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.
Experience the pristine beauty of Croajingolong National Park and immerse yourself in the unique history of the area with a visit to Point Hicks Lightstation. Although it isn’t without controversy, the granite headlands of Point Hicks are said to be Captain James Cooks first sighting of mainland Australia.
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.
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
This campground is on the shores of Mueller Inlet and overlooks the inlet to the river mouth and ocean. The campsites are protected by a dune system covered in Banksia Woodland and Heath.
Peachtree Creek Reserve
This campground is on the eastern shore of Tamboon Inlet, good for both fishing and bird watching. There is neither vehicle nor walking access to the coast so boats are an excellent way to explore the area. The inlet waters and surrounding forest are part of Croajingolong National Park, where there are other campgrounds available.
Thurra River Campground
This campground is located in coastal woodland between the river and the ocean near Point Hicks. This is a popular spot for families to relax on hot days.
How to get there
Point Hicks Lighthouse
Point Hicks Lightstation is surrounded by the pristine Croajingolong National Park. Approximately seven hours’ drive from Melbourne, the lightstation is easily accessed off the Princes Highway. Turn off at Cann River, on to the unsealed Point Hicks Road which leads to an access gate. From here, visitors must make the final stretch on foot to reach the lightstation.
Sites
When you're there
The Point Hicks Lightstation is accessible to the public for tours from Friday through to Monday. Tours are free however are limited to a maximum of 12 people per tour. For more information about this part of the park, download the Croajingolong National Park visitor guide.
Camping & accommodation
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.
Please note, all accommodation at Point Hicks Lighthouse is closed until further notice due to fire impact in the area.
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.
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.
-
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Point Hicks Lighthouse
The Point Hicks Lightstation and surrounding area is currently closed as a result of the 2019/2020 bushfires and coastal erosion. Visitors are unable to access the Point Hicks Lighthouse, Sledge Track, West Beach Track, Dunes Track, Saros Track or the Monument. Parks Victoria continue to maintain surveillance and security of the site. Accommodation is not expected to be re-opened until 2024. Please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions.Areas of Croajingolong National Park Closed due to Fire Damage
The following areas of Croajingolong National Park remain closed:
Mallacoota Inlet Day Visitor Areas:· Gravelly Point, including Jetty.· Kingfisher Point, Including Jetty.
Other affected Sites and Facilties - Croajingolong:
· Wilderness Coast Walk (between Shipwreck Creek and Bemm River)· Thurra River Campground· Point Hicks Road (South of Bald Hills Track)· Cicada Trail· Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk· Gale Hill Track· Rame Head Track
The Parks Victoria Team apologise for the inconvenience and thank-you for your patience and understanding as recovery works progress.Closures due to flood impacts
Croajingolong National Park was impacted by flooding in early April and several sites are currently closed. Monitor this page for updated site closures.West Wingan Road 4WD Only
Following the recent floods in East Gippsland, the West Wingan Road is no longer suitable for 2WD vehicles. -
Thurra River (Croajingolong National Park)
Thurra Campground
The Thurra campground is currently closed pending replacement of the Thurra River bridge and safety works in the campground. Reopening is taking longer than expected due to the scale and complexity of works. Thurra campground may be reopened for summer 2023-2024, however please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions. -
Mueller Camp (Croajingolong National Park)
Mueller Campground Closed
Mueller Campground has been closed due to recent flood impacts on the Point Hicks Road.
-
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Deer Control (ground shooting) operation underway
Deer control is being undertaken in this park from October 2021 to June 2022. Some localised access restrictions may apply. Find out more about this program.Seasonal road closures 2022
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information. -
Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)
Wingan Water Supply Trough
Campers are advised that the water supply trough at Wingan has been impacted by recent flooding. Campers should be self-sufficient in providing for their water needs for the duration of their visit and not rely on re-supply from the trough.West Wingan Road - Post flood Make Safe Works
Parks Victoria has engage two local contractors to undertake make safe works on the West Wingan Road. The contractors will be using heavy machinery on the road, traffic management signage will be in place and short delays can be expected.Works are planned to commence on Monday 23rd May 2022 and be completed by Friday 27th May 2022.
