The Wilderness Coast Walk extends along the wild coast of far-east Gippsland. Trek isolated stretches of coastline, including the Sandpatch Wilderness Area, past the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse, secluded coves and through pristine landscapes teeming with native wildlife.
Escape civilisation on the ultimate long-distance walk through remote wilderness. The Wilderness Coast Walk stretches 100km along the far-eastern coast of Victoria.
Start at Bemm River on the sandy shores of Croajingolong National Park. You can finish your trek at Mallacoota or extend your hike across the New South Wales border into Nadgee Nature Reserve.
Explore isolated beaches, sand dunes and vast estuaries as you trek the rugged coastline. Be prepared for a true wilderness experience that will see you scrambling over rocky headlands and boulders, crossing river estuaries (which may require swimming), walking long stretches of sand, and hiking through thick vegetation on ill-defined paths.
This walk is not for the faint-hearted. Hikers need to be experienced and prepared for challenging conditions. The walk is divided into three zones and you will need experience and confidence navigating from topographic maps.
Advance bookings are required for camping along the walk. Groups are limited to eight people and a two-night maximum applies at remote campsites to protect the natural environment.
The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk east of Mallacoota must be booked through NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Call the Merimbula office on (02) 6495 5000.
Sandpatch Zone
This section spans from Shipwreck Creek to Wingan Inlet and is about 26km. You will walk along open beaches and coastal heathlands. Purchase Mallacoota 8822-N map to help plan this section of the walk.
Rame Head Zone
This section spans from Wingan Inlet to Thurra River and is about 22km. It covers mostly beaches and some coastal forest. Purchase Cann – Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk.
If you plan to camp at Wingan Inlet, book this stay in the Rame Head Zone. The campground has an area dedicated to overnight hikers completing the Wilderness Coast Walk. No water is available any time of year in this section.
Clinton Rocks Zone
This section spans from Thurra River to Bemm River and is about 28km. There is a large section of rocks to negotiate at Clinton Rocks. Purchase Cann–Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk.
This section involves crossing the entrances of Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet. Boat transport may need to be organised, or low tide required, if these inlets are open to the ocean. Call Parks Victoria to check latest conditions.
Start at Bemm River on the sandy shores of Croajingolong National Park. You can finish your trek at Mallacoota or extend your hike across the New South Wales border into Nadgee Nature Reserve.
Explore isolated beaches, sand dunes and vast estuaries as you trek the rugged coastline. Be prepared for a true wilderness experience that will see you scrambling over rocky headlands and boulders, crossing river estuaries (which may require swimming), walking long stretches of sand, and hiking through thick vegetation on ill-defined paths.
This walk is not for the faint-hearted. Hikers need to be experienced and prepared for challenging conditions. The walk is divided into three zones and you will need experience and confidence navigating from topographic maps.
Advance bookings are required for camping along the walk. Groups are limited to eight people and a two-night maximum applies at remote campsites to protect the natural environment.
The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk east of Mallacoota must be booked through NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Call the Merimbula office on (02) 6495 5000.
Sandpatch Zone
This section spans from Shipwreck Creek to Wingan Inlet and is about 26km. You will walk along open beaches and coastal heathlands. Purchase Mallacoota 8822-N map to help plan this section of the walk.
Rame Head Zone
This section spans from Wingan Inlet to Thurra River and is about 22km. It covers mostly beaches and some coastal forest. Purchase Cann – Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk.
If you plan to camp at Wingan Inlet, book this stay in the Rame Head Zone. The campground has an area dedicated to overnight hikers completing the Wilderness Coast Walk. No water is available any time of year in this section.
Clinton Rocks Zone
This section spans from Thurra River to Bemm River and is about 28km. There is a large section of rocks to negotiate at Clinton Rocks. Purchase Cann–Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk.
This section involves crossing the entrances of Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet. Boat transport may need to be organised, or low tide required, if these inlets are open to the ocean. Call Parks Victoria to check latest conditions.
How to get there
Walk the Wilderness Coast
When your there
You can follow the Wilderness Coast Walk in either direction. Sections of the walk include:
Bemm River to Clinton Rocks, 14km
Clinton Rocks to Thurra River, 14km
Thurra River to Wingan Inlet, 20km
Wingan Inlet to Benedore River, 14km
Benedore River to Mallacoota, 18km
Mallacoota to Nadgee (NSW), 55km
Walking and camping
The Sandpatch and Cape Howe Wilderness areas were proclaimed in 1992 to ensure landforms and native plant and animal communities were left unaltered or unaffected by the influence of European settlement of Australia. As a result, there are no signposts or walking track markers and in some sections the track becomes ill-defined.
Minimal impact bushwalking
Walkers should practice minimal impact bushwalking, to maintain the remote environment and wilderness experience for others. A campsite should be left as if no one has been there. Remember - carry in, carry out.
Do not formalise campsites, such as using timber washed up from the sea to construct picnic tables and seats, as this undermines the wilderness experience for other visitors.
Clean boots and camping equipment thoroughly before entering the area to reduce the chance of weed seeds or the destructive fungus Phytopthora being walked in.
Toilets
There are only a few toilet facilities at established campgrounds along the walk. A hand-trowel is recommended so you can bury solid waste to a minimum depth of 15cm, 100m from water sources. This will help to prevent diseases like giardia and protect the highly valuable water quality of the undisturbed water catchments along the walk. Please carry out tissues, sanitary products and all other rubbish.
Wash 50m away from creeks and lakes, and pour the waste water on the ground to filter through the soil. Detergents, toothpaste and soap (even biodegradable types) harm fish and other aquatic life. Use gritty sand and a scourer instead of soap to clean dishes.
Water
Water availability is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed. No water is available in the Rame Head Zone any time of year. You must carry an adequate supply of water with you. Consider pre-organising water drops along the walk, and boiling or filtering water if found along the way.
