Norman Beach
Norman Beach
4.5
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4.5
50 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
13
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,742 contributions
Apr 2020
Norman Beach is the main open-ocean beach near the Tidal River campground, the main centre for the Prom. Although Norman Beach looks magnificent, the water is treacherous. If you swim between the flags in Dedcmber and January, when the beach is patrolled by lifesavers, it is safer. If you have children, Tidal River is a better place to swim. There are several bush walks starting from the beach. By the way, demand for accommodation is high during peak holiday periods, ballots are held to allocate accommodation at the Park..
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
catkid3
Victoria, Australia161 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Walked here as part of the Prom cruise tour but was thoroughly impressed by the size of the beach, as well as the calmness of the water on this particular day. Would definitely bring my beach towel and relax here on my next visit. It is within walking distance to Tidal River supermarket and takeaway, as well as multiple toilet and shower facilities.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
camerachick3000
Melbourne, Australia68 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
One of the largest beaches you will see. When the tide is out is is hundreds of metres wide, and it is so long too that you won't have any problem finding a quiet bit of beach all to yourself. The water is beautifully clear and clean, and your lungs will be constantly filled with fresh air here too.
Written 18 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
myirishblood
Grand Bend, Canada51 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Gorgeous beach and sand that beg you to walk its length, maybe more than once as we did. There is a nice relaxing trail back to the Tidal River area that starts at the far end of the beach. Very scenic with Mt Oberon and other large rock formations all around you and the sea on the one side. With no commercial activities, anywhere around it makes it ideal.
Written 4 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
Rome, Italy4,811 contributions
Jan 2022
Review Tidal River, Norman Beach, Wilsons Prom National Park
We had a week in a cabin at Yanakie Caravan Park – outside the National Park - with a group of friends/family, choosing the option of travelling into the park (and elsewhere) in preference to staying at the campsite in Tidal River. There are mixed reviews of facilities in the park, the large numbers of people who chose to holiday there and, not least, the confined space. We had a handful of small kids in the group with priorities for beach life, shallow water and, above all, the security of kids bathing/playing in the creeks. We were not prepared to counter the risks of the seas – neither adults nor kids.
Deep water swimming notwithstanding, Tidal River is a spectacular place to be – out of season, in good weather (when the wind is not blowing, etc.) and when the numbers of people are reasonable. (Others would say the same about our group – we being the ‘other people’ too.)
Which is where the half-hour run from Yanakie to Tidal River comes in. We opted for access to the facilities of Yanakie Township – restaurant/supermarket/petrol/etc. for the 70 km return journey that our choice of location required. The road into and out of the park is relatively friendly – busier mid-morning entering and late afternoon leaving (of course).
And you don’t have to go all the way to Tidal River – there’s a couple of beaches before reaching Tidal River (for example: Whisky Bay, Squeaky Beach and others) with facilities and parking, and a short walk to the beach … when you need to carry/trolly your beach ware, toys, food, drinks, etc. both ways. There are generally fewer people around and no convenient service centre close by, but you take your chances that you’re sufficiently self-contained. Equally, you play with the kids in the remains of the creeks that you find filtering into the sea at either end of the beaches. You do not go beyond thigh-depth in the cold seas. And for best you wear a wet suit.
Parking in Tidal River is plentiful and easy; then there’s the walk down to Tidal River and, following the river, cross the expanse of sand/channel overflow land alongside the river to the beginnings of Norman Beach where the sea/sky opens up. Gorgeous images.
Here you’re surrounded by the beauty of the landscape around you – the grey greens of the tree cover of the slopes/hills behind, the brown/tannin colour of the water in the river and the distant islets out-to-sea. Sure, there’s people too, but the spaciousness of the estuary/beach comfortably absorbed them during the half-days that we were there.
The river itself was the main attraction for the different families in our group – following/playing with the kids in the water. We tended to play around the bend in the river just before it reaches the beach. Here the depth (when we were there) was half metre or so in places and comfortable/safe for school-age kids. Smaller kids needed to be watched. They would frolic in the water, climb the rocks and jump a metre or so into the water; we even built a dam across the river one time and tried to divert it across the corner with a whole bunch of kids taking part in the build. We generally failed at mid-point where/when the water became too fast for a sand-based barrier, but it added to the fun of water speeded up through the remaining gap – for kids on floating beds, for example.
And this, notwithstanding the marsh flies (aka Tabanus suicifrons) that also take an interest in the beach as a source of people to pester - more than pester, in fact, for the tenacious female will bite you to use the protein in your blood for the development of her eggs – for the next generation of flies. The flies are chunky large, black and slow – a little like flying robots.
You’ll know she’s there too given the shock of that first bite and the sting that remains. If she’s on your leg you’ll stand a good chance of a killing because, unlike a house fly, they’re expecting to feast on you (which they also can/do-do on large less-flexible livestock like horses/cows). Small fly swats are quicker than flaying hands – and enable you to cover your back too. Keep the little kids covered if the flies are plentiful.
Late afternoon and before we had left that day, we watched a couple of amphibious boats with estimated 25 people on board each approach Norman Beach and drive out of the sea by means of a tricycle configuration beneath the hull – steering wheel at the bow and a pair of load-carrying wheels at the stern. They stood high above the sand when stationary, before a small 4x4 utility (correct descriptor?) towing a stepladder came scuttling across the sand and pulled alongside each in turn. Clearly, an organized tour group that had been doing the rounds of the local sea/land/wildlife/adventure routines along the southern most point of the Australian mainland. (Check the websites and this is a 2.5 h tour at a cost of $145/person.)
Other vehicles were less adept at clearing the sands/land alongside the river when heading back to climb the beach ramp to return to the township. We watched as a couple of SUVs with small boats in tow became bogged down and both required a second vehicle to help them get free. The messages are clear … sand is only for the experienced.
And, how did the Tidal River community come to be? It was originally an army base for training commandos during WW2. After the war the buildings/facilities were adapted for use by the National Park. The township includes camping/caravanning site, visitor’s centre and general store/eateries/café. Lots of car parking space too. There’s also an open-air cinema – a legacy of those early post-war years. The place felt busy with cars and people everywhere. If you’re into hiking/tramping this is probably where to park and start walking – to exchange people/facilities for the challenge and tranquility of the inland trails. Unfortunately, we did none of that.
Peter Steele
14 December 2022
We had a week in a cabin at Yanakie Caravan Park – outside the National Park - with a group of friends/family, choosing the option of travelling into the park (and elsewhere) in preference to staying at the campsite in Tidal River. There are mixed reviews of facilities in the park, the large numbers of people who chose to holiday there and, not least, the confined space. We had a handful of small kids in the group with priorities for beach life, shallow water and, above all, the security of kids bathing/playing in the creeks. We were not prepared to counter the risks of the seas – neither adults nor kids.
Deep water swimming notwithstanding, Tidal River is a spectacular place to be – out of season, in good weather (when the wind is not blowing, etc.) and when the numbers of people are reasonable. (Others would say the same about our group – we being the ‘other people’ too.)
Which is where the half-hour run from Yanakie to Tidal River comes in. We opted for access to the facilities of Yanakie Township – restaurant/supermarket/petrol/etc. for the 70 km return journey that our choice of location required. The road into and out of the park is relatively friendly – busier mid-morning entering and late afternoon leaving (of course).
And you don’t have to go all the way to Tidal River – there’s a couple of beaches before reaching Tidal River (for example: Whisky Bay, Squeaky Beach and others) with facilities and parking, and a short walk to the beach … when you need to carry/trolly your beach ware, toys, food, drinks, etc. both ways. There are generally fewer people around and no convenient service centre close by, but you take your chances that you’re sufficiently self-contained. Equally, you play with the kids in the remains of the creeks that you find filtering into the sea at either end of the beaches. You do not go beyond thigh-depth in the cold seas. And for best you wear a wet suit.
Parking in Tidal River is plentiful and easy; then there’s the walk down to Tidal River and, following the river, cross the expanse of sand/channel overflow land alongside the river to the beginnings of Norman Beach where the sea/sky opens up. Gorgeous images.
