Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory National Park has fine white quartz sand that squeaks underfoot. The beach is unpatrolled, and the surf can be dangerous.
Squeaky Beach, Victoria, is one of the most stunning beaches in Australia. Inside the Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach has a couple of aspects to it that make it distinctive.
How does Squeaky Beach get its name?
First up is the white sand. This white sand, made of a fine quartz, is what gives Squeaky Beach its name.
It’s so fine that when you walk over it, the sand makes a squeaking noise. Realistically, you have to drag your feet over it like a sullen teenager, however, if you want to generate the squeaking effect.
Granite boulders at Squeaky Beach
The other striking feature of Squeaky Beach is the huge, rust-red granite boulders to the side of the beach. They’re next to the course of the creek that empties into Leonards Bay at the northern end of the beach.
Is it safe to swim at Squeaky Beach?
Squeaky Beach may be beautiful, but it is dangerous. Multiple signs warn of the dangers of swimming at Squeaky Beach.
There are no lifeguards on patrol, the rips can be savage, and the waves can be unexpectedly huge.
Dangers of fishing from the rocks at Squeaky Beach
Visitors are also warned of the dangers of fishing from the rocks at the northern end of the beach. Those unexpectedly big waves can surge in, crash against the rocks and sweep an unsuspecting angler away.
Where is Squeaky Beach, Victoria?
Squeaky Beach is on Leonards Bay in the Wilsons Promontory National Park. It is just to the north of Tidal River, the main townlet on Wilsons Promontory.
Squeaky Beach Walk from Tidal River
From Tidal River, you can take the 4.2km return Squeaky Beach Walk. This Wilsons Promontory walk is 4.2km long, and takes around 1.5 hours, there and back.
Starting from the Tidal River footbridge, it heads over the headland and descends onto Squeaky Beach.
Squeaky Beach car park
Alternatively, pull up at the Squeaky Beach car park and walk down to the beach. The track is about 300 metres long, and follows the creek.
How far is Squeaky Beach from Melbourne?
From Fish Creek, it’s a 54km drive to Squeaky Beach. Coming from Melbourne, it’s 222km.
Squeaky Beach: key visitor information
Conditions in the park can change at short notice. Check the Parks Victoria website for alerts before you go.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the Squeaky Beach opening hours? | Wilsons Promontory National Park is open every day, including weekends and public holidays. It can close on catastrophic fire danger days. |
| How much does it cost to visit Squeaky Beach? | There is no entry fee for Wilsons Promontory National Park. Camping and accommodation fees apply. |
| Is there parking at Squeaky Beach? | Yes, but the car park is small. It fills quickly, especially on weekends and in holiday periods. Do not block roads or emergency tracks when you park. |
| What if the Squeaky Beach car park is full? | Park at Tidal River and walk, or park at Lilly Pilly Gully and walk down the access road. The Lilly Pilly Gully walk takes no more than 20 minutes. |
| When is the best time to avoid the crowds at Squeaky Beach? | Visit mid-week. The beach is extremely busy in peak season. |
| How far is the walk from the car park to Squeaky Beach? | About 300 metres on an easy track that follows the creek. |
| How long is the Squeaky Beach Walk from Tidal River? | The walk is Grade 3 and 4.2km return, taking about 1.5 hours. You can extend it as part of the Three Bays Walk. Arrange a car shuttle if you want to walk one way. |
| Is Squeaky Beach patrolled by lifeguards? | No. The beach is unpatrolled. Beware of wave surges on the rocky outcrops. |
| Are dogs allowed at Squeaky Beach? | No. Dogs are not allowed anywhere in Wilsons Promontory National Park. Assistance dogs are welcome, but entry requirements apply. |
| Can you camp at Squeaky Beach? | No. The nearest campground is Tidal River. Fires and generators are not allowed. |
| Are there bins at Squeaky Beach? | No. There are no bins at the beach or the car park, so take all rubbish home. |
| Can you cycle the Squeaky Beach Walk? | No. Bicycles are not allowed on the walk. |
| Can you walk on the sand dunes at Squeaky Beach? | No. The dunes are fragile, so stay on formed paths and tracks. |
| Is there public transport to Squeaky Beach? | No. There is no direct public transport, so you need a car. |
| How long does it take to drive from Melbourne to Squeaky Beach? | The drive takes about three hours. The road to Tidal River is fully sealed. |
Things to do near Squeaky Beach
Picnic Bay – The coastal track over Leonard Point links Picnic Bay with Squeaky Beach, and the walk starts at the Picnic Bay car park.
Whisky Bay – This nearby beach is a good alternative if the Squeaky Beach car park is full.
Norman Beach – The Three Bays Walk visits this beach on its way from Tidal River.
Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk – This easy 2.6km walk takes about an hour and is suitable for prams.
Three Bays Walk – This coastal walk extends the Squeaky Beach Walk and also takes in Norman Beach, Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay.
More Victoria travel
Other Victoria travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Why it’s worth visiting Cactus Country in Strathmerton.
- Why it’s worth stopping at Eagles Neck near Inverloch in Gippsland.
- The best places to see penguins in Victoria.
- Key indormation about Agnes Falls in Gippsland – Victoria’s tallest single drop waterfall.
- Practical guide to the Skull Rock cruise on Wilsons Promontory.
