Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE SOUTHEAST COAST 579
4 The Southeast Coast
The Princes Highway wanders down the coast from Sydney just past Eden, then
darts across into Victoria, passing through the logging town of Orbost, and then
dipping down toward Lakes Entrance. The highway continues to the southwest,
swooping in an arch to Melbourne.
This region’s most interesting sights are Wilsons Promontory National Park,
and—to a lesser extent—the Snowy River National Park.
WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK
200km (124 miles) SE of Melbourne
“The Prom,” as it’s called, is Victoria’s best-loved national park. Dipping down
into Bass Strait, the park—named after a prominent London businessman—
marks the southernmost point on Australia’s mainland. It’s thought to have been
joined once to Tasmania by a land bridge. The best time to visit the park is from
late September to early December, when all the bush flowers are in bloom.
Visitors come here for the spectacular granite mountains, the thick forests and
vast plains, and some of the country’s best beaches. Wildlife abounds in the
park, including plenty of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, wombats,
and emus. You can hand-feed crimson rosellas at the capital of the Prom,
Tidal River, but you’ll find little more here than the national park’s Tourist
Information Centre (& 1800/350 552 in Australia, or 03/5680 9555) and
camping and caravan grounds. There are plenty of trails leading off into the
mountains: Following the longer trails can turn into a 2- or 3-day excursion,
though shorter day hikes are possible. One of the best trails is the 1-hour Mt.
Oberon walk, which starts from the Mt. Oberon parking lot and offers superb
views. Visitors also rave about the Squeaky Beach Nature Walk, a 1 1 ⁄2-hour walk
from Tidal River to the next bay and back.
There are some 30 beaches, some of which are easily accessible. Norman’s Beach
in Tidal River is the most popular, and it’s the only one recommended for swimming.
No snorkeling or lifeguards are at these beaches, but they’re gorgeous.
ENTRY FEES Park entry costs A$9 (US$5.90) for cars, which you pay at the
park entrance gate, 30km (19 miles) north of Tidal River. The gate is open 24
hours, but if you arrive late and the collection station is closed, pay the following
morning at Tidal River.
GETTING THERE From Melbourne, take the South Gippsland Highway
(B440), turning south at Meeniyan and again at Fish Creek or Foster. The route is
clearly posted with signs. Tidal River is 30km (19 miles) inside the park boundary.
There’s no public transportation to the park. You can, however, take the V/Line
bus from Melbourne to Foster (fare: A$21/US$14), which is 60km (37 miles)
north of the park. In Foster, you can stay at the Foster Backpackers Hostel, 17
Pioneer St., Foster, VIC 3960 (& 03/5682 2614). It’s basically a private home
with a few spare rooms; the two doubles cost A$44 (US$29), and dorm beds go
for A$19 (US$12). There are also 2 fully self-contained apartments for $55
(US$36). The owner offers daily transport to Tidal River for A$22 (US$14) each
way; the trip takes around 45 minutes.
ACCOMMODATIONS YOU CAN AFFORD
The national park’s Tourist Information Center operates 17 self-contained cabins
costing A$119 to A$130 (US$77–US$84) a night for two, depending on season.