Point Hicks Lightstation

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    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. 

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    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.

    Things to do

     
    An aerial view of the Croajingolong National Park.

    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.
    Two hikers at sunset in the Croajingolong National Park.

    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.
    Point Hicks Lighthouse

    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.

    When to go

    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. 

    Check availability

    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.

    • Point Hicks Lightstation (Point Hicks Lighthouse Reserve)

      Point Hicks Lightstation Reserve closed due to fire damage

      Point Hicks Lightstation Reserve is closed until further notice due to widespread bushfire damage.

    • Cape Horn (Croajingolong National Park)

      Cape Horn Jetty Closed

      Cape Horn Jetty is closed until further notice due to structural damage. This closure is inclusive of the surrounding retaining wall. 
      The site can still be accessed by four-wheel drive vehicles from Cape Horn Track.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Croajingolong National Park

      Croajingolong National Park closures due to fire damage

      The majority of Croajingolong National Park, including The Wilderness Coast Walk, remains closed due to widespread bushfire damage, with the exception of the following sites that are open:

      • South West Arm day visitor area (no toilet facilities, no jetty access)
      • Sandy Point (no toilet facilities)
      • Allens Head
      • Cemetery Bight
      • Goanna Bay
      • Narrows Jetty
      • Cape Horn
      • The first 300 metres of Narrows walking track only.

      Jetty closures

      The following jetties are currently closed due to fire damage or deterioration:
      Kingfish Point Jetty
      Cape Horn Jetty
      Gravelly Point Jetty
      Genoa River Jetty
      Captain Creek Jetty
      Sou' West Arm Jetty


    • Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)

      Wingan Inlet Campground Re-opens

      Wingan Inlet Campground is open for bookings from Friday 30th October.  Walking Tracks in the Wingan Inlet campground area remain closed due to fire damage.  This includes Fly Cove, Lake Elusive and Wingan Rapids walk as well as the Wilderness Coast Walk.  Cicada Trail 4WD Track also remains closed.

      Campers please note that the trough spring water is not operational.  Please bring an adequate supply of water for your stay.

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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