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

    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 Catastrophic 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.

    • Croajingolong National Park

      Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Cape Howe (Croajingolong National Park)

      Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
       
      17-21 October 2022
      24-28 October 2022
      27-31 March 2023
      3-7 April 2023
       
      See attached map for details. 

      Attachments: Croajingolong NP _Cape Howe aerial shooting information (485KB)

      Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Croajingolong National Park

      Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
       
      17-21 October 2022
      24-28 October 2022
      27-31 March 2023
      3-7 April 2023
       
      See attached map for details. 

      Attachments: Croajingolong NP aerial shooting information (597KB)

      This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events

      This park has been impacted by significant flood and/or storm events and some areas may be closed or restricted. Check the Storm and Flood Affected Parks page for the most up to date information on this location.

      Croajingolong National Park information update on current closures and changes - updated 29 Nov 22

      Point Hicks Road is closed south of Fishermans Track.

      The following nine 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, Mueller 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
      ·      Mueller Campground
      ·      Mt Everard Walking Track
      ·      Dunes Track
      ·      Saros Track
      ·      Sledge Track
      ·      West Beach Track
       
      The Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Wingan Inlet Campground.
       
      The following walking tracks are closed:
      ·      Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
       
      The following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:
      ·      Kingfish Point
      ·      Gravelly Point
       
      Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but this year will remain in place during November and December 2022 in areas affected by significant rainfall and flooding across Victoria. The following Seasonal Road Closure tracks are included in the extended season:

      ·      Swan Lake
      ·      Clinton Rocks Track
      ·      Cicada Trail
      ·      Gale Hill
      ·      Betka Track
      ·      Miners Track
      ·      Lakeview Track
      ·      Howe Flat Track
      ·      Howe Hill Track
      ·      Barracoota Track

      The water supply at Wingan Inlet Campground water trough was damaged by floods. Campers are advised to not rely on the trough for water resupply while camping.
       
      Ongoing heavy rainfall has impacted areas of Croajingolong National Park and other areas of the state. Monitor this page for updated information and site closures

      Wilderness Coast Walk - Sandpatch Wilderness Area open

      The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk from Wingan Inlet to Shipwreck Creek has reopened – this section is referred to as the Sandpatch Wilderness Area.
       
      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 through the Sandpatch Wilderness Area as directional signage and steps at Sandpatch Point were destroyed in the fires.  Some parts of the track have thick regeneration that is difficult to walk through, particularly near Benedore River.
       
      Recent and consistent rainfall means that creeks and rivers could be high and difficult to cross as estuaries are open to the sea.
       
      The Wilderness Coast Walk from Wingan Inlet to Mallacoota is now open. Bookings are essential and can be made on the Wilderness Coast Walk page.
       

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Planned Tree Management works - Peachtree, Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek Campgrounds

      Parks Victoria has engaged suitable qualified arborists to undertake tree assessment and treatment in campgrounds and day visitor sites with the East Gippsland District.

      Contractors will be onsite at the following campgrounds on the following days. Campgrounds will be closed to the public during these dates

      Peachtree campground Monday 5 December 2022
      Wingan Inlet campground Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 December 2022
      Shipwreck Creek campground Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December 2022

      Thank you for your understanding as we undertake these important works

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