Point Hicks and Tamboon Inlet

A father and his two daughters explore granite boulders on a sandy beach

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Point Hicks and Tamboon Inlet

Croajingolong National Park

Journey through history, see unforgettable coastal landscapes, and experience some of Victoria's best fishing on the eastern limits of Croajingolong National Park. Visit Point Hicks Lightstation, Captains Cooks first landfall on mainland Australia, go fishing at Tamboon Inlet, and discover the Thurra River Dunes towering over the rugged coast below.

The granite headlands of Point Hicks are famed for being Captain Cooks first landfall on the Australian mainland. Although it isn’t without controversy, one thing is for certain, the panoramic Southern Ocean vistas along with its rich history make it a must-see on your next Croajingolong adventure.

Stay a night in the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage and join a tour of the historic lighthouse precinct. Learn about life in this remote part of the world and climb the spiral staircase of the light station to be rewarded by stunning windswept coastal views.

Trade the comfort of the cottage for a shady campsite at Thurra River. Explore the isolated stretch of coast, visible through pockets of coastal woodlands, the tannin tinted Thurra River, perfect for a mid-summer swim, and the largest sand dunes in Victoria, the Thurra River Dunes. Watch for decorated native birds such as the Laughing Kookaburra, Pied Currawong and occasional White-bellied Sea Eagle circling above.

Get back to basics at secluded campsites nestled on the banks of Tamboon Inlet. Only accessible by boat and with its exceptional year-round fishing opportunities, the inlet draws anglers from across the state. Catch bream in the cool of winter and throughout the warmer months; tailor, flathead, salmon and perch.

Things To Do

 
The path from a campsite down to the water at Meuller Inlet at Croajingolong National Park

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.
The jetty at Tamboon Inlet from Peachtree Creek Campground at Croajingolong National Park

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.
A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

Point Hicks Lighthouse

Situated deep within Croajingolong National Park, the Point Hicks Lighthouse now offers a unique holiday experience for those who want to stay in one of the keepers cottages, which are now comfortable, self-contained holiday accommodation.
Two hikers cross an estuary in the Croajingolong National Park.

Tamboon Inlet Campground

Access is by boat only. Car-based camping is available at the nearby Peachtree Creek Reserve, situated on the eastern shores of Tamboon Inlet.

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 and Tamboon Inlet

Peachtree Creek Campground, by Tamboon township is the only car-accessible campground on Tamboon Inlet. Launching facilities here give access to the remote campgrounds nestled along the shores of the inlet. Alternatively, park at Furnell and cruise down the Cann River to access the remote campsites.

Point Hicks Lightstation is easily accessed off the Princes Highway. At Cann River, turn onto Point Hicks Road and follow the unsealed road to the Lightstation Carpark. From here, a walking track climbs through coastal heath to the monumental lighstation.

If you have accommodation booked at the Point Hicks Lightstation, the access information does not apply to you. You will receive a gate pass to drive right up to the light station.
Point Hicks and Tamboon Inlet

When you're there

Download the Croajingolong National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

When to go

Fishing at Tamboon 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 bit throughout June, July and August.

Need to know

Point Hicks and Tamboon Inlet

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.

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 Parks

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Cape Conran Coastal Park & Croajingolong National Park

    Parts of Cape Conran Coastal Park and Croajingolong National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    Closures will apply during the following dates:
     
    16-20 September 2024
    9-13 December 2024
    2-6 June 2025
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps or call 13 19 63.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link.

    Attachments: Croajingolong NP and Cape Conran CP aerial operations informations map (2,519KB)

    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.

  • Croajingolong National Park

    Point Hicks Road Closure

    Please be advised that Point Hicks Road is currently closed due to ongoing construction works. As a result, there is no access to the following campgrounds and accommodation:
    • Thurra River Campground
    • Mueller Campground
    • Point Hicks Lighthouse
     
    Alternative Camping Options: While Point Hicks Road is closed, alternative camping sites are available at the following locations:
    • Wingan Inlet
    • Tamboon Inlet
    • Peachtree Creek Reserve

    Cicada Trail Closed

    Cicada Trail will remain closed in 2025. 

    Cicada Trail is a seasonally opened 4WD track, it will remain closed due to the closure of the Pt Hicks Road  (from Fishermans Track) whilst the Thurra Bridge is being rebuilt. 

    A reopening date for both Cicada Trail and the Pt Hicks Rd will be advised.  

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

    Shipwreck Creek Campground Toilets

    Shipwreck Creek Campground currently has portable toilets in place, whilst Parks Victoria rebuilds new toilet facilities.

  • Genoa Peak (Croajingolong National Park)

    Genoa Peak Road -4WD Only

    The Genoa Peak Road is open to 4WD vehicles only and is NOT advised for 2WD vehicles. 
    The road has had major flood damage resulting in wash outs and deep rutting. 
    Genoa Peak Walking Track remains open.

Similar Experiences

 
Two teenage girls kayaking on Mallacoota Inlet with mountains in the background.

Mallacoota Inlet

There is no better way to enjoy the charm of Mallacoota Inlet than from the water. Bring your own boat, canoe or kayak, or hire from a local provider.
Mum and Dad sit around the campfire with their infant son while their three other children play in the background.

Shipwreck Creek

This small campground is set in a tall forest above a small secluded cove which is only a 10 minute walk away. It is an excellent base for walks covering both heathland and coastal scenery.
Four friends walk across the sand dunes along the Wildernous Coast Walk close to Mallacoota Inlet.

Wilderness Coast Walk

The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales. This spot boasts a beautiful scenic walk along bright sanded beaches.
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