What is the southernmost point of mainland Australia?
The southernmost point of mainland Australia is South Point on Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. The promontory is a rugged peninsula protected as one of the state's oldest national parks.
Wilsons Promontory, often called the Prom, sticks out into Bass Strait about 200 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. South Point can be reached only on foot, usually on a long overnight hike through the park.
The national park was declared in 1898. It is known for granite headlands, white beaches such as Squeaky Beach and Whisky Bay, and wildlife including wombats, emus and kangaroos. A lighthouse built in 1859 stands near the southern tip.
Not the southernmost overall
If islands are included, the southernmost point of Australia is much further south. Tasmania's South East Cape is further south than the mainland, and Australia's sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island lies even closer to Antarctica.
Tidal River, the park's main campground, fills quickly in summer, and bookings are often decided by ballot during the peak Christmas holidays.
Did You Know?
The sand at Squeaky Beach really squeaks underfoot because of its rounded quartz grains.