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If a big long hike, a swim at one of Victoria’s prettiest beaches and a decent coffee sounds like your kind of summer day, we’ve got good news. Wilsons Prom’s beloved Tidal River General Store is getting a major makeover, with a new café and revamped shopping set-up on the way. Set to reopen as Prom General Store in mid-December 2026, the refreshed store will be ready in time for the summer holiday rush – giving campers and hikers a new spot to stock up on supplies and refuel between outdoor adventures.
The historic store is keeping its timber cabin exterior, but things inside are getting a complete refresh – with a redesigned café and retail space geared towards the thousands of visitors who head to this gorgeous coastal national park every year.
According to the team, we can expect quality coffee, fresh food, camping essentials and a curated selection of products from local Gippsland makers and suppliers. The refurb itself has been designed by regionally based Bespoke Architects, with interiors overseen by Searoad Ferries Group project manager Robyn Olsson-Smith. Leongatha-based MDC Building Group is carrying out the construction, with regional trades and suppliers also involved in the project.
There’s a community-minded element to the upgrade, too. Prom General Store plans to support local businesses through its retail offering, and a proposed container deposit scheme will collect eligible bottles and cans to generate ongoing donations for Friends of the Prom. There’s also, crucially, a new face to get acquainted with. Meet Wilson, a sunglasses-wearing wombat who looks like he’s in absolutely no rush to be anywhere. The mascot will feature across everything from coffee cups and packaging to clothing, merch and signage, bringing a hit of cuteness to the revamped store.
The makeover comes alongside other recent visitor infrastructure improvements at Tidal River, as Parks Victoria continues to develop facilities at one of the state's fave nature escapes. While construction wraps up, visitors can still pick up essential supplies from five temporary converted-container pop-ups opposite the new Visitor Centre.
More details about the café menu, retail range and opening celebrations are expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, consider this your reminder to plan a summer trip to the Prom. You can keep tabs on updates over here.
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