Overview: The Mount Bishop Summit Track in Wilsons Promontory National Park offers an uplifting and scenic adventure through one of Australia’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. Rising from lush eucalypt forest to an open granite peak, the trail rewards hikers with sweeping views over the sparkling waters of Bass Strait, the rugged coastline, and the forested slopes of the Prom. The walk blends tranquil bushland paths with panoramic summit vistas, creating an experience that showcases the natural beauty and geological character of Victoria’s southernmost national park.

Trail Details:
Trail Length: 4.32 miles
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Around 970 feet 
Trail Type: Out and Back

Key Features:

Lilly Pilly Gully Start:
The trail often begins near the Lilly Pilly Gully area, where walkers follow a peaceful track lined with eucalypts, tea trees, and native shrubs. Interpretive signs share information about the area’s unique flora, birdlife, and the importance of Wilsons Prom as a protected habitat.

Granite Hillside Ascent:
As the track climbs, the forest gives way to open rocky terrain shaped by ancient granite formations. Massive boulders, weathered tors, and distinctive rounded rock surfaces mark the transition from dense bush to elevated viewpoints. The ascent is steady but manageable, offering glimpses of the coastline through breaks in the vegetation.

Mount Bishop Summit:
The summit presents one of the most impressive lookouts in the national park. From the top, hikers enjoy expansive views of Squeaky Beach, Leonard Bay, and the broad sweep of Wilsons Prom’s rugged landscape. The granite outcrops provide natural platforms for taking in the scenery and experiencing the sense of openness that defines the peak.

Wildlife and Flora:
Wilsons Prom is home to an array of native wildlife, and it’s common to see wallabies, wombats, and colorful bird species along the trail. The vegetation shifts from cool temperate rainforest elements on the lower slopes to hardy coastal plants adapted to wind and exposure near the summit.

Return Path:
The return follows the same route, offering a renewed perspective of the forest and coastline as hikers descend. Shifting light and coastal breezes often create a refreshing and peaceful finish to the walk.

Trailhead Information:
Starting Point: Near Lilly Pilly Gully or adjacent walking-track parking areas
Ending Point: Same as starting point
Public Access: Accessible by car via the main road through Wilsons Promontory
Parking: Available at designated parking areas nearby

Best Season to Visit:
Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural scenery, with wildflowers in bloom and excellent visibility. Summer provides warm weather and bright coastal views, though conditions can be hot. Winter walks are cooler and quieter, with clear skies often producing crisp, far-reaching vistas from the summit.

Trail Tips:
Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots suitable for uneven and rocky terrain.
Weather: Bring sun protection, water, and layers, as the summit can be windy even on warm days.
Safety: Stay on marked tracks to protect fragile vegetation and avoid slipping on exposed granite.
Pace: Allow extra time at the summit to enjoy the views and changing light over the coastline.

Trail Highlights:
Scenic Coastal Lookouts: Take in unforgettable coastal panoramas from the open granite summit.
Granite Landscapes: Experience the distinctive rock formations that define Wilsons Prom’s geology.
Wildlife Encounters: Encounter native Australian animals and diverse vegetation along the trail.

Additional Information:
Trail Condition: Well-marked, with maintained paths through forest and rocky sections near the top.
Food and Refreshments: Picnic areas and food options are available in Tidal River, a short drive from the trailhead.

The Mount Bishop Summit Track offers a rewarding journey that combines forest tranquility with stunning summit views. It invites hikers to immerse themselves in the wild charm of Wilsons Promontory and appreciate the dramatic meeting of land, sea, and sky that defines this iconic Australian landscape.

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