05 Nov Family-Friendly Camping & Hiking at Wilsons Prom: A Caravan Getaway Guide from Geelong
There’s something special about getting the whole family away in a caravan for a few days. A trip into nature gives everyone a chance to swap screens and busy schedules for fresh air, gentle walks and plenty of time together.
Planning a family camping trip means finding somewhere everyone can enjoy, from younger kids who love exploring to older children ready for a bigger adventure. You need to think about where you’ll stay, what activities are suitable for everyone and most importantly, whether your caravan is ready for the journey.
If your family is looking for an outdoor getaway within reach of Geelong, Wilsons Promontory National Park is hard to overlook. With beaches to explore, wildlife to spot, lookouts to discover and walking tracks for different ages and abilities, there’s plenty to keep everyone interested without having to plan every minute of the trip. Here are some practical ideas to also Leave No Trace when you are enjoying the great outdoors.
Camping at Tidal River
Camping with the family isn’t always about finding the biggest adventure. Sometimes, it’s about having somewhere comfortable to return to after a day outdoors, with different activities nearby so everyone can enjoy the trip at their own pace.
Tidal River is the main camping area within Wilsons Promontory National Park and a fantastic base for a family caravan getaway. With beaches, walking tracks and wildlife nearby, there’s plenty to explore without having to travel far from your campsite.
If you’re travelling during warmer months or school holidays, it’s worth planning ahead and checking camping availability before you leave. Popular destinations can fill up quickly when families take advantage of longer days and school breaks.
Family-Friendly Walks at Wilsons Prom
One of the best things about Wilsons Prom for families is the variety of walks on offer. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll with young kids or something a little more challenging for older children, there are plenty of options to suit different ages and abilities, including:
- Lilly Pilly Link Walk
The Lilly Pilly Link Walk is a 1 km walk that takes around 20 minutes each way. As an easy Grade 2 walk, it can be a good option when younger children are coming along or when you want a gentle introduction to walking at the Prom.
- Squeaky Beach Walk
The Squeaky Beach Walk is one of the park’s popular coastal walks. The 4.2 km return trail from Tidal River takes around 1.5 hours and offers beautiful coastal views before reaching Squeaky Beach, famous for its white quartz sand that squeaks beneath your feet.
It’s a Grade 3 walk with some steeper sections, so allow plenty of time if you’re exploring with younger children.
- Loo-Errn Track
For a shorter and easier option, the Loo-Errn Track follows the banks of Tidal River along a boardwalk through the surrounding wetlands.
This 1 km, Grade 2 walk takes approximately 30 minutes one way and is a lovely option for families looking for a relaxed walk close to the campground.
- Mount Oberon Summit Walk
For families with older children who are comfortable with a longer hike, the Mount Oberon Summit Walk
offers spectacular panoramic views across Wilsons Promontory and the surrounding coastline.
The 6.8 km return walk takes approximately two hours and is graded as a more challenging Grade 4 hike, with a steep climb and steps near the summit.
It’s a rewarding option for confident walkers, particularly on a clear day.
When choosing a walk, consider the ages and abilities of everyone in the family, as well as the weather and conditions on the day. It’s often better to leave some flexibility in your plans rather than trying to complete every attraction.
Other Family Camping Spots in Gippsland
If you’re making the drive out to Gippsland, there are several other spots worth adding to your itinerary, depending on your camping setup and interests.
The Gippsland Lakes, Buchan Caves Reserve and Woodside Beach are all worth considering for kayaking, boating, swimming and exploring the surrounding towns.
Before You Hit the Road
You’ve picked your campsite, planned a few family walks and started packing the caravan. But before you head off, there’s one more thing worth checking: is your caravan ready for the journey?
If your van has been sitting idle over winter or it’s been a while since its last service, now is a good time to give it some attention.
Start with a few simple checks:
- Tyres: Look for visible wear or damage and check tyre pressures.
- Lights: Test your brake lights, indicators and external lights.
- Battery: Check that your battery is charged and operating as expected.
- Water systems: Check taps, hoses and plumbing connections for visible leaks.
- Seals and fittings: Look around windows, roof hatches and external fittings for signs of deterioration or moisture.
It’s also worth checking when your caravan last had its brakes, wheel bearings, suspension and towing components professionally inspected.
Don’t Forget About Water Ingress
Water has a way of finding its way into places you might not expect, particularly around ageing seals, windows, roof hatches and external fittings.
While a visual check can help you spot obvious problems, not all moisture intrusion is easy to see.
Patto’s RV Centre offers water ingress testing and seal inspections to help identify signs of moisture intrusion and areas where water may be entering your caravan.
Some caravan manufacturers also require regular water ingress testing as part of their warranty conditions, so it’s worth checking the requirements for your particular van.
Book Your Caravan Servicing in Geelong
A little preparation before your next family camping trip can go a long way towards making the journey more enjoyable.
Whether your caravan is due for an axle service, needs a water ingress inspection or has something that needs repairing, the team at Patto’s RV Centre in Moolap, Geelong, is here to help.
Get in touch with our team to arrange your caravan servicing or inspection before your next adventure.