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
Goanna Bay Jetty Closed
Goanna Bay Jetty closureParks Victoria has recently closed the Goanna Bay Jetty (Mallacoota Inlet) for public safety reasons.The closure follows condition monitoring of the jetty that raised some concerns about its safety and structural integrity. A subsequent engineering assessment confirmed that the jetty’s condition was no longer safe for visitors.The jetty was closed on Friday 10th November and will remain so until further notice.Please note that the Goanna Bay day visitor area remains open to the public. However visitors will not be permitted to use the jetty during the closure period and will have to rely on alternative methods of safe access such as beaching or anchoring vessels to the shoreline.Croajingolong National Park information - last updated August 2023
Point Hicks Road is closed south of Bald Hills.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 TrackThe 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 WalkThe following jetty around Mallacoota is closed:· Kingfish PointSeasonal 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 TrackThe water trough at Wingan Inlet Campground is now reconnected to the creek. Visitors are reminded that this is not a potable source and must be treated before drinking. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
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.