Date night at the Prom

Posted on by Miriam

Some camp spots are worth revisiting, more than once. I think Yanakie, on the doorstep of Wilsons Promontory National Park, takes the record for the amount of times we’ve been back in two years.

Last weekend was trip number five, an impromptu overnighter and a prelude to hubby’s birthday this Friday.

It’s a special place to camp with views that overlook the waters of Corner Inlet and the mountains of the Prom.

Last summer, while we were here, we waded amongst hundreds of banjo sharks that unexpectedly swarmed into the warm waters. We sank our feet into mud pools for the ultimate dirty weekend and scampered across golden rocks at high tide.

Me and my mate Harry
Jaws?
Dirty good fun

Whilst many visitors, especially those from overseas, set up camp at iconic Tidal River, we’ve come to cherish our time at Yanakie.

It’s quiet, removed from the hub of tourists, open fires are allowed (with conditions) and even four legged canine friends are welcome. Just be aware you can’t take them into the National Park.

Aside from the waterfront views, Yanakie’s biggest draw card is it’s proximity to the National Park, being just five minutes drive from the official entrance.

From there it’s only thirty minutes to reach Tidal River, but don’t rush the trip. The joy is in the many stops along the way and the notorious locals that inadvertently slow you down.

Local Encounters

Wombat at the Prom

How could anyone drive by such a fat cutie as this?

Wombats are primarily nocturnal but they’re a bit like Melbourne trams. You don’t see any, then suddenly three turn up at once!

That’s how it was. So much wildlife in the wild. It’s an up close and personal experience you won’t forget.

Wombats, wallabies, koalas, emus, echidnas, kookaburras … they all roam freely here in their own proverbial backyard.

Look closely at the photo below and see how many Australian animals you can spot.

An Australian wildlife encounter
Spot the Aussie icon

The beaches

From the bush to the beach, the Prom is a nature lovers paradise.

There’s Squeaky Beach, with sand that squelches between your toes and Whisky Bay with its dramatic rocks, two of many secluded beaches that will have you falling in love before you even reach the hub of Tidal River.

This is the camping ‘heart’ of the Prom

Here you’ll find backpackers, campers and tourists (regardless of the season) scattered amongst the 484 campsites, more wombats and wildlife, walkways leading to Norman Beach and the start of many walks.

Seclusion at Whisky Bay
Enjoying the winter sunshine at Whisky Bay 

A walkers paradise

You can walk to places like Sealers Cove, hike the overnight trek to the lighthouse or enjoy shorter walks to Pillar Point, Lily Pilly Gully or the iconic summit walk up Mount Oberon for a 360-degree view of the park.

So many walks, over 80kms of bushwalking trails in fact, but for us so little time.

I remember growing up we enjoyed many day trips to the Prom. We’d be woken up at 5am, trundled into the car and by 10am we’d be rambling up the top of Mount Oberon. I was fitter back then, though I’m not sure I appreciated it quite like I do today.

Mount Oberon looms ahead
That’s Mount Oberon to the right.

The Prom is the most southern point of mainland Australia. Yep, it’s as far south as Australia goes.

For us this weekend was all about savouring the winter sunshine and relishing the deserted beaches without the crowds.

After a sun drenched Saturday we woke on Sunday to rain and moody skies. Outside our camper, the dark tempestuous sky and silver reflections on the water amplified the dramatic changing face of Mother Nature.

Changing skies at Yanakie

The weather at the southern tip of Australia is often unpredictable but I guess that sums up life in general.

Life’s not always sunshine and rainbows. It can be dark, cloudy and full of moody moments, however, as with everything, it all passes.

The good and the bad, the rain and the storms. The heatwave and the drought, the holidays and the heartaches. Life, its seasons and all of its challenges is a never ending cycle.

It really isn’t about the destination (though the Prom is a damn good one). It’s about the wild, unpredictable stuff that happens along the way and it’s about making the most of every single moment.

Love it all, wherever you are.

Be grateful for wherever you are.

Where’s your next date going to be?

Wherever it is, enjoy the journey.

In light and love

Walking along Whisky Bay

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123 thoughts on “Date night at the Prom”

  4. I thought I saw a goat in that photo in the right corner. Ha! Wombats are so weird and amazing and awesome, and I really want to see one! But a kangaroo in person?! That would be epic. Do you get that excited when you think about visiting Canada and seeing a Moose?! For some reason, our wildlife just seems so dull compared to yours. I mean, yours have pockets. POCKETS, MIRIAM. How freakin’ cool is that?! Great post and photos, as always. Love it! 💕

    Liked by 5 people

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    1. Hey Tanya, I didn’t think there was a goat in there but I had to look again to check lol! Actually, I’d love to visit Canada and see a moose, and a bear. To me that seems way more exciting than our kangaroos, which are prolific just outside our back gate at home. A few months ago I saw a Joey jump out of it’s mother’s pocket. You definitely have to come visit! Crazy isn’t it, how different our wildlife is. 🙂 xx

