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Yanakie

Yanakie

Yanakie is a peaceful rural and coastal community at the gateway to Wilsons Promontory, surrounded by rolling farmland, wetlands and spectacular natural scenery. With easy access to the Prom, Corner Inlet and nearby beaches, it is an ideal base for exploring South Gippsland's renowned landscapes and wildlife.

  • 2 hr 35 from Melbourne
  • 35 min to Tidal River
  • Closest base to the Prom

Yanakie is a small rural and coastal township at the gateway to Wilsons Promontory, sitting on the narrow Yanakie Isthmus between Corner Inlet and Shallow Inlet. Surrounded by rolling green farmland, coastal wetlands and spectacular views towards the mountains of Wilsons Promontory, Yanakie has a wonderfully peaceful setting and a strong connection to both agriculture and tourism. It is the closest township to the entrance of Wilsons Promontory National Park, making it an ideal place to stay while exploring one of Victoria's great coastal wilderness areas.

Life at Yanakie

Yanakie is perfectly positioned for enjoying both the coast and the countryside. Within minutes, visitors can reach the sheltered waters of Corner Inlet to the east or the more exposed Shallow Inlet to the west, both offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, birdwatching and exploring the coastal landscape. The northern section of Wilsons Promontory is also easily accessible from Yanakie, including walks around Big Drift, Miller's Landing and Vereker Outlook, while the main entrance to the national park is only a few kilometres south of the township. For visitors heading into the Prom, Yanakie is the last convenient place to stock up on supplies, with the Yanakie General Store providing groceries, takeaway food and other essentials. The township also offers accommodation, a picnic area and children's playground, making it particularly convenient for families and visitors exploring the Prom. With its combination of peaceful farmland, waterways, wildlife and immediate access to Wilsons Promontory, Yanakie is one of the best bases for experiencing the natural beauty of the southern Gippsland coast.

Things to do in Yanakie

  • Visit Wilsons Promontory National ParkYanakie is the closest village to the entrance of the Prom, making it an excellent base for exploring its beaches, mountains, forests and wildlife.
  • Tidal RiverSpend the day swimming, walking, fishing and exploring the beautiful river and surrounding bushland inside the Prom.
  • Norman BeachOne of the Prom's most popular beaches, ideal for swimming, beach walks and spectacular sunsets.
  • Squeaky BeachVisit the famous beach and experience its distinctive squeaking quartz sand beneath your feet.
  • Mount Oberon SummitTake the popular walk to the summit for spectacular panoramic views over Wilsons Promontory and Bass Strait.
  • Yanakie BeachEnjoy the quiet shoreline and beautiful views across Corner Inlet towards the Prom.
  • Shallow InletExplore the sheltered waters for fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding and birdwatching.
  • Yanakie WetlandsLook for native birds and wildlife while exploring the peaceful wetland environment.
  • Fishing and boatingCorner Inlet and Shallow Inlet provide excellent opportunities for recreational fishing and boating.
  • Wildlife spottingLook for kangaroos, emus, wombats, wallabies and abundant birdlife around Yanakie and the Prom.
  • Scenic drivesEnjoy spectacular views across Corner Inlet, rolling farmland and the mountains of Wilsons Promontory.

Close to Yanakie

Beaches, walks and good food within a short drive.

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Shallow Inlet

10 min Kite surfing, birdlife

A tidal inlet behind Sandy Point with dunes, sandbars and flat water. Popular for kite surfing and bird watching.

Sandy Point Beach

10 min Patrolled in summer

A wide, gently sloping beach facing Waratah Bay with views across to the Prom. One of the most family-friendly beaches on the coast.

Waratah Bay Beach

15 min Calm, north-facing

Quiet, sheltered water and long evening light. Good for paddleboards, beach cricket and sunset walks.

Prom Wildlife Walk

20 min 2.3 km loop

An easy loop through grassy woodland where eastern grey kangaroos, emus and wombats are often seen in the early evening.

Big Drift

20 min About 2 km each way

Huge inland sand dunes near the park entrance. Walk in from Stockyards and it feels like a different country.