East Cape

Two men cast fishing lines on a beach.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

East Cape

Cape Conran Coastal Park

Tucked behind Banksia Bluff Road, East Cape in Cape Conran Coastal Park is a gem for wildlife-spotting, walking, swimming, fishing and picnicking.   

With a well-equipped visitor area complete with picnic tables, gas barbecues and amenities, East Cape is a great place to take the family for a picnic with sparkling ocean views.  

Down by the water, discover the rich marine life that call the intertidal rocks home. Stroll the 3.2km Cape Conran Nature Trail past white sandy beaches, rock pools, banksia woodlands and lookouts. Continue on to West Cape and Salmon Rocks Beach, which are popular for fishing, snorkelling and beautiful views from the lookout.  

From the beach at East Cape, walk east for approximately 3km to the Yeerung River. There you can see a rock outcrop, and visit the rivermouth - a beautiful, safe spot for swimming in the estuary that's popular with kids and families.  

Keep an eye out for birds and wildlife while you're there. Hooded Plovers, Oystercatchers, and Pacific Gulls all make their homes here. You might even be lucky enough to see a seal sunning itself on the sand.  

Twice a year, in late autumn and then again in late winter and spring, Humpback Whales make their migrations past the beach. Watch for their spouts passing by. Or see if you can spot the rarer Southern Right Whales, who can sometimes be seen lolling just beyond the surf break.  

While you're looking out to sea, you should be able to spot a hump of rock about 4km offshore (often mistaken for a whale!). That's the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, home to shipwrecks from the late 1800s as well as plentiful seals, sponges, corals, and fish. It's an excellent spot for diving - just remember that while you can fish from the beach, marine sanctuaries are no-take zones.  

Things To Do

 
A women walks her dog into the campsite while another women prepares food as her son looks on.

Banksia Bluff Campground

Banksia Bluff is a tranquil wooded campground where the peace is only broken by the dawn chorus and waves crashing. Set up camp among gum and banksia woodland and relax by the campfire. Camp with your dog on select sites.
Two women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

Yeerung Gorge

Yeerung Gorge - a jewel on the Cape - is a surprising landform that harbours some unusual vegetation associations and contains several deep dark rock pools fed by the babbling East Yeerung River.

How to get there

East Cape

Cape Conran Coastal Park in East Gippsland is approximately 420km east of Melbourne and 530km south of Sydney.  

Cape Conran can be reached via the Princes Highway by turning off at Cabbage Tree Creek or via Orbost and Marlo to the west. The eastern section of the park can be reached by turning off the highway east of Cabbage Tree Creek to Bemm River.  

East Cape

When you're there

Download the Cape Conran Coastal Park visitor guide for more information about the park.

Help us care for the park:

  • Dogs are permitted in the campground, subject to booking a dog-friendly campsite. Dogs must always be on a lead to comply with park regulations and to protect native animals and sensitive revegetation areas.
  • No fires permitted

Need to know

East Cape

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.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

 

Safety

Beware of strong current and undertows when swimming at the beach. Diving should only be undertaken by trained and experienced divers.

Wear shoes that grip well when walking on rocky surface. Watch your hands at all times to avoid potentially dangerous creatures. Be aware of large unexpected waves when walking on shore and rock platforms. Stay away from cliff edges and bases. Remember to wear a hat, shirt and sunscreen. 

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.

  • Cape Conran Coastal Park: Cabins (Cape Conran Coastal Park)

    CAPE CONRAN COASTAL PARK ROOFED ACCOMMODATION

    Parks Victoria is replacing and upgrading the lost accommodation to create enhanced accommodation options for visitors of diverse backgrounds and abilities at the park. For updates please visit the Project status page.


  • Banksia Bluff Campground (Cape Conran Coastal Park)

    Banksia Bluff Campground - Essential maintenance works

    Booking availability will be limited at Banksia Bluff Campground from 1 May to 18 June 2025 whilst essential maintenance works are completed.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Dog friendly Parks

    The wet and warmer weather has brought paralysis ticks out in record numbers. Paralysis ticks are known in Coastal and near by Coastal areas and rainforest gullies.
     
    Keep your dog on lead in permitted parks
     
    Dogs are permitted in many parks and reserves provided they are under control and on leads at all times. Visitors should keep their dog on-lead except in designated off-lead areas. Keeping your dog on a lead ensures you both have a safe park visit.
    Poison baits may be laid to control foxes or other feral animals. Baits can be fatal to dogs.
    Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may not be.
    Your dog can catch parasites (such as fleas and ticks) from wildlife.
    Snake bites are a real risk in natural areas such as parks.
    Wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves if threatened by a dog and can cause significant injury to or the death of your dog.
     
    Dog-friendly code of conduct
    Consider other park users and ensure that dogs are always kept under effective control.
    Always carry a lead, even when in off-lead areas.
    Bring a friend if you wish to walk with more than two dogs.
    Ensure children are supervised whilst near dogs, as they are vulnerable to attack.
    Ensure your dog’s identification, registration and vaccinations are up to date.
    Minimise any disturbance to native fauna, including birdlife in the park.
    Clean up after your dog and take all rubbish home.

  • 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.

 
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