Refuge Cove Camping Area

Refuge Cove is a secluded beach campsite on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory, accessible only on foot via overnight hiking tracks. Most walkers reach it from Sealers Cove to the north or Little Waterloo Bay to the south as part of the Great Prom Walk, a multi-day circuit through some of Victoria’s most spectacular coastal wilderness. The track between Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove is graded as hard (Grade 4) with steep, rocky sections and significant elevation changes, rewarding experienced bushwalkers with stunning coastal views along the way.

The camping area sits at the southern end of the cove, surrounded by lush vegetation and close to the turquoise water. Maximum capacity is 60 campers, with a group limit of 12 per site and a two-night maximum stay. Facilities are minimal: composting toilets (BYO toilet paper) and piped creek water that should be treated before drinking. There are no BBQs, fire pits or any other facilities, so you need to be fully self-sufficient with a fuel stove, food, and all your gear. The cove is also a safe anchorage for recreational boats.

Advance booking is mandatory. All overnight hikers must obtain a permit, check in at the Tidal River Visitors Centre before departing, and carry their permit at all times. Bookings require 24 hours advance notice. Be aware that wildlife, including wombats and possums, can be curious about food, so store everything securely. The park sits in the South and West Gippsland fire district, and all tracks and campsites close on Code Red fire danger days. Wilsons Promontory is about a three-hour drive from Melbourne, with Tidal River as the main access point.