Located in the western region of Wilsons Prom, and not far from Tidal River, the Three Bays Walk is a coastal hike complete with incredible scenery along a well-formed path.
Roughly 8.5kms, you can start this hike at either the Whiskey Bay or the Tidal River car park.
However, for the purpose of this blog, we started the hike at the Whiskey Bay car park.
A short time after leaving the car park – approximately 425m according to the signs – you’ll reach your first destination.
And, personally, it’s a great way to kick off the walk as you wander over the sand and small inlet before having the opportunity to wander through the impressive boulders.
You’ll become lost in a small labyrinth whilst getting treated to views of Tongue Point off in the distance.
Return back the way you came and then take a right ascending the path as you continue on your way to our next bay in our Wilsons Prom adventure – Picnic Bay.
This next section of the walk is a really nice, short stretch of sand where the incredible scenery continues and you’ll get views of Norman Island to your right.
If you’ve ever hiked Bushrangers Bay out at Cape Schanck before, the next section along the coast will certainly remind you that as you wander through wind-blown coastal gums that litter either side of the trail.
I’m not sure exactly what it is I like about them, but there’s something that fascinates me about those gums and their shape.
Before you know it, you’ll have made it to the top where the coastal gums disappear momentarily and you begin to make your way down to Squeaky Beach.
So why do they call it Squeaky Beach? The sand is so fine and granular that when you walk across it the rounded grains of quartz make a kind of squeaking sound.
In my opinion, this is the best section of the entire Three Bays Walk and I challenge you not to take a few hundred photos or more such is the scenery that’s on offer.
We were particularly lucky with the weather when we ventured along Squeaky Beach; especially looking back over our tracks and to the various peaks we were leaving behind.
Continue along the beach towards the rocks at the other end and you’ll come across a sign pointing you in the direction of Tidal River which is a mere 2.5kms/50 mins away.
But before you get to Tidal River, you’ll want to make a quick side trip to Pillar Point.
If Squeaky Beach is the best section of the Three Bays Walk, then Pillar Point would have to be the best vantage point.
Perch yourself up on one of the boulders and you’ll get sweeping views of various locations in the park including the mouth of Tidal River, Norman Beach, and Skull Rock.
It’s a short 700m walk back to the t-intersection and then another short distance before you find yourself at the ever-popular Tidal River.
Word of warning – if you’ve got food on you, and it’s visible, be prepared to be mobbed by the various Pacific Gulls and Crimson Rosellas that inhabit the area.
They’re all harmless but the Rosellas especially have absolutely no fear and will get as close to you as they possibly can. And if you’re lucky, you might come across a wombat or two.
As mentioned at the start, this is typically done as a one-way hike and therefore a car shuffle will be needed.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can certainly do it as a return hike.
In terms of who the Wilsons Prom Three Bays Walk would be suitable for, I’d genuinely say anyone with a base level of fitness.
There are very few challenging hills and the paths along the coast are easily followed as it’s well-signed.
If you’re keen to give the Three Bays Walk a crack, and you’ve got the WikiLoc app, be sure to download it from my account here.
The Stats – Three Bay Walks in Wilsons Prom
Length (km): 8.69km (according to WikiLoc)
Time: 2hrs 48mins
Moving Time: 1hr 59mins
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate (Grade 3)
Maximum Elevation: 99m
Accum. elev. uphill: 236m
Accum. elev. downhill: 248m
Return/Circuit/One Way: One Way or Return
