Arriving Late for an overnight at Wilsons Prom

[aden94]

Hey guys,

I wondered if someone here had the experience of starting an overnight at Wilsons Prom(South) without checking in with the rangers.
Now you can book online, and I would leave on friday after work and would like to start walking upon arrival (easy 2H walk from Telegraph saddle to Halfway hut or 4H to roaring meg).
I called them and they were pretty pedantic about checking in, but if I paid already and have done this walk in the past,
I do not see the need of staying one night in Tidal and then having to rush the rest of the weekend to be able to finish the loop.
I could leave the booking on the dashboard as well as have it with me.

Has anyone done something similar here? Did they get into trouble?
Thanks for your help.

[dinna89]

I wouldn't worry about checking in, especially since you have booked campsites. Couldn't hurt to take the usual precaution of letting someone know what you're doing.
You'll be fine

[neilmny]

They probably want you to stay and check in so that you have to pay $57.00 or what ever it is for the first night at Tidal River.

Is your booking a permit or just a booking? Do you receive a permit when you book?
This is shown on the Parks pdf - http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets ... -Hikes.pdf

Overnight camping permit
Hikers must obtain a permit before commencing
their walk and carry it with them at all times. After
completing your hike, please return your permit to
the Tidal River Visitor Centre or in the permit
boxes located at the Five Mile car park, outside
the Park Entrance Station or outside the Tidal
River Visitor Centre. This system informs rangers
of your safe return

[Earwig]

If you've paid, don't worry about it. You could always slip a note into the permit box before heading out.

[walkon]

I've done this before with no problems .Whenever I got checked by the rangers all they did was ask for my name even though there was a tag hanging off my pack so now I just drive in if I'm late. No issues at all when you get checked by the rangers. I think all that Parks want to is give you a list of do's/don'ts and check emergency info which they already have got off you.

Enjoy it Aden it's a lovely part of the world

[aden94]

Thanks guys for the advice!
Yeah I'm really looking forward to it, I have done it last year but this time I get to walk down to the lighthouse!

[paidal_chalne_vala]

The Rangers prefer you to obtain a sticker for your car before you start walking.

[JamesMc]

I've been told by Wilsons Prom rangers quite a few years ago that it is ILLEGAL to walk after dark because it's so dangerous. You might trip over and hurt yourself. Last time I was there I booked lo walk at the office and they didn't actually give me a permit, just a car sticker,

If I was in your situation, I would avoid checking in when you arrive

[dinna89]

I've been told by Wilsons Prom rangers quite a few years ago that it is ILLEGAL to walk after dark because it's so dangerous.

I wouldn't be surprised if a ranger said this, but there's no way it's true.

[wildlight]

I've been told by Wilsons Prom rangers quite a few years ago that it is ILLEGAL to walk after dark because it's so dangerous.

So…

Can you walk to the toilet after dark? Walk to someone else's tent for a chat after dark? Is it "dark" after sunset- or when there is no moon- or when?

Sarcasm aside- I inquired about after dark walking once- and the lady ranger in the office said to me "We can't stop you from walking after dark, we can only ask that you take extra care and watch your step, because it's more likely you won't see obstacles or hazards as easily". I thought her answer was a fair-enough comment. The only thing I'd add to this is, if you arrive after dark, you've kinda lost the "value for money" of extra hours of that day- "before dark" or otherwise.

Cheers

Wildlight.

[enbuyukfener]

I wouldn't be surprised if a ranger said this, but there's no way it's true.

The rangers at wilson's prom are a different breed. They would definitely say stuff like that!

[Earwig]

I wouldn't be surprised if a ranger said this, but there's no way it's true.

The rangers at wilson's prom are a different breed. They would definitely say stuff like that!

... and they are wrong! There are no regs against walking at night.