern-most point of the mainland Australia, you are surrounded by sea," Graeme says. "You see ships going past and seals lying on the rocks or swimming around in the waves. It is a very special place."

Accessible only by foot, the beautifully restored cottages are a good day's hike from Tidal River. They provide the weary hiker luxurious comfort and a fantastic place to just relax and get away from it all.

Home to more than 700 native plant species and 30 different kinds of mammals, Wilsons Prom is renowned for its wildlife. Visit what is commonly known as the “Airfield” at dusk and you are likely to see kangaroos, emus and the occasional wombat. "There is a high population of wombats at the Prom and it is not uncommon to have one wander through your campsite," says Graeme.

If you are looking to see koalas, take the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk. This walk is only an hour long and passes through a variety of different landscapes. Koalas can be spotted high up in eucalyptus trees and there is a section of boardwalk at the end which meanders through warm temperate rainforest.

Currently, one of the best places to walk is up Mt Oberon, which was burned in the March 2005 bushfires. It is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to see the landscape come back to life. It is extraordinary how fast it changes. It is regenerating as we speak and will continue to do so over the next few years. It shows how resilient nature is.

The steep walk up Mt Oberon is also worth it for the view. “Sitting on the rocks at the top you are rewarded with the most sensational views in all directions. It gives you a perspective on the enormity of the Park. The Prom definitely has the WOW factor.”

For further information on Wilsons Promontory National Park please contact Parks Victoria info@parks.vic.gov.au or visit our website: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/.

Some great nearby towns with excellent holiday accommodation to choose from include Venus Bay, Sandy Point, and Inverloch.