Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Telegraph Saddle car park, follow the management track, closed to traffic, as it climbs steadily round the slopes of Mount Oberon through coastal forest. Near the top the track gives way to steps up through granite boulders to the summit lookout. The view takes in Tidal River, the long curve of Norman Bay, Squeaky Beach and the islands scattered off the coast. Return the same way.
It is 6.4 km there and back with 306 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a wide, even track all the way, with a steep flight of steps at the end. Parks Victoria grades it moderate to hard and suggests about two hours.
Even in summer the summit can be windy, cold and in cloud, so take a warm layer. Some of the cliffs at the top are unprotected; keep children close. The figures show most of the way as road: it is the management track, closed to public vehicles.
The Telegraph Saddle car park is closed in the summer school holidays, at Easter and on weekends from November to April, when a free shuttle bus runs from Tidal River. The saddle is on the road into Tidal River, a few kilometres before the village.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Mount Oberon, 558 m, rises behind Tidal River near the southern tip of the Australian mainland
- The way up follows a management vehicle track closed to traffic, then steps to the granite summit
- From the top the view takes in Tidal River, Norman Bay and the islands off the Prom
- Wilsons Promontory was first set aside as a national park in 1898, one of the oldest in Victoria
Getting there
Start: Telegraph Saddle car park. -39.03268, 146.35519
Directions to the start
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
