Chefprefers BLOG

My wife and I went on a quick holiday to Gippsland in Victoria. The plan was to ride along the southern rail trails and trek on some trendy walks at Wilson Promontory. Although, I found the Wilson Prom walks to be the highlight. 

The windswept terrain, the native fushia, the coast banksia, and many other coastal bushes can be admired as you drive to the Tidal River in Wilson Promontory. A large peninsula on the south coast of Victoria. The only sealed road finishes at the Tidal River resort. At $300 a night with a cabin on the beach, you could enjoy the luxury of coastal living or roughing it for $40 at a powered site. Either way, the scene is still the same. Just North over the river, there is a walking track to the end of the Northern outcrop known as Pillar Point. Halfway along, there is a right turn to the Southern end of Squeaky Beach. The turn zigzags its way down to the rocks before the iconic beach. Australian beach ambassador Jeff Farmer rated this beach as the best beach in Australia in 2024. Interestingly, a year has been stated in the competition. What would be the difference between year to year? Ummm waves? Sand erosion? Popular trending? I would like to know Jeff’s criteria.

Anyway, the pleasant, cultured path tracked up to the headland and down the other side.  It appeared very popular, with many sightseeing tourists making the journey. The 15-degree windy day didn’t derail the views from Pillar Point. Nesting down from the wind and admiring the Prom’s coasts, we replenished with a satisfying ripe banana.

However, we weren’t alone, with a group of chatty ladies beside us that appeared to be perched down on the rocks, ready to camp for the afternoon. We retreated the way we came and tracked back to the track to the squeaky sands, or so we thought. 

My first impression of Squeaky Beach was that it was pretty small. Outcrop to Outcrop, the beach would be 300 metres. The tide would half the narrow beach setting. So, there is not much space for the hordes of tourists on a hot summer day. However, the sand was smooth and felt perfect under your feet. Perhaps it squeaks on a dry day, but not on this cool spring morning. I strived to touch the water. The water temperature on my blue sky app was a cool 13 degrees. I took off my shoes and socks and waded to my shorts. Yes, it felt cold. Cold Fronts had passed through in the last couple of days, so the water was crashing—no breaks in the waves. 

A car park was 400 metres from the Northern end, so a few more people were at the top end. Primarily, groups are viewing and not staying. Perhaps they saw the ABC news article about this being the top beach. One would wonder if the article had brought more sightseers to gork at this beach. Jeff Farmer’s perception may have been intrigued by its isolation, but the words are out now, and people are coming in masses. I’ve been to many beaches in Australia, and my pick wouldn’t be this one, but I would favour beaches like Jervis Bay’s Green Patch or Hyams Beach (White Sands). But my criteria is more about size and smooth waves, not quaintness. What would be your pick? I love to hear your thoughts.