Wingan Inlet

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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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Point Hicks Road Closed

    Point Hicks Road will closed at Fishermans Track intersection with a brief re-opening during the Christmas / New Years period.

    Closed: Monday 14/10/24
    Reopening: Saturday 21/12/24
    Closed: Monday 06/01/25
    Reopening: TBA approx August 2025


    The closure is to ensure safety during construction of the Thurra Bridge.

    While Point Hicks Road is closed no access is possible to Mueller Campground, Cicada and Everard Tracks during this time. Between 21/12/24 and 06/01/25 these areas will be open.

    Peachtree Creek Campground and Clinton Rocks track remain open.

    Cicada Track Closed

    Cicada 4WD track will remain closed in 2024. 

    The seasonally closed track was due to be opened on 31/10/24. Due to the closure of Pt Hicks Rd from Fishermans track for the Thurra Bridge works, the western end of Cicada track will be inaccessible. 

    A reopening date for Pt Hicks Rd is not currently known, this notice will be updated when more information is available.

  • Croajingolong National Park

    Tracks and areas closed in the Croajingolong National Park

    The following six 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
    ·      Dunes Track
    ·      Saros Track
    ·      Sledge Track
     
    The Wilderness Coast Walk is open all the way from Bemm River to Mallacoota. Staff have recently marked sections of the track however, 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.
     
     
    The following walking track is closed:
    ·      Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
     
    The following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:
    ·      Kingfish Point
    .       Goanna Bay

    The following tracks remain closed due to storm damage
    ·      Miners Track

    Ongoing heavy rainfall has impacted areas of Croajingolong National Park and other areas of the state. Monitor this page for updated information and site closures

  • 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.

  • 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.

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