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Wingan Inlet Campground
Nestled on the western shores of Wingan Inlet, among tall Bloodwood trees, Wingan Inlet Campground offers a peaceful camping experience in one of the most secluded corners of Victoria. Jump in a canoe or kayak, or follow Fly Cove Walk to access the pristine sandy beaches of Croajingolong National Park.
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Wingan Inlet is one of Victoria's quaint escapes, nestled on the western-edge of the Sandpatch Wilderness Zone. The secluded campsites hide among tall Bloodwood trees not too far from the shores of Wingan Inlet.
Come prepared with a canoe or kayak and explore the Wingan River. Upstream, the river follows a winding course through sea rushes and paperback thickets to a towering littoral rainforest and the stunning Wingan River Rapids. Crystal clear water trickles through lichen-covered granite boulders and curious water dragons peer out from behind colourful wildflowers. Downstream, the river leads to the mouth of the inlet where sandbars give way to the wild ocean swells of Fly Cove.
A small network of rocky islands just off the white sands of Fly Cove are home to a colony of Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals. Listen carefully and you might be lucky enough to hear pups calling for their mothers.
Along with the Wingan River Rapids, Fly Cove can be accessed by foot from the camsites. Follow the Fly Cove Walk. The beginning of the Wingan Rapids walk begins from Boundary Track, a short drive from the campsites.
If you're a keen angler, try your luck fishing and you might just catch dinner. Tailor, bream, perch and salmon are some of the species found in the inlet. If you're fishing from a boat, please note that Wingan Inlet has a 20 hp motor size limit.
Come prepared with a canoe or kayak and explore the Wingan River. Upstream, the river follows a winding course through sea rushes and paperback thickets to a towering littoral rainforest and the stunning Wingan River Rapids. Crystal clear water trickles through lichen-covered granite boulders and curious water dragons peer out from behind colourful wildflowers. Downstream, the river leads to the mouth of the inlet where sandbars give way to the wild ocean swells of Fly Cove.
A small network of rocky islands just off the white sands of Fly Cove are home to a colony of Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals. Listen carefully and you might be lucky enough to hear pups calling for their mothers.
Along with the Wingan River Rapids, Fly Cove can be accessed by foot from the camsites. Follow the Fly Cove Walk. The beginning of the Wingan Rapids walk begins from Boundary Track, a short drive from the campsites.
If you're a keen angler, try your luck fishing and you might just catch dinner. Tailor, bream, perch and salmon are some of the species found in the inlet. If you're fishing from a boat, please note that Wingan Inlet has a 20 hp motor size limit.
Things To Do
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Elusive Lake
Elusive Lake is another great wander from Wingan Inlet. The unique dune-blocked lake stands out among the tall eucalypts that surround its sandy banks. Reaching a depth of 22 metres in some places, jump in for a refreshing swim before returning to camp.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore beautiful waterways. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers don’t normally see.
How to get there
Wingan Inlet Campground
Wingan Inlet Campground is 6.5 hours drive east of Melbourne. Head along the Princes Highway and approximately 17km east of Cann River, turn down West Wingan Road. The campground is at the end of the unsealed road.
Sites
When you're there
The remote nature of Wingan Inlet Campground means that there is little or no mobile reception available. Download the Croajingolong National Park visitor guide to get the most your of your park visit.
When to go
Fishing at Wingan Inlet is best from December through to early May; however, it is one of the few locations in Victoria where fishing can be enjoyed year-round.
Flathead, whiting, yellowfin, bream and perch are most likely to bite from late spring to autumn. Throughout winter large schools of Black Bream make their way into the estuary. And tailor, salmon and trevally are also known to bite throughout June, July and August.
Flathead, whiting, yellowfin, bream and perch are most likely to bite from late spring to autumn. Throughout winter large schools of Black Bream make their way into the estuary. And tailor, salmon and trevally are also known to bite throughout June, July and August.
Need to know
Wingan Inlet Campground
Accessibility
Wingan Inlet contains a number of campsites that are relatively flat set in clear, open areas. But note that there's a lack of accessible toilets and the trails leading down to Fly Cove are narrow and steep in some sections.
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.
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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 202224-28 October 202227-31 March 20233-7 April 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Croajingolong NP _Cape Howe aerial shooting information (485KB)
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)
This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events
This park has been impacted by significant flood and/or storm events and some areas may be closed or restricted. Check the Storm and Flood Affected Parks page for the most up to date information on this location.Croajingolong National Park information update on current closures and changes - updated 29 Nov 22
Point Hicks Road is closed south of Fishermans Track.The following nine 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, Mueller 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· Mueller 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 Point· Gravelly 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 during November and December 2022 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 closuresWilderness 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
Planned Tree Management works - Peachtree, Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek Campgrounds
Parks Victoria has engaged suitable qualified arborists to undertake tree assessment and treatment in campgrounds and day visitor sites with the East Gippsland District.Contractors will be onsite at the following campgrounds on the following days. Campgrounds will be closed to the public during these datesPeachtree campground Monday 5 December 2022Wingan Inlet campground Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 December 2022Shipwreck Creek campground Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December 2022Thank you for your understanding as we undertake these important works
