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.
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
This campground is in a tall Bloodwood forest on the western shore of Wingan Inlet in a tranquil bush setting.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Nearby Events
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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.
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Croajingolong National Park
Areas of Croajingolong Park closed due to 2019/2020 fires
Croajingolong National Park
Due to widespread bushfire damage, the following areas of Croajingolong National Park remain closed:- Sandy Point toilet
- South West Arm Jetty - Mallacoota Inlet (toilets/steps)
- Kingfisher jetty and Day Visitor Area
- Captain Creek day visitor area and jetty
- Captain Creek Fire Trail
- Genoa River day visitor area and jetty - Mallacoota Inlet
- Gravelly Point day visitor area and jetty - Mallacoota Inlet
- Wilderness Coast Walk (between Cape Howe and Bemm River)
- Double Creek walk and day visitor area
- Genoa falls day visitor area
- Fly Cove walk - Wingan Inlet
- Mueller Inlet campground
- Thurra River campground
- Point Hicks Road (section south-east of Fishermans Track)
- Cicada Trail
- Swan Lake Track
- Clinton Rocks Track
- Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
- Elusive Lake Walk
- Mt Everard Walk
- South West Arm day visitor area (no toilet facilities, no jetty access)
Gale Hill Track Closed
Gale Hill Track is closed until further notice due to severe erosion.
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Shipwreck Creek Campground (Croajingolong National Park)
Suggested 4WD access to Shipwreck Crk Trk
Suggested 4WD access to Shipwreck Crk, along Shipwreck Crk Trk due weather affected potholing & rutting