Major city · Australia
Fish Creek
Stay 1 night here only if Wilsons Prom beds are full or you want a cheaper base; otherwise sleep inside the Prom and drive through.
Fish Creek is a small South Gippsland township of about 800 people on the C444 road between Meeniyan and Wilsons Promontory. It has a pub with motel units, a handful of galleries, two cafés and a post office, and it holds the nearest budget beds to the Prom outside the national park. Treat it as a one-night staging post for the Prom, Waratah Bay and Cape Liptrap, not as a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr; Nov–Mar for beach weather at Waratah Bay
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, many businesses on short hours)
- Airports
- MEL · AVV
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Fish Creek000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Fish Creek, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyVery safe for tourists: the real risks are wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, cold water and rips at Waratah Bay…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile · 13 19 63 Parks Victoria (Wilsons Prom information)
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMEL Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (About 2 h 45 min by car via the South Gippsland Highway; no direct public transport to Fish Creek).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealCafé breakfast or lunchA$15–28 (≈ US$10–19)
- BeerDraught beer, 570 mlA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$15–35 (≈ US$10–25)
- Budget bedPowered campsite (Tidal River or a private park), a night, per roomA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedFish Creek Hotel motel unit (double), a night, per roomA$130 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedFish Creek Hotel motel unit (double), a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$110 (≈ US$75) · Mid A$190 (≈ US$130) · High A$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MEL Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (About 2 h 45 min by car via the South Gippsland Highway; no direct public transport to Fish Creek) · AVV Avalon Airport (About 3 h by car; check schedules before booking)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Aug
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jul (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Fish Creek: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jul
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. Fish Creek is on route C444 (Meeniyan to Wilsons Promontory) and route C445 from Foster; Inverloch, Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower connect via C442 and Tourist Route 97. V/Line coaches from Melbourne's Southern Cross stop at Roo Fuel next to the service station, but there is no local bus to the Prom, so coach arrivals without a car are stuck.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Wilsons Promontory (Tidal River)
goDoor to door: About 45–55 min
Drive C444 south through Yanakie to the park entrance, then on to Tidal River
The reason most people stop here. Go early; the car park at Tidal River fills on summer weekends.
Waratah Bay and Walkerville
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Drive south on C445 towards Foster, then follow the coast road
Long surf beach and quiet camping; strong currents, swim between the flags or not at all.
Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
cautionDoor to door: About 50–60 min
Drive via Tarwin Lower and Walkerville to Cape Liptrap lighthouse
Gravel sections and no facilities; fine in dry weather, rough after rain.
Foster
goDoor to door: About 10–12 min
Drive south on C445
Supermarket, fuel, bakery and more beds if Fish Creek is full.
Door to door: About 50 min
Drive west via Meeniyan and the South Gippsland Highway
Big-town services, coal-mining heritage and the state coal mine.
Leongatha
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive north on the South Gippsland Highway via Meeniyan
Largest town in the district for supplies and a hospital.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Falls Road and the town centre
Walk to the cafés, post office and hall; the pub motel sits just off Old Waratah Rd behind the hotel.
Foster (10 min south)
More beds, a supermarket and a bigger pub; use it if Fish Creek is full.
Inside Wilsons Promontory (Tidal River)
The only beds in the park; book months ahead for summer and school holidays.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$150–230 (≈ US$100–160) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Fish Creek Hotel motel unit (double)1 × 1 night × A$130 | A$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$190 | A$380 |
| Fuel, Melbourne return (about 350 km)1 × A$70 | A$70 |
| Wilsons Prom day entry1 × A$0 · Park entry is free; camping and Tidal River beds are booked and paid separately. | A$0 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$63 |
| Trip total≈ A$347 per person per day, bed included | A$693≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and national-park camping fees excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4.50–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Café breakfast or lunch | A$15–28 (≈ US$10–19) |
| Pub main (parma, steak, fish) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Draught beer, 570 ml | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Fuel, unleaded, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Motel unit, double, per night | A$100–180 (≈ US$70–120) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$15–35 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No petrol station open late and no supermarket in town: fuel and groceries at Foster or Meeniyan.
- Mobile signal is patchy on the C444 and around Cape Liptrap; download offline maps.
- Kangaroos and wombats on the road at dawn and dusk, especially near the Prom entrance.
- Wilsons Prom entry is free but Tidal River camping and accommodation sell out weeks ahead in summer; check Parks Victoria before you commit.
- Many galleries and cafés close early or shut on odd days: check hours before driving out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
- Parks Victoria (Wilsons Prom information)
- 13 19 63
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Fish CreekFish Creek
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
- Parks Victoria13 19 63
Embassy
No consulates in Fish Creek; US, UK, Canadian and other consulates-general are in Melbourne.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- V/Line coach Melbourne (Southern Cross) → Fish Creek: about 3 h; arrives at the Roo Fuel stop beside the service station; book on the V/Line site
- Drive Melbourne → Fish Creek: about 2 h 30 min via the South Gippsland Highway
- Fish Creek → Tidal River, Wilsons Prom: about 45–55 min by car; no public transport
Say or show
- Where is the nearest petrol station? — Where is the nearest petrol station?
- Is there a table for two? — Is there a table for two?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is it to Wilsons Promontory? — How far is it to Wilsons Promontory?
- Is it safe to swim here? — Is it safe to swim here?
Fuel and groceries at Foster or Meeniyan; the town itself has a general store, pharmacy and post office.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Fish Creek. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr; Nov–Mar for beach weather at Waratah Bay · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, many businesses on short hours) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares