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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.

  • Croajingolong National Park

    Croajingolong National Park information - updated 13 April 2023

    Point Hicks Road is closed south of Bald Hills.

    The following eight 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, 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
    ·      Mt Everard Walking Track
    ·      Dunes Track
    ·      Saros Track
    ·      Sledge Track
    ·      West Beach Track
     
    The Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Wingan Inlet Campground.
     
    The following walking tracks are closed:
    ·      Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
     
    The following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:
    ·      Kingfish Point
     
    Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but many remain closed in areas affected by significant rainfall and flooding across Victoria in late 2022. The following tracks remain closed:
    ·      Swan Lake
    ·      Clinton Rocks Track
    ·      Cicada Trail
    ·      Gale Hill
    ·      Betka Track
    ·      Miners Track
    ·      Lakeview Track
    ·      Howe Flat Track
    ·      Howe Hill Track
    ·      Barracoota Track
    The 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.

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

    Centre Track road closed & Shipwreck Creek Campground closed

    Centre Track will be closed due to road improvement works 08/06 - 18/06 

    There will be no access to Shipwreck Creek Campground during this period 

    Shipwreck Creek Campground will remain closed and will re-open for bookings 18/06 

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