Skull Rock: Beauty and Controversy
Australia’s some of the most impressive sights are actually hiding out in the ocean, rather than on a shore. Further away from the coast of Wilsons Promontory, in the state of Victoria, you can explore the clear waters, birds, fish and an amazing island by boat. But, what you’re about to discover next, will take your breath away: literally, if you get too close!
Although the official name of the island is Cleft Island, it’s more commonly known as Skull Rock or Skull Cave. Surely enough, the island creates an outstanding view, that completes the bright sky colors and the small waves of the ocean. Once you begin to circumnavigate the island, though, you will most likely be amazed to discover that it’s actually not an island, but an impressively huge cave hiding all kinds of secrets. And the most fascinating part is that it’s all created by Mother Nature.
Trying to climb into the cave is not such a good idea, though. First of all, the entire island is surrounded by waves and tides, that can easily get to you if you move too close to them. Also, climbing the slippery rocks is such a challenging job, that only a handful of people actually got there (and came back) safely.
Even so, anyone, who comes in Victoria should definitely put this objective on their bucket list.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Cleft Island (Skull Rock), Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia
- Coordinates
- -39.15771, 146.29452
- Access
- Cleft Island (Skull Rock) is an offshore wildlife-protected island, not a walk-up attraction. The advertised Wilderness Cruise views it from the boat and offers no landing. Parks Victoria’s island-access rules restrict landing on the Anser-group islands; do not try to go ashore. Check in at Tidal River 30 minutes before sailing. The operator may vary or cancel trips for weather or sea conditions, so confirm the live departure before travelling.
- Admission
- There is no separate island-entry ticket. The operator currently lists its 2.5-hour Wilderness Cruise at A$175 per adult, A$110 per child ages 3–16, or A$515 for a family of two adults and three children. This is the cruise fare, not an island admission fee; confirm it when booking.
- Time needed
- Allow 2.5 hours for the full Wilderness Cruise, plus check-in 30 minutes before sailing. This is time on the boat, not time spent ashore at Skull Rock.
- Best season
- The operator does not name a best season. It lists an 11 a.m. cruise daily and an extra 2 p.m. departure November–April. Sea and weather conditions can change or cancel trips; check the current calendar and weather advice.
- Opening hours
- Cleft Island has no public walk-in hours. Wanderer Adventures lists an 11 a.m. boat-based Wilderness Cruise daily, with an additional 2 p.m. departure November–April; this is a cruise schedule, not island opening hours. Landing is not offered, and trips can change or be cancelled with conditions. Check the live booking schedule.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-23
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-01
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