Hiking Safety

It pays to be a prepared hiker. If you go on any of the walks make sure you tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This ensures that if you get into trouble help will be made available to you in the shortest possible time. If you are walking by yourself notify the Visitors Centre at Tidal Creek of your intended route. If you are walking the Lighthouse trail you must sign into the Visitors Centre first. Also, make sure you have sufficient food and water with you - the recommended minimum amount of water to take hiking is three litres a day. A small first aid kit for minor injuries with bandages, sunscreen and antiseptic lotion is also a good idea, especially for overnight hikes.

Snakes

Well it is Australia after all! Wilsons Prom is home to a fair few Tiger snakes, a particularly dangerous creature that you may come across in the Spring/Summer months. ALWAYS keep a look out for snakes when walking, and if you see one back away and don't approach it. It helps to stomp the ground in areas where you think there might be snakes so they can hear you coming. Inherently shy creatures, pretty much the only times people get bitten is if they get too close to get a photo or show off by touching the snake, or if they accidentally step on one. If you do get bitten, stay calm and move as little as possible and send someone to get help. Apply a pressure bandage to the bitten area, then another going up the bitten appendage, as you would with a sprain. Do not try to suck the poison out. Below is a Tiger snake if you don't know what they look like, notice the light belly and scraggly pointy tail.

Flood and Fire Damage

Wilsons Prom is susceptible to both damage from flooding and bushfire which may cause campsite and walking trail closures, the most recent being in March 2011 when freak storms caused landslides in Tidal River and its surrounds. Parks Victoria generally gets things running pretty quickly but before you go always check their website for current updates.

Wildlife

Between dusk and dawn, kangaroos and other wildlife will be on the road so drive carefully and slowly. Keep a camera handy and don't hit them! Aw, look at that face; you don't want it to be road kill do you?!

Fuel

Fuel is no longer sold at the Tidal River shop and the nearest petrol station is at Yanakie, about half an hour drive away so bear this in mind.