Food
Store your food in locked containers. Wildlife such as Brushtail Possums and Lace Monitors have sharp claws and teeth, which they will use to get to your food.
Safety
Phone coverage is unlikely, with only some coastal peaks offering reception. Use of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is encouraged.
River crossings are best attempted at low tide and as far upstream from the river mouth as possible. After heavy rain, streams and lakes may be swollen and open to the ocean making crossing dangerous. The dangers of crossings may also be exacerbated during high tides. Crossing river entrances and creeks requires extreme care. Up-to-date weather and tide observations are essential to avoid disappointment and unnecessary risks.
Weather conditions may change rapidly and temperatures may be lower than expected in coastal areas. Ensure you are adequately prepared. Carry extra provisions with you in case of an emergency. Be practical with your itinerary, do not over extend yourself and risk injury.
Bites from sandflies, mosquitoes, marchflies and ticks are common. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid insect bites. Snakes may be encountered and the wearing of gaiters is recommended.
Bemm River to Clinton Rocks, 14km
Clinton Rocks to Thurra River, 14km
Thurra River to Wingan Inlet, 20km
Wingan Inlet to Benedore River, 14km
Benedore River to Mallacoota, 18km
Mallacoota to Nadgee (NSW), 55km
Walking and camping
The Sandpatch and Cape Howe Wilderness areas were proclaimed in 1992 to ensure landforms and native plant and animal communities were left unaltered or unaffected by the influence of European settlement of Australia. As a result, there are no signposts or walking track markers and in some sections the track becomes ill-defined.
Minimal impact bushwalking
Walkers should practice minimal impact bushwalking, to maintain the remote environment and wilderness experience for others. A campsite should be left as if no one has been there. Remember - carry in, carry out.
Do not formalise campsites, such as using timber washed up from the sea to construct picnic tables and seats, as this undermines the wilderness experience for other visitors.
Clean boots and camping equipment thoroughly before entering the area to reduce the chance of weed seeds or the destructive fungus Phytopthora being walked in.
Toilets
There are only a few toilet facilities at established campgrounds along the walk. A hand-trowel is recommended so you can bury solid waste to a minimum depth of 15cm, 100m from water sources. This will help to prevent diseases like giardia and protect the highly valuable water quality of the undisturbed water catchments along the walk. Please carry out tissues, sanitary products and all other rubbish.
Wash 50m away from creeks and lakes, and pour the waste water on the ground to filter through the soil. Detergents, toothpaste and soap (even biodegradable types) harm fish and other aquatic life. Use gritty sand and a scourer instead of soap to clean dishes.
Water
Water availability is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed. No water is available in the Rame Head Zone any time of year. You must carry an adequate supply of water with you. Consider pre-organising water drops along the walk, and boiling or filtering water if found along the way.
Food
Store your food in locked containers. Wildlife such as Brushtail Possums and Lace Monitors have sharp claws and teeth, which they will use to get to your food.
Safety
Phone coverage is unlikely, with only some coastal peaks offering reception. Use of an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is encouraged.
River crossings are best attempted at low tide and as far upstream from the river mouth as possible. After heavy rain, streams and lakes may be swollen and open to the ocean making crossing dangerous. The dangers of crossings may also be exacerbated during high tides. Crossing river entrances and creeks requires extreme care. Up-to-date weather and tide observations are essential to avoid disappointment and unnecessary risks.
Weather conditions may change rapidly and temperatures may be lower than expected in coastal areas. Ensure you are adequately prepared. Carry extra provisions with you in case of an emergency. Be practical with your itinerary, do not over extend yourself and risk injury.
Bites from sandflies, mosquitoes, marchflies and ticks are common. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid insect bites. Snakes may be encountered and the wearing of gaiters is recommended.
Camping & accommodation
The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve, NSW.
The walk can be accessed from a number of locations along the coastline. Two-wheel drive access is available at Bemm River, Thurra River, Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek. Please check on road conditions prior to entering the park.
Parks Victoria and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service require walkers to book in order to manage numbers and minimise visitor impact on these remote areas.
Need to know
Walk the Wilderness Coast
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 Parks
Croajingolong closure
Croajingolong National Park is currently closed due to fire activity in the surrounding area in East Gippsland. For the latest information on fires, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.auPoint Hicks Lighthouse and caravan turning circle access.
Vehicle access beyond the end of the Thurra campground is currently modified due to ongoing coastal erosion. Visitors wishing to access the beach at the gate or walk to the Lighthouse need to park at the end of the Thurra campground in the Hiker's carpark. Please note that this extends the Lighthouse walk to 8 km return (and also extends the West Beach, Saros and Sledge Walks). Due to this change, caravans greater than 4 metres in length are no longer recommended for Thurra camp as there is no turnaround area available. These changes are made to ensure visitor safety.Attachments: Point Hicks Road Q and A - November 2019 (484KB)
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Croajingolong National Park
Kingfish jetty closed
Kingfish Point Jetty on Mallacoota Inlet has collapsed and requires significant repair. The jetty is out of use until further notice, which may limit access for some vessels. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Point Hicks Lighthouse access road safe to access
Restrictions applying to the access road leading to Point Hicks Lighthouse from the Thurra River campground have been lifted from 21 December 2019 in time for the Christmas holidays.Recent favourable weather conditions have rebuilt the beach and dunes adjoining the road allowing for safe vehicle access, provided drivers comply with the traffic control measures that are in place.Visitors are advised caravans greater than 4 meters in length are not recommended for Thurra River campground as there is limited turnaround area.Coastal erosion may reoccur with changes in the weather so Parks Victoria will continue to monitor the road and advise visitors of any future access changes.