Here you’re surrounded by the beauty of the landscape around you – the grey greens of the tree cover of the slopes/hills behind, the brown/tannin colour of the water in the river and the distant islets out-to-sea. Sure, there’s people too, but the spaciousness of the estuary/beach comfortably absorbed them during the half-days that we were there.
The river itself was the main attraction for the different families in our group – following/playing with the kids in the water. We tended to play around the bend in the river just before it reaches the beach. Here the depth (when we were there) was half metre or so in places and comfortable/safe for school-age kids. Smaller kids needed to be watched. They would frolic in the water, climb the rocks and jump a metre or so into the water; we even built a dam across the river one time and tried to divert it across the corner with a whole bunch of kids taking part in the build. We generally failed at mid-point where/when the water became too fast for a sand-based barrier, but it added to the fun of water speeded up through the remaining gap – for kids on floating beds, for example.
And this, notwithstanding the marsh flies (aka Tabanus suicifrons) that also take an interest in the beach as a source of people to pester - more than pester, in fact, for the tenacious female will bite you to use the protein in your blood for the development of her eggs – for the next generation of flies. The flies are chunky large, black and slow – a little like flying robots.
You’ll know she’s there too given the shock of that first bite and the sting that remains. If she’s on your leg you’ll stand a good chance of a killing because, unlike a house fly, they’re expecting to feast on you (which they also can/do-do on large less-flexible livestock like horses/cows). Small fly swats are quicker than flaying hands – and enable you to cover your back too. Keep the little kids covered if the flies are plentiful.
Late afternoon and before we had left that day, we watched a couple of amphibious boats with estimated 25 people on board each approach Norman Beach and drive out of the sea by means of a tricycle configuration beneath the hull – steering wheel at the bow and a pair of load-carrying wheels at the stern. They stood high above the sand when stationary, before a small 4x4 utility (correct descriptor?) towing a stepladder came scuttling across the sand and pulled alongside each in turn. Clearly, an organized tour group that had been doing the rounds of the local sea/land/wildlife/adventure routines along the southern most point of the Australian mainland. (Check the websites and this is a 2.5 h tour at a cost of $145/person.)
Other vehicles were less adept at clearing the sands/land alongside the river when heading back to climb the beach ramp to return to the township. We watched as a couple of SUVs with small boats in tow became bogged down and both required a second vehicle to help them get free. The messages are clear … sand is only for the experienced.
And, how did the Tidal River community come to be? It was originally an army base for training commandos during WW2. After the war the buildings/facilities were adapted for use by the National Park. The township includes camping/caravanning site, visitor’s centre and general store/eateries/café. Lots of car parking space too. There’s also an open-air cinema – a legacy of those early post-war years. The place felt busy with cars and people everywhere. If you’re into hiking/tramping this is probably where to park and start walking – to exchange people/facilities for the challenge and tranquility of the inland trails. Unfortunately, we did none of that.
Peter Steele
14 December 2022
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
Melbourne, Australia1,757 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
A walk on a beautiful pristine beach looking up towards Mt Oberon was most relaxing towards the end of the day. Just next to Tidal River.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
Feb 2021
Norman beach is just walking distance from the proms camping grounds and Cabins....its just beautiful (like other prom beaches)....we just love to walk along the beach or sit in the sand and relax watching the waves roll in.
Written 4 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shirleym57
Northallerton, UK126 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
We were totally stunned by this beautiful beach, flat firm sand so walking was so comfy and virtually nobody else there. We just loved it .
Written 18 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikolai S
Melbourne, Australia287 contributions
Nov 2019
The first thing to visit in the Wilsons Prom, It is especially attractive if you visit that in out of season time (e.g.October - November). Very busy during pick seasons.
Written 12 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
best0ne2017
Greater Perth, Australia208 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
Short walk from tidal river campground or if you drive large carpark provided. Short walk to beach from carpark. Great views along coast in both directions with cliff vistas in distance. Sand hard and family can walk or ride bikes on. See where tidal river enters ocean. Track to Norman beach follows river. Amenities block at carpark with toilets and cold shower provided.
Written 4 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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