Point Hicks Lightstation

Point Hicks Lightstation

Point Hicks Lightstation

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

     
    The path from a campsite down to the water at Meuller Inlet at 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.
    The jetty at Tamboon Inlet from Peachtree Creek Campground at 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.

    Be prepared and stay safe

    Croajingolong National Park is in the East Gippsland fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering the park during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

    No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Code Red Fire Danger Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs will be erected but do not expect an official warning.

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Point Hicks Lighthouse

      The Point Hicks Lightstation and surrounding area is currently closed as a result of the 2019/2020 bushfires and coastal erosion.  Visitors are unable to access the Point Hicks Lighthouse, Sledge Track, West Beach Track, Dunes Track, Saros Track or the Monument.  Parks Victoria continue to maintain surveillance and security of the site.  Accommodation is not expected to be re-opened until 2024.  Please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions.  

      Areas of Croajingolong National Park closed due to fire damage

      The following areas of Croajingolong National Park remain closed:

      ·       Gravelly Point, including the jetty
      ·       Kingfish Point, including the jetty
      ·       Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Pebbly Beach due to fire and flood damage
      ·       Thurra River Campground
      ·       Point Hicks Road is closed south of Fishermans Track
      ·       Cicada Trail
      ·       Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
      ·       Gale Hill Track
      ·       Rame Head Track
       
      Parks Victoria apologises for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding as recovery works progress.

    • 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 Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

    • Mueller Camp (Croajingolong National Park)

      Mueller Inlet Campground - Closed due to flood damage

      Following heavy rainfall in East Gippsland in late March/early April 2022, Mueller Inlet Campground will be closed until further notice due to flood damage.

    • Croajingolong National Park

      Lakeview, Miners and a section of Betka Tracks closed due to severe storm damage

       Tracks closed due to severe storm damage making conditions Dangerous, impassable and unsafe for vehicle access

      Flood impacts to tracks and visitor sites

      Croajingolong National Park was impacted by flooding in early April and some sites are currently closed. Monitor this page for updated site closures. 


      Assessments are ongoing and further areas may be closed at short notice or not accessible on arrival. 

    • Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)

      Wingan Water Supply Trough

      Campers are advised that the water supply trough at Wingan has been impacted by recent flooding.  Campers should be self-sufficient in providing for their water needs for the duration of their visit and not rely on re-supply from the trough.

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