      Liked by 4 people

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  8. What a TERRIFIC blog post. I love your words AND your photos (especially the dramatic one with light beaming through clouds…) I lead a very fun chant in my music classes with small children + their accompanying grownups about animal in Australia which includes many of the animals in this blog post including WOMBATS. How cool to see them in their natural habitat/home!!! I am camping right now (in North Truro near the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Cod) where there are lots of chipmunks, crows, seals and great white sharks. I love that on a previous visit you “waded amongst hundreds of banjo sharks that unexpectedly swarmed into the warm waters.” When great white sharks are sighted near our beach, everyone flees the water… Thank you for sharing these glorious glimpses of your camping life in Australia.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Trust me, if there were great white sharks anywhere near these waters I’d be fleeing them too! These ones freaked me out enough and they didn’t even have teeth!
      So glad you enjoyed my post Will. Happy camping at Lake Cod. Sounds positively lovely. 🙂

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  11. That is my kinda “Prom”. Winter beaches are extraordinary. What a beautiful place.
    Happy Birthday to your hubby.
    This week, I’m so thankful for some energy. I’d been really draggy. I will enjoy this energy streak while it lasts.
    Great Post, Great Pics thanks so much for sharing all this with us Miriam.

    Liked by 2 people

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  13. such a lovely post 🙂 And I’ve never seen a wombat, much less the rest of that list. Amazing! Thanks for sharing! My yard is full of deer and turkey and rabbits and squirrels and chipmunks and birds – and Charlie of course ❤

    Liked by 2 people

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  15. Beautiful post again Miriam. Pictures and tales makes me so dream about seeing
    some of this vast continent. You do find some wonderful spots for celebrations, it
    seemed to me the table was laid …
    Have a wonderful time

    miriam

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. The table was indeed laid, in preparation for another delicious meal. One of the joys of camping is eating outside in beautiful surroundings. Thanks Miriam. Great to see you here.

      Liked by 1 person

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  16. Wow very beautiful! My favorite pictures was the sun beaming through the clouds! Wow! I am hosting a blog party! Feel free to drop your blog link and get to know other bloggers from around the world! Visit us and follow us for the posts at bloomsandbeautifuls.wordpress.com

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  18. ha love the Prom Miriam, great shots and lovely writing! Love that cutie and where did you learn to photo shop like that … all those critters in one shot lol!
    Happy Birthday to the man, sounds like you are indulging some fun celebrations 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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        1. Oh, absolutely. You have to book but there’s a range of cabins from the basic to the luxurious safari tents. There’s nothing hard about glamping at the Prom.

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  29. I know I’ve said it many times before, but it’s true: I am going to visit Australia some day. I’m not surprised you are a successful travel writer, as your posts make me want to pack my back and head to the fabulous places you write about! And one day, I am going to do just that. It will probably have to wait until after my husband retires, but that’s not all that far away, thank goodness.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Aww thanks Ann, your comments always put a smile on my face. I’m so happy to know I inspire you and you know I’ve said it before too. When you do make it out here my door will be open and the kettle on!

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  34. I’ve made a note to ‘encourage’ our van club to visit Yanakie. We just love The Prom but my most memorable trip takes the cake. A management skills weekend, 14kms walk, then climb Oberon and somewhere in there we strapped roadkill to someone’s roo bar. I’m sure it made me a better manager. 😳

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    1. Yikes. Sounds pretty full on. Maybe next time you do a Management course you should specialise in your skills in the culinary and liquid department. 😏

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  37. Miriam, the photo labeled, “Enjoying the winter sunshine at Whisky Bay”, would grace any art museum in the world. So beautiful and even poignant!

    Beyond that, I’m amazed at the abundance of wildlife in the area.

    Liked by 2 people

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  38. The Whisky Bay Wombats sound like a cool little band! Lovely photos and sounds like you had a fabulous stay. We visited Wilsons Prom a while back in the summer and loved it but I think I’d prefer to go in the winter to be honest.

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  41. The last two pictures are absolutely gorgeous, Miriam! 🙂 It looks like such a nice place for a weekend getaway and to celebrate a birthday. It’s so nice to see you happy and smiling! The weather is so much like life, I couldn’t agree more. We had such a gloomy morning and it’s turned sunny right now. Can’t trust those weather apps! 🙂 I love your Monday posts as always. It’s a fantastic way to start my week! Sending you warm hugs from sunny Seoul! xoxo

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. So happy you enjoyed this Cheryl and yes you’re right, the weather is very much like life. I’ll be honest, at the moment the greyness is dragging me down but I know that just as quickly those clouds will shift. Thank you for those warm hugs. Stay well my friend and have a fabulous week. xx

      Liked by 1 person

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  42. Wow! You obviously had a blast there, Miriam. This place looks so picturesque and charming. It definitely seems excellent for camping so I’ll have to add it to my bucket list!

    Liked by 1 person

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  45. great clicks, and accompanying text too, to quote one:
    “It’s about the wild, unpredictable stuff that happens along the way and it’s about making the most of every single moment.” and you do this is so evident from the pictures.

    Liked by 3 people

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  46. So enjoyed my time with you here Miriam.. Such a beautiful place, Loved that Wombat.. and to see the other wildlife too.. Not to mention those beautiful beaches that feel like you are the only one on the planet.. The mountains and sky.. just lovely.
    So enjoyed my time here with you.. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

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  47. Those animals weren’t the least bit bothered by the people presence! It’s like you were just part of the scenery to them.

    Such gorgeous views, as always. 🙂 I love your pictures.

    xoxox ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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