Wilson’s Promontory – Wombats and Wildlife

A Wombat is something I’d never seen – not in a wildlife state anyway.  So when having a baby boomer travel holiday down the south eastern coast of Australia we called into Wilson’s Promontory (AKA The Prom), Victoria and wandered along the Prom Wildlife Walk.  No huge effort required as the circuit is only l.45 kms.

Not only did we meet Willy Wombat and his friends, but other Aussie wildlife such as – Emus, Kangaroos, Pademelons, Crimson Rosellas, Scarlet Robins and more….

First stop was the Visitor Information Centre at Tidal River almost at the point of the Wilson’s Promontory.

Crimson Rosellas

These colourful birds were prolific in the car park, but what caught our attention was the Juvenile birds that still wore their “Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoats!”  It takes a while for them to have the beautiful plumage of their parents – personally I like the multi coloured feathers of the youngsters.

After fortifying ourselves on coffee and muffins from the Tidal River Café next to the Information Centre we headed off feeling like Wildlife Warriors!

Willy Wombat and Friends

Pulling up in the carpark of the Prom Wildlife Walk, who should be 50 metres away feeding his chubby face but our first wombat.

At first I zoomed in a ridiculous amount trying to get a decent photo, then decided to cautiously move closer.  Well, there was no need to be cautious as he wasn’t going anywhere and didn’t even give us a second glance. Different to when we were photographing grizzly bears in Denali – no chance of getting close to them for a quick snap!

At first I thought was he was a tame Wombat to attract visitors, but no, only a short walk along the path and we saw several others.  Even one in his burrow!

Introducing a Pademelon

Wandering further along the track, I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye and saw a Pademelon looking at us with interest from only a metre away.  Once again he stayed put – head down munching away on his vegan dinner.

Old Man Emu

No Aussie wildlife story is complete without Old Man Emu and there were many  of them. Further along the path, the trees and shrubs parted and out came the first big bird, then another and another….only at Wilson’s Promontory!

The Emus were quite cautious as they came across the flat grassed area and weren’t at all co-operative about putting their heads up for a photo!

Kangaroos Abound (no pun intended)

Like Emus, Kangaroos always bring a smile to everyone’s face.  They have a haughty attitude all the time, lay on their side like an old man of the bush and have a regular scratch under their arms.

A lazy Joey had his legs sticking out his Mum’s pouch while she carried him around for 24/7.  The Joeys stay in their Mum’s pouch for 11 months after birth and then still feed off their Mum for another 18 months!

The Prom birdlife

There’s more than 100 bird varieties on Wilson’s Promontory, but my favourite was the Scarlet Robin. There was no way I could capture a photo of these slightly little birds, so I borrowed one from Greening Australia!

Wilson’s Promontory Beaches

Before our Wildlife Walk we had called into a couple of Prom beaches.

The first was Whisky Bay – only a 465m walk from the car park – where we discovered the largest Cuttlefish we’d ever seen scattered far and wide.  They were literally everywhere.

Nest was. Squeaky Bay – this is a beach that squeaks when you walk on the sand!  Why you ask?  Well it’s all in the shape.  When quartz erodes to sand, smooth edged, round grains re created.  This means when you walk the grains slide up against each other and squeak.  What better reason do you need, apart from the wildlife of course, to visit Wilson’s Promontory.

Need to Know

• A visit to Prom Country Regional Tourism will answer all your questions on accommodation and camping facilities.
• Suggest going in the warmer months and avoiding June – August.
• Walking shoes necessary (obviously).
• Plus the usual – take water, sunscreen, hat, insect repellant.
• CAMERA!

A Wilson’s Promontory visit is a must when on a Baby Boomer Road Trip along the south east coast of Australia.