Wilson's Prom solo in July?

[overlandnoob]

Hi all.

I'm a relatively experienced bushwalker (did lots at school, did the Overland in Tassie though in summer and not solo) thinking about a few days in the Prom this uni break. I haven't been to the prom since I was little so not sure if this is just a downright stupid idea.

I was thinking about 3 nights 4 days:
day 1. Drive into telegraph saddle carpark, walk to Sealer's cove 10.2km 3 hrs
day 2. sealers cove to little waterloo bay 13.4km 4.5 hrs
day 3. little waterloo bay to roaring meg via lighthouse 17.2km 5.5 hrs
day 4. roaring meg to telegraph saddle 12.2km 4.5 hrs and home.

Does this seem unrealistic? I'm young and pretty fit but presumably these times assume good weather. I have done very little solo walking (longest 2 days 1 night) but am pretty confident with my skills.

Obviously the weather is unpredictable and I'd prepare for four days of storms, but is kind of weather a given in July or the exception to the rule?

Thank you

edit: if this does seem foolish, what would be a suitable alternative for 2-4 days not more than 3 hours from Melbourne this July? Was thinking about the Great Ocean Walk but would presumably have to double back to the car if I'm by myself?

[north-north-west]

It's a doddle. It's a good track, easy walking, a good sensible timetable for the circuit in winter. Have fun and I hope the weather is decent while you're there, but unless you have really bad storms you should still find it doable.

[Earwig]

I've walked the Prom in June - we had some rain (horizontal with the wind!) but if you prepare for bad weather you'll be fine. It was a great hike and your's will be too. You're intinery looks good, and if things are really crap, you can shorten it from Waterloo Bay. Go!

[walkon]

Hey overlandnoob

It all sounds good, not many people at this time of year and its a pretty easy walk. This would be a better option than the great ocean rd walk, as at any point if it all starts to go pear shaped you are only a short walk back to your car. Personally I would do the hike in reverse as I hate to finish that hike walking on the road back to the car, let me finish it walking through the Bush anytime!

The only major thing is to time your walk into sealers so you miss the high tide, unless you don't mind a swim or wading in deep water. The camp at sealers is on the refuge Cove side of the Creek, so it's only an issue if you go to sealers from Telegraph saddle. If you need a hand for this pm me or ring parks at tidal River.

[David M]

Make sure you cross the creek at Sealers Cove at low tide. You will need to check the tide tables at the ranger station or perhaps call them before hand. Also see my YouTube video of the creek crossing:

Creek adjacent to Sealers Cove campsite, Wilsons …: http://youtu.be/-Tq04a16Rlo

[David M]

Tides for Refuge Cove - the next bay over from Sealers:

http://tides.willyweather.com.au/vic/gi ... -cove.html

[SunnyWalker]

Should be allrigt. I did the hike solo (without roaring meg) just a few weeks ago and it's no problem at all. Track is well maintained and easy to follow. The creek was easy to cross (2pm) and even later a few hikers crossed it. Enjoy the hike!

[sanloz11]

I did this exact hike on queens bday weekend for my second walk, I had 25kg pack and lack of exp and we pulled it off in four days with no worries!!
We did it the exact opposite way around though, roaring meg first, light house, Waterloo, refuge and back to the phone towers. It's a very user friendly and man make track. You will be fine.
Might be abit flooded now with the rain we have had though!
Also roaring meg back to the start point is a really boring walk.. Maybe better off skipping that and going from Waterloo to the light house (as a day walk) and then back to Waterloo and cut up back to the car park.
Will be about the same amount of kms but you won't have to see all the boring roads (yes literal roads)
Good luck!