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.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Cape Conran Coastal Park & Croajingolong National Park
Parts of Cape Conran Coastal Park and Croajingolong National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.Closures will apply during the following dates:16-20 September 20249-13 December 20242-6 June 2025Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps or call 13 19 63.For more information about the program please visit this link.Attachments: Croajingolong NP and Cape Conran CP aerial operations informations map (2,519KB)
Aerial shooting operations targeting deer (partial Park closures)
The following Parks will have some areas closed while aerial shooting operations are undertaken. Popular visitor sites, walking trails and campgrounds are generally excluded from treatment areas and will remain open to visitors. More information and maps with details on access restrictions be posted here in the coming weeks. Please check the Change of Conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information.11-15 Nov 2024· Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)· Snowy River National Park (north)18-22 Nov 2024· Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)9-13 Dec· Snowy River National Park (south)· Croajingolong National Park· Cape Conran Coastal Park3-7 Feb 2025· Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop)· Mt Buffalo National Park· Mt Mittamatite Regional Park· Wabba Wilderness Park· Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park10-14 Feb 2024· Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)· Snowy River National Park (north)3-7 Mar 2025· Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)For more information on Parks Victoria's deer control program visit this link.Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Point Hicks Road Closed
Point Hicks Road will closed at Fishermans Track intersection.Closure begins Monday 14/10/2024There is no end date currently known, this notice will be updated as soon as possible with further information.The closure is to ensure safety during construction of the Thurra Bridge.No access is possible to Mueller Campground or Everard Track during this time.Peachtree Creek Campground and Clinton Rocks track remain open.Cicada Track Closed
Cicada 4WD track will remain closed in 2024.The seasonally closed track was due to be opened on 31/10/24. Due to the closure of Pt Hicks Rd from Fishermans track for the Thurra Bridge works, the western end of Cicada track will be inaccessible.A reopening date for Pt Hicks Rd is not currently known, this notice will be updated when more information is available. -
Croajingolong National Park
Tracks and areas closed in the Croajingolong Nationakl Park
The following six 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, 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· Dunes Track· Saros Track· Sledge TrackThe Wilderness Coast Walk is open all the way from Bemm River to Mallacoota. Staff have recently marked sections of the track however, 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.The following walking track is closed:· Wingan Inlet Rapids WalkThe following jetties around Mallacoota are closed:· Kingfish Point. Goanna BayThe following tracks remain closed due to storm damage· Miners TrackOngoing heavy rainfall has impacted areas of Croajingolong National Park and other areas of the state. Monitor this page for updated information and site closures -
Shipwreck Creek Campground (East Gippsland Coastal streams Natural Catchment Area, Croajingolong National Park)
Shipwreck Creek Campground Toilets
Shipwreck Creek Campground currently has portable toilets in place, whilst Parks Victoria rebuilds new toilet facilities.