Wingan Inlet

Explore

Wingan Inlet

Croajingolong National Park

Nestled on the western edge of the Sandpatch Wilderness Zone, the secluded sandy beaches and pristine rainforest of Wingan Inlet make for a wonderful spot to camp. Canoe or kayak up the Wingan River, cast a line to catch bream and tailor, or wander down to Fly Cove to see fur seals.

Enclosed by tall bloodwood trees, laze the day away in the tranquility of Wingan Inlet with goannas, currawongs and the occasional jumping fish as company. With tailor, bream, trevally, mullet, perch and more, go fishing for your dinner.

Branch out and paddle up the Wingan River in your trusty canoe or kayak. The river narrows upstream as it winds through sea rushes and paperbark thickets before opening on to a rainforest and the stunning Wingan Rapids. Here, crystal clear water trickles between gargantuan granite boulders decorated in a blanket of colourful lichen and moss. Curious water dragons peer out from behind wildflowers while native birds sing the day away.

While the Wingan Rapids are also accessible by foot, set out on the Fly Cove Walk for a change of scenery. Skirt the edge of Wingan Inlet, through paperbark forest before emerging on the lonely shores of Fly Cove. Take in the Southern Ocean vistas and admire the Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals that call the offshore rock stacks, known as The Skerries, home. One of only four Australian Fur Seal colonies in Victoria, and the largest, visit between October and December to see playful seal pups about.

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.

Things To Do

 
A women in a bucket hat kayaks along Wingan Inlet.

Wingan Inlet Campground

This campground is in a tall Bloodwood forest on the western shore of Wingan Inlet in a tranquil bush setting.
Two friends go for a swim in Lake Elusive in Croajingolong National Park.

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

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

Wingan Inlet is approximately 6-hours drive east of Melbourne and over 7-hours drive south of Sydney. It is accessible from the Princes Highway. An unsealed road - West Wingan Road leads to the secluded campgrounds nestled on the edge of the inlet.

When to go

The sheltered waters of Wingan Inlet are perfect for escaping the heat of summer and rough ocean swells of Fly Cove. Go swimming or bring a canoe, kayak or boat to explore further afield.

Along with Mallacoota, Sydenham and Tamboon Inlet, Wingan Inlet provides excellent fishing opportunities and draws anglers from across the state year-round. Big schools of Black bream can be caught throughout the lake system between December and May. While in winter, salmon, tailor and trevally are common.

Need to know

Wingan Inlet

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.

  • Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)

    Hazard Trees in Wingan Inlet Campground

    Heavy rainfall and strong winds have damaged trees in Wingan Inlet Campground.
     
    Sites 2, 4, 7, 10, 11 and 12 are now closed due to a large hanger above the camp sites.
     
    These areas have been cordoned off with hazard tape. To ensure your safety please do not enter these areas.

  • Allan Head (Croajingolong National Park)

    Allan Head Jetty Closure

    The Allan Head Jetty is temporarily closed for public safety. Visitors are advised that the Allan Head picnic area remains open, however access onto the jetty is restricted.

  • Goanna Bay (Croajingolong National Park)

    Goanna Bay Jetty Closure

    The Goanna Bay Jetty is temporarily closed for public safety. Visitors are advised that the Goanna Bay day visitor area remains open, however access onto the jetty is restricted.

  • Kingfish Point (Croajingolong National Park)

    Kingfish Point Jetty Closure

    The Kingfish Point Jetty is closed for public safety. Visitors are advised that the Kingfish Point day visitor area remains open.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (aerial shooting) targeting deer are planned for this area.  During operations parts of the Park will be closed to visitors. More information on closures will be posted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to commencement. 
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

  • Shipwreck Creek Campground (Croajingolong National Park, East Gippsland Coastal streams Natural Catchment Area)

    Construction of Toilets 22nd September to 18th October 2025

    Notice of Works 
    From 22 September to 18 October 2025, construction works will be taking place at Shipwreck Creek Campground to replace the toilet block. Works will occur between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. The campground will remain open, however visitors should expect some disruptions during this period, including noise, material deliveries, and trade vehicles onsite. Temporary toilet facilities are available for use until the new toilet block is complete.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Temporary closure of Thurra North Campground and Pt Hicks Road at Bald Hills Tk

    From the 20th October to 9th November, the approaches to the Thurra Bridge will be bitumen sealed.  This means that access to the Thurra North Camping Area and access to Pt Hicks Rd below Bald Hills Track will be temporarily closed.  

X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm