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.

  • 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

    Sandy Point Track (Croajingolong National Park)

    Sandy Point Track is temporarily closed due to maintenance works including track repairs and vegetation mulching. The track will be re-opened as soon as works have been completed and conditions are safe.  The Sandy Point picnic area remains open and can be accessed by boat.

    Genoa River Fire Trail (Croajingolong National Park)

    Genoa River Fire Trail is temporarily closed due to recent wet weather making conditions unsafe for driving. The track will be re-opened as soon as conditions improve.  The Genoa River Fire Trail picnic area remains open and can be accessed by boat.

    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.  

  • 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.

  • 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.

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