Pillar Point and Squeaky Beach from Tidal River

From the visitor centre car park at Tidal River, cross the river on the footbridge and follow the track west along the hillside above Norman Beach. At the junction, take the side track out to Pillar Point, a granite headland with views back over Norman Bay and along the coast, then return to the junction. Carry on down to Squeaky Beach, where great orange-lichened granite boulders frame the bay and the dry quartz sand squeaks underfoot. Return the same way.

It is 6.6 km there and back with 146 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy: a sandy, well-made coastal track with some short climbs and steps.

The track is open to the sun and wind, so take water, a hat and a warm layer. Keep to the track on the headland, where the granite slabs drop steeply to the sea. Parks Victoria has planned an aerial deer control operation for 19 to 21 October 2026, with various tracks closed; check the park alerts if you go then.

Tidal River, at the end of the road into Wilsons Promontory, has a visitor centre, a store and a large campground. The beach has its own small car park if you want a shorter walk.

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.