Squeaky Beach

Weather and Water Conditions

You must know the climate and water at Squeaky Beach for your visit. The beach is in Wilsons Promontory National Park. It has a temperate climate with distinct seasons.

Climate Overview

Season	Months	Average Temperature	Rainfall
Summer	Dec-Feb	20-25°C (68-77°F)	Low
Autumn	Mar-May	15-20°C (59-68°F)	Moderate
Winter	Jun-Aug	10-15°C (50-59°F)	High
Spring	Sep-Nov	15-20°C (59-68°F)	Moderate

Water Temperature

The water temperature at Squeaky Beach varies throughout the year:

• Summer: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
• Winter: 13-16 °C (55-61 °F)

Safety Considerations

• Rip currents can occur, especially during rough sea conditions.
• Always check the beach safety flags before swimming.
• Be aware of changing tides, which can affect access to certain areas of the beach.

For a safe, fun visit, check the weather and beach conditions before your trip. The Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au) has current info for Wilsons Promontory.

Top Attractions and Activities

Squeaky Beach offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

 

Attraction/Activity	Description	Best Time
Squeaky Sand Walk	Experience the famous squeaking sound	Any time
Boulder Exploration	Climb and explore giant granite formations	Low tide
Photography	Capture stunning landscapes and sunsets	Golden hour
Wildlife Spotting	Observe native animals in their habitat	Dawn/Dusk
Picnicking	Enjoy a meal with scenic views	Midday

Must-Do Activities:

1. Squeaky Sand Experience: Walk along the beach. Listen to the sound of the quartz sand beneath your feet.
2. Tidal River Mouth: Visit the nearby Tidal River. It meets the ocean, creating a beautiful sight.
3. Hiking: Try the Squeaky Beach Walk. Or, explore Wilsons Promontory National Park for tougher trails.
4. Stargazing: On clear nights, the dark sky is great for stargazing.
5. Surfing: Squeaky Beach has great waves for experienced surfers, especially in winter.

Respect the natural environment. Follow all park rules to preserve this beautiful place for future visitors.

Beach Activities and Water Sports

Squeaky Beach has many activities for beach and water sports fans. Here’s what you can enjoy during your visit:

1. Swimming: The clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip. But always swim between the flags and watch for changing conditions.
2. Surfing: Experienced surfers can catch some great waves, especially during winter. But be cautious of rip currents and rocky areas.
3. Snorkeling: Explore the underwater world near the rocky outcrops. Always snorkel with a buddy and check the conditions first.
4. Beach Games: The wide, flat beach is ideal for frisbee, beach volleyball, or cricket.
5. Sandcastle Building: The fine, white sand is perfect for creating intricate sand sculptures.
6. Beachcombing: Look for interesting shells, pebbles, and driftwood along the shoreline.

 

Equipment rentals are unavailable directly on Squeaky Beach. If you plan to surf or snorkel, bring your own gear or rent from shops in nearby towns before arriving at the park.

Exploring Local Attractions

Squeaky Beach is a destination in itself. But the nearby Wilsons Promontory National Park has many attractions worth exploring.

1. Tidal River: A short drive from Squeaky Beach, it’s the main visitor hub. It has a general store, café, and camping.
2. Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse: Hike 19 km to a historic lighthouse. It has stunning coastal views. It’s a tough trek.
3. Mount Oberon Summit: A moderate 3.4 km hike offers panoramic views of the park and nearby islands.
4. Wildlife Encounters: Look for wombats, kangaroos, and emus in the park.
5. Norman Beach: Another beautiful beach nearby, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

 

Local Attraction	Distance from Squeaky Beach	Highlights
Tidal River	4 km	Visitor center, camping
Wilsons Prom Lighthouse	24 km (hike)	Historic site, coastal views
Mount Oberon	6 km to trailhead	Panoramic vistas
Norman Beach	5 km	Swimming, picnicking

Beach Facilities and Amenities

Squeaky Beach, while pristine and natural, has limited on-site facilities. Here’s what you need to know:

 

Facility	Availability	Notes
Toilets	No	Nearest at Tidal River
Showers	No	Nearest at Tidal River
Changing Rooms	No	Nearest at Tidal River
Picnic Tables	Yes	Limited number available
BBQ Facilities	No	Available at Tidal River
Drinking Water	No	Bring your own
Lifeguards	No	Swim with caution

Important Notes:

• There are no food or beverage vendors at Squeaky Beach. The nearest options are at Tidal River, about 4 km away.
• Bring all necessary supplies, including water, snacks, and sun protection.
• Pack out all rubbish to help maintain the beach’s pristine condition.
• Squeaky Beach car park has limited spaces that fill up quickly during peak season.

 

The lack of facilities helps preserve Squeaky Beach’s natural beauty and peace. Plan ahead and come prepared to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Accommodation Options

There is no accommodation on Squeaky Beach. But, visitors have several nearby options:

1. Tidal River Campground
   • Location: 4 km from Squeaky Beach
   • Options: Campsites, cabins, and wilderness retreats
   • Facilities: Showers, toilets, BBQ areas, and a general store.
   • Booking: Essential, especially during peak seasons.
2. Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
   • Location: 24 km hike from Tidal River
   • Options: Historic lighthouse keepers’ cottages
   • Unique experiences with stunning coastal views.
   • Advance booking is required.
3. Nearby Towns
   • Yanakie (30 minutes’ drive): Caravan parks, holiday homes
   • Fish Creek (45 minutes’ drive): B&Bs, guesthouses
   • Foster (1-hour drive): Hotels, motels, holiday rentals

 

Accommodation	Distance from Squeaky Beach
Tidal River Campground	4 km
Wilsons Prom Lightstation	24 km (hike)
Yanakie Options	30 km
Fish Creek Options	50 km

 

Tips:

• Book well in advance, especially for summer and holidays.
• Consider off-peak visits for better availability and rates.
• Camping in the park provides the closest access to Squeaky Beach.

