Cape Conran Coastal Park Bushfire Recovery

Project status

Last updated: May 2025

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Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is currently being prepared for the roofed accommodation precinct. Field work was completed and a CHMP was submitted to First Peoples - State Relations (FP-SR) by Parks Victoria in August 2024. We received feedback on the plan from FP-SR, which we are currently addressing. A revised CHMP will be submitted to FP-SR in mid-2025. All other permits and approvals have been received.  

Learn more about the Cape Conran Roofed Accommodation Project.

Yeerung Bridge - complete

Yeerung River bridge sustained significant damage during the April 2022 flood event. Works to repair the bridge are complete and the bridge is open again to pedestrians and vehicles. The bridge provides access across Yeerung River for people walking along Estuary View Walking Track, and vehicles travelling to Yeerung Gorge and through to Bemm River. Read more about it here.

Pictured above: The Yeerung River bridge has been repaired. 

East Cape Boardwalk replacement - complete

The works on the boardwalk are complete and the boardwalk is now open for visitors to enjoy.

Pictured above: The completed East Cape Boardwalk.

Water and wastewater upgrades and shared path

This project was originally scoped to install a new water main between Marlo and Cape Conran Coastal Park with the opportunity to construct a shared path on top of the pipeline alignment. The project includes improvements to potable water supply and wastewater management in the park. We've now completed the feasibility investigations, preliminary planning and designs for the project, and are escalating our findings through government channels for further input.

Cape Conran Activity Centre and office

Designs are complete and procurement for the construction of the Activity Centre is in progress. The office building designs and procurement of a contractor for the office construction has been completed. Construction will commence on both the office and Activity Centre when all approvals have been provided. 

A revised Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) was submitted to First Peoples - State Relations (FP-SR) in November 2024. We have received feedback on the plan from FP-SR, and a revised CHMP was submitted to FP-SR in early-May 2025. The Activity Centre and office will be constructed when all permits and approvals have been received.

Walking tracks at Cape Conran Coastal Park - complete

All walking tracks are now open including a section of the Nature Trail between Cowrie Bay and Joiners Channel.

Interpretive signage for Activity Centre, office and walking tracks

A contractor has been appointed, and work is in progress to reinstate new and updated interpretive signage at the park office, Activity Centre and along three walking trails. Some of the trail signs are complete, with all other signs, including Activity Centre signs, in progress.

Project timelines

Roofed accommodation and Activity Centre and office:
Works will commence when approvals have been provided.

Site services planning for underground infrastructure:
A services infrastructure Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) is required for all works at the Cape Conran precinct. All field work has been completed, and the CHMP is expected to be submitted in mid-2025 to First Peoples - State Relations (FP-SR) for evaluation.

The timelines of other components of this recovery program will be updated as information becomes available.

Environmental management

Cape Conran Coastal Park has 11 ecological vegetation communities and is home to 41 mammal species and 170 species of birds, including the White-Bellied Sea Eagle. Parks Victoria has carried out a fauna and flora assessment to ensure the project does not impact on any habitat protection zones. In order to achieve compliance with the bushfire assessment and to improve access, some trees have needed to be removed from the site.

Cultural heritage management

Parks Victoria engaged a Heritage Advisor to prepare the cultural heritage assessments at the site and to consult with First Peoples - State Relations. There are several Traditional Owner groups that have a connection to the area. Throughout the assessment process Parks Victoria are consulting with representatives from various Traditional Owner groups.

Putting safety first

Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely. Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually.

We are also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate and safe. When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it is important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.

Access changes

We will do our best to minimise disruption to visitors during construction, however access to some areas of the park may be impacted. Updates to changes in access and conditions will be published on the Cape Conran Coastal Park page ahead of works starting.

Project funding

Victorian Government Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package: $3.5 million
Victorian Government bushfire recovery funding: $16.05 million
Approximately $9 million insurance funds.

Related information

• News September 2024: Yeerung River Bridge repair works complete
• For more information on what there is to see and do at Cape Conran Coastal Park, please visit the Cape Conran Coastal Park page.