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
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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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 14/10/24Reopening: Saturday 21/12/24Closed: Monday 06/01/25Reopening: TBA approx August 2025The 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 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 jetties around Mallacoota are closed:· Kingfish Point. Goanna BayThe following tracks remain closed due to storm damage· Miners TrackOngoing 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 20249-13 December 20242-6 June 2025Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps or call 13 19 63.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. -
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.