Wilsons Promontory: Wilderness Cruise & Skull Rock by Amphibious Boat

Summary

Wild coastline views fur seals and skull rock from the water

You’ll board an amphibious boat from Tidal River for a 2.5-hour Wilsons Promontory wilderness cruise along dramatic granite cliffs to Skull Rock. Watch fur seals play, breathe in wild ocean air, and listen as your local guide shares stories about this remote coastline. Expect moments of awe—and maybe some laughter—on this raw stretch of southern Australia.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the check-in — I’d underestimated how slow we’d walk across that soft sand at Tidal River with the wind picking up. My partner kept laughing at my “let’s hurry” face, but we made it, just as the staff were zipping up their own jackets. The boat looked like something out of a Bond movie, half on land and half in the water. Our guide, Tom (who grew up nearby), grinned and said, “Don’t worry, you’ll stay dry — mostly.” I didn’t believe him until we slid off Norman Beach into that cold blue-green water without even a splash.

The first thing that hit me was the smell — salt, kelp, something sharp in the air that made me feel awake. We skimmed past these huge granite cliffs along Wilsons Promontory, all pale grey with weird round shapes like someone had sculpted them by hand. Tom pointed out Skull Rock (“see it?”), which really does look like a giant skull if you squint. The boat slowed down near a cluster of dark rocks where dozens of fur seals were flopping around. They barked and splashed each other — one stared straight at us before sliding into the sea. I tried to take a photo but mostly caught my own thumb.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get once we reached South Point — just wind and waves and our group falling silent for a second. There was this feeling of being right at the edge of Australia, nothing between us and Antarctica except cold ocean. Tom told us stories about storms here; apparently whales sometimes pass through (not today though). On the way back, someone spotted dolphins but honestly I was just watching light flicker on wet rocks and thinking about lunch already. The waterproof jackets helped but my cheeks stayed salty for hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise

• Depart from Norman Beach
• Board amphibious vessel
• Cruise Wilsons Promontory Marine Park
• View granite coastline and Skull Rock
• See South Point, Australia's southern tip
• Spot fur seal breeding colony
• Look for dolphins, whales, seabirds
• Return to Norman Beach

Top questions

How long is the Wilsons Promontory wilderness cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours from departure to return.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Norman Beach near Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory.

Are waterproof jackets provided on the cruise?

Yes, waterproof and windproof jackets are provided for all guests.

What wildlife might I see during the cruise?

You may see Australian fur seals, dolphins, seabirds, and possibly migrating whales depending on the season.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you need to check in at Tidal River 30 minutes before departure.

Can infants join the Wilsons Promontory cruise?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for people with spinal injuries?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to boat movement.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2.5-hour wilderness cruise aboard custom-built amphibious boats departing from Tidal River with a local guide sharing stories along the way; waterproof and windproof jackets are provided so you can focus on spotting wildlife and enjoying those wild coastal views without worrying about spray or wind chill.