Explore
Point Hicks Lighthouse
The secluded and pristine Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lightstation, claimed to be Captain James Cook’s first sighting of mainland Australia. Steeped in rich Aboriginal and European history, explore the reserve on foot, join a tour of the lighthouse or stay a night in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Please note, all accommodation at Point Hicks Lighthouse is closed until further notice due to fire impact in the area.
Open to the public and with tours running daily from Friday through Monday, join in to learn the secrets of the tallest lightstation on mainland Australia – from life in this secluded part of the world to the unique landscapes that surround the lightstation.
The hull of the SS Saros shipwreck lies just beyond the lightstation. Helmed by Captain Aitken and bound for Sydney, the steamship left Geelong in 1937, but ran aground in heavy fog. Accessible along Saros Track, it is one of a few shipwrecks on the Victorian coast visible from land.
Book an overnight stay at the lighthouse keeper’s cottages. Built from Oregon collected from local shipwrecks, the cottages are an excellent example of a nineteenth century lighthouse residence. The self-contained cottages can accommodate up to 12 people.
During winter, the Victorian coast becomes a highway for Humpback and Southern Right whales as they migrate to their calving grounds off the Queensland coast. The lightstation is a great place to set up and spot the gentle giants frolicking about the water.
Things to do
Mueller Inlet Campground
Peachtree Creek Reserve
Thurra River Campground
How to get there
Point Hicks Lighthouse
Sites
When you're there
Need to know
Point Hicks Lighthouse
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Be prepared and stay safe
Croajingolong National Park is in the East Gippsland fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering the park during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs will be erected but do not expect an official warning.
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 – Croajingolong National Park
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.17-21 October 202224-28 October 202227-31 March 20233-7 April 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Croajingolong NP aerial shooting information (597KB)
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 202224-28 October 202227-31 March 20233-7 April 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Croajingolong NP _Cape Howe aerial shooting information (485KB)
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. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Croajingolong National Park Closures
Point Hicks Road is closed south of Fishermans Track.
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 TrackThe Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Wingan Inlet Campground.The following walking tracks are closed:· Wingan Inlet Rapids WalkThe following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:· Kingfish PointSeasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but this year will remain in place until further notice in areas affected by significant rainfall and flooding across Victoria. The following Seasonal Road Closure tracks are included in the extended season:· Swan Lake· Clinton Rocks Track· Cicada Trail· Gale Hill· Betka Track· Miners Track· Lakeview Track· Howe Flat Track· Howe Hill Track· Barracoota TrackThe 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
