Tidal River was originally established as an army commando training base during World War Two, operating from 1940 to 1942.

Tidal River campground is nestled in sand dunes behind Norman Bay, on the western side of the peninsula.

The only access road open to visitors leads from Yanakie at the park entrance to Tidal River, a distance of 32 km.

There is a visitor centre open daily, a general store with an extensive range of products, fish and chippery and café.

The outdoor cinema, established in the late 1940s, is a nostalgic favourite amongst summer campers who will sometimes line up for over an hour before tickets can be bought so they can save a seat in the front row with a blanket.