There’s a moment on every first overnight hike when the mindset shifts, and carrying your pack becomes the experience itself. On a recent YHA Bushwalking Victoria trip to Wilsons Prom, that moment came on the climb from Telegraph Saddle to Little Waterloo Bay. For member Steve Weeks, it marked the start of his pack-carrying journey.
A recent YHA Bushwalking Victoria overnight trip followed the classic route to Little Waterloo Bay with around 10km each day, making it an ideal introduction to pack carrying. For member Steve Weeks, it was more than just a weekend away; it marked the beginning of his pack carry hiking journey.
“I wanted to get back into nature and be self-sufficient for a weekend,” he said. “I’d been thinking about it for quite a few years and just decided to do it when I saw it on the program.”
Though familiar with the Prom’s iconic spots like Squeaky Beach and Mt Oberon, this was a deeper experience, one shaped by long sandy stretches, quiet bush tracks, and the reward of a remote campsite. The appeal was simple: “The scenery and beaches.”
With a new one-person tent, mattress and Trangia stove in his pack, Steve set out without overthinking preparation. His only concern? “Cold, wet weather.” Instead, the group was rewarded with near-perfect conditions.
The highlight came at day’s end. “Sitting on the beach after setting up camp… making the most of the last sunshine before the sun went below the hills.” As darkness fell, the campsite transformed. Clear skies, stars overhead, and the steady rhythm of waves rolling in. “It was quiet. The beach was great. Having the ocean in the background made it.”
Like any overnight hike, there were challenges. The return journey, longer than planned and with limited food, tested tired legs and sore shoulders. “Feet and knees were starting to ache,” Steven admitted. But the shared experience of the group helped carry everyone through. “It was good to be with like-minded, friendly people.”
More importantly, the trip did exactly what it set out to do: kickstart a new passion. “Yes,” Steve said simply when asked if he’d do it again.
For those hesitating at the edge of their first pack carry, his advice is refreshingly direct: “Don’t worry about it. Just do it.
Why Wilson’s Prom is perfect for your first pack carry
For hikers looking to step beyond day walks, Wilson’s Prom offers a near-ideal training ground:
- Manageable distances: Routes like Telegraph Saddle to Little Waterloo Bay sit comfortably around 8–12km per day. Long enough to feel like an achievement but not overwhelming for beginners.
- Well-marked tracks: Clear signage and established trails reduce navigation stress, letting you focus on pacing and pack management.
- Defined campsites: Bookable sites (like Little Waterloo Bay) mean you know exactly where you’re heading each day.
- Varied but forgiving terrain: You’ll experience climbs, coastal walking and sand without committing to extreme alpine or remote conditions.
- Safety net: Despite its wild feel, the Prom is relatively accessible, making it a great place to build confidence before tackling more remote hikes.
Helpful resources to get started:
- Parks Victoria – Wilsons Promontory National Park (track notes, camping info, bookings)
- Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) – weather forecasts for Wilsons Prom
- VicEmergency – park alerts and conditions
- YHA Bushwalking Victoria – gear check