Transportation

Getting to Squeaky Beach and navigating Wilsons Promontory National Park requires some planning. Here’s what you need to know:

Getting to Wilsons Promontory

• By car: The most convenient option. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Melbourne.
• Public Transport: Limited options. V/Line coaches run from Melbourne to Foster. Then, arrange private transport to the park.

Within the Park

• Personal Vehicle: The easiest way to get around. Roads are well maintained but can be winding.
• Walking: Many trails connect different areas of the park, including to Squeaky Beach.
• Shuttle Bus: Operates during peak periods between Tidal River and some popular spots.

Parking

• A car park is available at Squeaky Beach, but it can fill up quickly during busy periods.
• Overflow parking is available at Tidal River, with a walking track to Squeaky Beach.

 

Transport Option	Pros	Cons
Personal Vehicle	Flexibility, convenience	Parking can be challenging in peak times
Walking	Scenic, eco-friendly	Time-consuming, weather-dependent
Shuttle Bus	Convenient for popular spots	Limited schedule, doesn’t reach all areas

 

Tips:

• Arrive early to secure parking, especially during the summer and holidays.
• Consider carpooling to reduce environmental impact and ease parking pressure.
• Always check road conditions before traveling, especially in winter or after heavy rain.

Timing Your Visit

Visiting Squeaky Beach at the right moment shapes your entire experience. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan:

Seasonal Comparison

Season	Pros	Cons	Events
Summer (Dec-Feb)	Warm weather, perfect for swimming	Crowded, need to book well in advance	New Year’s Eve celebrations
Autumn (Mar-May)	Mild weather, fewer crowds	Cooler waters, some facilities may have reduced hours	Easter activities
Winter (Jun-Aug)	Whale watching, dramatic scenery	Cold, wet weather, rough seas	Whale watching tours
Spring (Sep-Nov)	Wildflowers in bloom, warming weather	Can be windy, water still cool	Prom Coast Seachange Festival

Best Times to Visit

• For swimming and beach activities: Late November to early March
• For quieter experiences: April–May or September–October
• For wildlife viewing: Winter months for whales, year-round for land animals.

Tips

• School holidays (especially summer) are the busiest times. Book well in advance.
• Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons. You’ll find good weather and fewer crowds.

Wilsons Promontory’s weather can be unpredictable. Always check forecasts and prepare for changes, regardless of the season.

Safety First

Squeaky Beach is a beautiful spot. But, safety is key during your visit. Here are some key safety considerations:

Beach Safety

• Always swim between the flags when they are present.
• Be aware of rip currents, which can be strong at Squeaky Beach.
• Check the beach conditions board before entering the water.

Wildlife Safety

• Observe wildlife from a distance; do not feed or approach animals.
• Be aware of snakes in the warmer months; stick to clear paths.
• Store food securely. It will avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.

Hiking Safety

• Carry plenty of water and snacks on hikes.
• Wear appropriate footwear and sun protection.
• Inform someone of your plans if you are going on longer hikes.

Emergency Information

• In case of emergency, call 000.
• The nearest medical facility is Foster Hospital, about a 1-hour drive away.
• Park Rangers are available at Tidal River for help.

 

Safety Aspect	Key Points
Beach Flags	Green: Safe to swim, Yellow: Caution, Red: Danger
Rip Current	Swim parallel to shore if caught in a rip
Sun Safety	Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide (Clothing, Sunscreen, Hat, Shade, Sunglasses)
Wildlife	Observe from afar, don’t feed

 

Stay informed and prepared. Always be cautious at Squeaky Beach and Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Environmental Awareness

Squeaky Beach and Wilsons Promontory National Park are home to diverse ecosystems. We must protect them. Here’s how you can enjoy this beautiful area responsibly:

Ecosystem Overview

• Coastal heathland
• Eucalyptus forests
• Marine environments

Wildlife

• Native animals: Wombats, kangaroos, emus, and various bird species
• Marine life: Dolphins, seals, and seasonal whales

Conservation Efforts

• Ongoing programs to protect native species and control invasive plants.
• Marine protected areas preserve underwater ecosystems.

Visitor Responsibilities

1. Leave No Trace: Pack out all rubbish, including organic waste.
2. Stay on Marked Trails: Protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
3. Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance; don’t feed the animals.
4. Use Eco-friendly Products: Choose reef-safe sunscreens and biodegradable toiletries.
5. Conserve Water: Ration water when camping to prevent waste.

 

Eco-Tip	Why It Matters
Use reusable water bottles	Reduces plastic waste
Take short showers	Conserves water in a drought-prone area
Use public transport or carpool	Reduces carbon emissions
Participate in beach clean-ups	Helps maintain the pristine environment

 

Every action matters. As a mindful visitor, you help protect Squeaky Beach and Wilsons Promontory for future generations.

Packing Essentials

For a great visit to Squeaky Beach, pack these essentials:

1. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.
2. Water: Reusable water bottles and extra drinking water
3. Food: Snacks and picnic supplies (remember to pack out all waste).
4. First Aid Kit: Including any personal medications.
5. Weather-appropriate Clothing: Layers for changing conditions.
6. Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes and sandals for the beach.
7. Beach Gear: Towels, swimwear, and a beach umbrella
8. Camera: To capture the stunning scenery.
9. Binoculars: For wildlife spotting and scenic views.
10. Insect Repellent: Especially during the warmer months

Squeaky Beach has few facilities. So, come prepared with all you need.