Wilderness Coast Walk

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Walk the Wilderness Coast

Croajingolong National Park

The Wilderness Coast Walk extends along the wild coast of far-east Gippsland. Trek isolated stretches of coastline, including the Sandpatch Wilderness Area, past the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse, secluded coves and through pristine landscapes teeming with native wildlife.
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Escape civilisation on the ultimate long-distance walk through remote wilderness. The Wilderness Coast Walk stretches 100km along the far-eastern coast of Victoria.

Start at Bemm River on the sandy shores of Croajingolong National Park. You can finish your trek at Mallacoota or extend your hike across the New South Wales border into Nadgee Nature Reserve.
Explore isolated beaches, sand dunes and vast estuaries as you trek the rugged coastline. Be prepared for a true wilderness experience that will see you scrambling over rocky headlands and boulders, crossing river estuaries (which may require swimming), walking long stretches of sand, and hiking through thick vegetation on ill-defined paths.
This walk is not for the faint-hearted. Hikers need to be experienced and prepared for challenging conditions. The walk is divided into three zones and you will need experience and confidence navigating from topographic maps.

Advance bookings are required for camping along the walk. Groups are limited to eight people and a two-night maximum applies at remote campsites to protect the natural environment.

The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk east of Mallacoota must be booked through NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Call the Merimbula office on (02) 6495 5000.

Sandpatch Zone
This section spans from Shipwreck Creek to Wingan Inlet and is about 26km. You will walk along open beaches and coastal heathlands. Purchase Mallacoota 8822-N map to help plan this section of the walk.

Rame Head Zone
This section spans from Wingan Inlet to Thurra River and is about 22km. It covers mostly beaches and some coastal forest. Purchase Cann – Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk.
If you plan to camp at Wingan Inlet, book this stay in the Rame Head Zone. The campground has an area dedicated to overnight hikers completing the Wilderness Coast Walk. No water is available any time of year in this section.

Clinton Rocks Zone
This section spans from Thurra River to Bemm River and is about 28km. There is a large section of rocks to negotiate at Clinton Rocks. Purchase Cann–Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk.
This section involves crossing the entrances of Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet. Boat transport may need to be organised, or low tide required, if these inlets are open to the ocean. Call Parks Victoria to check latest conditions.

 

How to get there

Walk the Wilderness Coast

The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales.

The walk can be reached from a number of locations along the coastline. Two-wheel drive access is available at Bemm River, Thurra River, Wingan Inlet, Shipwreck Creek and Mallacoota Inlet. Check road conditions before you arrive at the park.

Before starting your walk, you will need to source maps, tide charts, weather reports and relevant track notes.

Need to know

Walk the Wilderness Coast

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Croajingolong National Park

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Cape Howe (Croajingolong National Park)

    Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    17-21 October 2022
    24-28 October 2022
    27-31 March 2023
    3-7 April 2023
     
    See attached map for details. 

    Attachments: Croajingolong NP _Cape Howe aerial shooting information (485KB)

    Croajingolong National Park information update 7 February 2023

    Point Hicks Road is closed south of Bald Hills.

    The following eight areas are closed because of the 2019/2020 bushfires and coastal erosion caused by ongoing heavy rainfall.  Visitors are unable to access the Point Hicks Lighthouse, Thurra River Campground, and nearby walking tracks. Parks Victoria continue to maintain surveillance and security of these areas. Please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions.  

    ·      Point Hicks Lightstation
    ·      Thurra River Bridge
    ·      Thurra River Campground
    ·      Mt Everard Walking Track
    ·      Dunes Track
    ·      Saros Track
    ·      Sledge Track
    ·      West Beach Track
     
    The Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Wingan Inlet Campground.
     
    The following walking tracks are closed:
    ·      Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
     
    The following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:

    ·      Kingfish Point
    ·      Gravelly Point
     
    Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but many remain closed in areas affected by significant rainfall and flooding across Victoria in late 2022. The following tracks remain closed:

    ·      Swan Lake
    ·      Clinton Rocks Track
    ·      Cicada Trail
    ·      Gale Hill
    ·      Betka Track
    ·      Miners Track
    ·      Lakeview Track
    ·      Howe Flat Track
    ·      Howe Hill Track
    ·      Barracoota Track

    The water supply at Wingan Inlet Campground water trough was damaged by floods. Campers are advised to not rely on the trough for water resupply while camping.
     
    Ongoing heavy rainfall has impacted areas of Croajingolong National Park and other areas of the state. Monitor this page for updated information and site closures

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Croajingolong National Park

    Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    17-21 October 2022
    24-28 October 2022
    27-31 March 2023
    3-7 April 2023
     
    See attached map for details. 

    Attachments: Croajingolong aerial shooting info sign (499KB)

    Wilderness Coast Walk - Sandpatch Wilderness Area open

    The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk from Wingan Inlet to Shipwreck Creek has reopened – this section is referred to as the Sandpatch Wilderness Area.
     
    Combined flood and fire damage have made some areas more difficult to negotiate.
     
    Hikers must be able to self-navigate with a map and compass through the Sandpatch Wilderness Area as directional signage and steps at Sandpatch Point were destroyed in the fires.  Some parts of the track have thick regeneration that is difficult to walk through, particularly near Benedore River.
     
    Recent and consistent rainfall means that creeks and rivers could be high and difficult to cross as estuaries are open to the sea.
     
    The Wilderness Coast Walk from Wingan Inlet to Mallacoota is now open. Bookings are essential and can be made on the Wilderness Coast Walk page.
     

  • Mueller Camp (Croajingolong National Park)

    Mueller Campground Flooded

    The entrance at Mueller is currently closed.  Campsites 4-8 are flooded.

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