Refuge Cove in Wilsons Promontory National Park: Hidden travel gems in Australia – Victoria and NSW

A little-known cove has been dubbed ‘one of the most beautiful spots on Earth’ by visitors thanks to its secluded location, sparkling aqua water, abundant wildlife and peaceful surrounds.

Refuge Cove, a beautiful beach three hour’s drive from Melbourne in Wilsons Promontory National Park, has been used for more than 200 years by sailors looking to escape the rough swell of Bass Strait. 

Composed of two sandy beaches and surrounded by tree-lined slopes, the cove is accessible by a walking track from Sealers Cove to the north or Little Waterloo Bay to the south.

The most popular route to take is Telegraph Track which is 13.4km point-to-point and around four hours; it includes firm sand and gravel paths and sections of beach walking.

Refuge Cove, a beautiful beach three hour’s drive from Melbourne in Wilsons Promontory National Park, has been used for more than 200 years by sailors looking to escape the rough swell of Bass Strait

Dense forest and vegetation grows right to the back of the southern beach, with the Refuge Cove camping area located under the trees.

While swimming has been compared to an ‘ice bath’ by some, others say the water is a beautiful – if not slightly fresh- temperature during the summer months.  

Advanced booking is required for hikers and recreational boat users staying in the free camping area and hikers can spend anywhere between two and seven days exploring the park.

For those who’d prefer to explore the serene cove by boat, Refuge Cove Cruises is an ecotourism cruise for Wilsons Promontory and sets off from Port Welshpool, 191km south-east of Melbourne.

The most popular route to take is Telegraph Track which is 13.4km point-to-point and around four hours; it includes firm sand and gravel paths and sections of beach walking

Dense forest and vegetation grows right to the back of the southern beach, with the Refuge Cove camping area located under the trees

Everything you need to know about Wilsons Promontory National Park 

Wilsons Promontory National Park is set on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia and is known for its coastal bushland trails and pristine beaches dominated by granite tors.

This 50,000 hectare reserve is threaded with a labyrinth of walking tracks that showcase all manner of magical realms sheltering abundant wildlife. 

You can stay under canvas or in contemporary cabins and enjoy tranquil rivers, intimate coves, granite mountaintops and lush, forested valleys. 

Wilsons Promontory is a refuge for an array of native wildlife including kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas and vividly plumed birds like rosellas. Visit in spring to experience spectacular displays of wildflowers including orchids, wattle, heathland and other species.

The drive from the entrance at Yanakie to Tidal River settlement is scenic and is well-signposted, with car parks, beaches and bushland accessible via side roads. However, the best way to enjoy the spectacular scenery is on one of the many walking trails throughout the peninsula. 

Advanced booking is required for hikers and recreational boat users staying in the free camping area and hikers can spend anywhere between two and seven days exploring the park

For those who’d prefer to explore the serene cove by boat, Refuge Cove Cruises is an ecotourism cruise for Wilsons Promontory and sets off from Port Welshpool, 191km south-east of Melbourne

‘This was one of the best tours I have done in my life and believe me, that is saying something! We got right in to really isolated beaches and coves. We got right up close to the various Islands that were awe inspiring,’ one traveller said recently.

‘A truly magnificent part of the world,’ another added.

Wilsons Promontory National Park, also known as ‘The Prom’ by locals, is the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland.

It has a warm temperate and cool temperate rainforest, tall open forests, woodlands, heathlands and swamps which have earned the National Park’s listing on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Those who have raved about the stunning spot have been bombarded with questions from keen travellers who doubt the water in the cove would ever be a comfortable temperature due to its southern – and typically chilly – location.