Point Hicks Lighthouse

A father walks over rock slabs with his young family in the background in front of a memorial statue and lightstation in the background

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Point Hicks Lighthouse

Please note, all accommodation at Point Hicks Lighthouse is closed until further notice due to fire impact in the area.

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.

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.


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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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    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.

    Point Hicks Road Closed

    Point Hicks Road will closed at Fishermans Track intersection with a brief re-opening during the Christmas / New Years period.

    Closed: Monday 14/10/24
    Reopening: Saturday 21/12/24
    Closed: Monday 06/01/25
    Reopening: TBA approx August 2025


    The closure is to ensure safety during construction of the Thurra Bridge.

    While Point Hicks Road is closed no access is possible to Mueller Campground, Cicada and Everard Tracks during this time. Between 21/12/24 and 06/01/25 these areas will be open.

    Peachtree Creek Campground and Clinton Rocks track remain open.

  • 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 2024
    9-13 December 2024
    2-6 June 2025
     
    Visitors 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)

    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.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

  • 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.

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