Explore
Point Hicks Lighthouse
The secluded and pristine Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lightstation, claimed to be Captain James Cook’s first sighting of mainland Australia. Steeped in rich Aboriginal and European history, explore the reserve on foot, join a tour of the lighthouse or stay a night in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
Please note, all accommodation at Point Hicks Lighthouse is closed until further notice due to fire impact in the area.
Experience the pristine beauty of Croajingolong National Park and immerse yourself in the unique history of the area with a visit to Point Hicks Lightstation. Although it isn’t without controversy, the granite headlands of Point Hicks are said to be Captain James Cooks first sighting of mainland Australia.
Open to the public and with tours running daily from Friday through Monday, join in to learn the secrets of the tallest lightstation on mainland Australia – from life in this secluded part of the world to the unique landscapes that surround the lightstation.
The hull of the SS Saros shipwreck lies just beyond the lightstation. Helmed by Captain Aitken and bound for Sydney, the steamship left Geelong in 1937, but ran aground in heavy fog. Accessible along Saros Track, it is one of a few shipwrecks on the Victorian coast visible from land.
Book an overnight stay at the lighthouse keeper’s cottages. Built from Oregon collected from local shipwrecks, the cottages are an excellent example of a nineteenth century lighthouse residence. The self-contained cottages can accommodate up to 12 people.
During winter, the Victorian coast becomes a highway for Humpback and Southern Right whales as they migrate to their calving grounds off the Queensland coast. The lightstation is a great place to set up and spot the gentle giants frolicking about the water.
Open to the public and with tours running daily from Friday through Monday, join in to learn the secrets of the tallest lightstation on mainland Australia – from life in this secluded part of the world to the unique landscapes that surround the lightstation.
The hull of the SS Saros shipwreck lies just beyond the lightstation. Helmed by Captain Aitken and bound for Sydney, the steamship left Geelong in 1937, but ran aground in heavy fog. Accessible along Saros Track, it is one of a few shipwrecks on the Victorian coast visible from land.
Book an overnight stay at the lighthouse keeper’s cottages. Built from Oregon collected from local shipwrecks, the cottages are an excellent example of a nineteenth century lighthouse residence. The self-contained cottages can accommodate up to 12 people.
During winter, the Victorian coast becomes a highway for Humpback and Southern Right whales as they migrate to their calving grounds off the Queensland coast. The lightstation is a great place to set up and spot the gentle giants frolicking about the water.
Things to do
Mueller Inlet Campground
This campground is on the shores of Mueller Inlet and overlooks the inlet to the river mouth and ocean. The campsites are protected by a dune system covered in Banksia Woodland and Heath.
Peachtree Creek Reserve
This campground is on the eastern shore of Tamboon Inlet, good for both fishing and bird watching. There is neither vehicle nor walking access to the coast so boats are an excellent way to explore the area. The inlet waters and surrounding forest are part of Croajingolong National Park, where there are other campgrounds available.
Thurra River Campground
This campground is located in coastal woodland between the river and the ocean near Point Hicks. This is a popular spot for families to relax on hot days.
How to get there
Point Hicks Lighthouse
Point Hicks Lightstation is surrounded by the pristine Croajingolong National Park. Approximately seven hours’ drive from Melbourne, the lightstation is easily accessed off the Princes Highway. Turn off at Cann River, on to the unsealed Point Hicks Road which leads to an access gate. From here, visitors must make the final stretch on foot to reach the lightstation.
Sites
When you're there
The Point Hicks Lightstation is accessible to the public for tours from Friday through to Monday. Tours are free however are limited to a maximum of 12 people per tour. For more information about this part of the park, download the Croajingolong National Park visitor guide.
Camping & accommodation
The secluded and pristine Croajingolong National Park is home to the historic Point Hicks Lightstation, claimed to be Captain James Cook’s first sighting of mainland Australia.
Please note, all accommodation at Point Hicks Lighthouse is closed until further notice due to fire impact in the area.
Need to know
Point Hicks Lighthouse
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
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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Thurra River (Croajingolong National Park)
Thurra Campground
The Thurra campground is currently closed pending replacement of the Thurra River bridge and safety works in the campground. Reopening is taking longer than expected due to the scale and complexity of works. Thurra campground may be reopened for summer 2023-2024, however please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Point Hicks Lighthouse
The access to Point Hicks Lighthouse remains closed pending replacement of the Thurra River bridge and safety works in the Thurra River campground. The road to Point Hicks has suffered severe coastal erosion and works will need to take place to reinstate safe access. Replacement of damaged infrastructure is taking longer than expected due to the scale and complexity of the works. Parks Victoria will continue to maintain surveillance and security at the site, however accommodation is not expected to be re-opened until 2024. Please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions.Point Hicks Lighthouse
The access to Point Hicks Lighthouse remains closed pending replacement of the Thurra River bridge and safety works in the Thurra River campground. The road to Point Hicks has suffered severe coastal erosion and works will need to take place to reinstate safe access. Replacement of damaged infrastructure is taking longer than expected due to the scale and complexity of the works. Parks Victoria will continue to maintain surveillance and security at the site, however accommodation is not expected to be re-opened until 2024. Please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Deer Control (ground shooting) operation underway
Deer control is being undertaken in this park from October 2021 to June 2022. Some localised access restrictions may apply. Find out more about this program at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/deer-and-feral-animal-control-in-response-to-bushfire
