Iconic Sealers Cove Track Reopens at Yiruk Wamoon Following Major Restoration

A significant cultural and environmental landmark at the southernmost point of mainland Australia has returned to public use. The Sealers Cove walking track and its vital 2-kilometre boardwalk at Yiruk Wamoon, also known as Wilsons Promontory, officially reopened on Friday, 18 September 2026, following a five-year closure. The trail had been inaccessible since 2021 after being battered by three successive storms. According to ABC Gippsland, the restoration was a complex feat of engineering and collaboration, involving a $4.8 million investment from the Victorian government for the boardwalk alone. This work formed part of the broader $23 million Wilsons Promontory Revitalisation Project. The restoration process was marked by a deep partnership between the construction team, Parks Victoria scientists, and Traditional Owners. Stephen Erickson, director at Envirotechniques, led a crew that camped at the remote site for weeks on end to remove damaged infrastructure and assess the delicate swamp environment. Because the site has no vehicle access, the project required helicopters and barges to transport materials and personnel, with crews working ten-day rotations in a temporary bush camp. Wilsons Promontory area chief ranger Brett Mitchell described the reopening as a "magnificent achievement," noting that the work has secured the infrastructure for future generations. The park attracts approximately 600,000 visitors annually, and the reopening of the Sealers Cove section restores the popular southern circuit just in time for the summer season. The project reflects a successful integration of modern engineering with respect for the site's natural and Indigenous significance.