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
Wingan Inlet Campground
Elusive Lake
Canoeing and Kayaking
How to get there
Wingan Inlet
When you're there
When to go
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
Accessibility
Wingan Inlet contains a number of campsites that are relatively flat set in clear, open areas. But note that there's a lack of accessible toilets and the trails leading down to Fly Cove are narrow and steep in some sections.
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.
Boating
If you're planning to fishing or boating in the water, please note that Wingan Inlet has a 20hp motor size limit.
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.
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Croajingolong National Park
This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events
This park has been impacted by significant flood and/or storm events and some areas may be closed or restricted. Check the Storm and Flood Affected Parks page for the most up to date information on this location.Croajingolong National Park information update on current closures and changes - updated 29 Nov 22
Point Hicks Road is closed south of Fishermans Track.The following nine 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, Mueller 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· Mueller Campground· Mt Everard Walking Track· Dunes Track· Saros Track· Sledge Track· West Beach TrackThe Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Wingan Inlet Campground.The following walking tracks are closed:· Wingan Inlet Rapids WalkThe following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:· Kingfish Point· Gravelly PointSeasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but this year will remain in place during November and December 2022 in areas affected by significant rainfall and flooding across Victoria. The following Seasonal Road Closure tracks are included in the extended season:· Swan Lake· Clinton Rocks Track· Cicada Trail· Gale Hill· Betka Track· Miners Track· Lakeview Track· Howe Flat Track· Howe Hill Track· Barracoota TrackThe 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.Ongoing heavy rainfall has impacted areas of Croajingolong National Park and other areas of the state. Monitor this page for updated information and site closuresPlanned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Croajingolong National Park
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.17-21 October 202224-28 October 202227-31 March 20233-7 April 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Croajingolong NP aerial shooting information (597KB)
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Cape Howe (Croajingolong National Park)
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.17-21 October 202224-28 October 202227-31 March 20233-7 April 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Croajingolong NP _Cape Howe aerial shooting information (485KB)
Wilderness Coast Walk - Sandpatch Wilderness Area open
The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk from Wingan Inlet to Shipwreck Creek has reopened – this section is referred to as the Sandpatch Wilderness Area.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 through the Sandpatch Wilderness Area as directional signage and steps at Sandpatch Point were destroyed in the fires. Some parts of the track have thick regeneration that is difficult to walk through, particularly near Benedore River.Recent and consistent rainfall means that creeks and rivers could be high and difficult to cross as estuaries are open to the sea.The Wilderness Coast Walk from Wingan Inlet to Mallacoota is now open. Bookings are essential and can be made on the Wilderness Coast Walk page. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Planned Tree Management works - Peachtree, Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek Campgrounds
Parks Victoria has engaged suitable qualified arborists to undertake tree assessment and treatment in campgrounds and day visitor sites with the East Gippsland District.Contractors will be onsite at the following campgrounds on the following days. Campgrounds will be closed to the public during these datesPeachtree campground Monday 5 December 2022Wingan Inlet campground Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 December 2022Shipwreck Creek campground Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December 2022Thank you for your understanding as we undertake these important works
