Croajingolong National Park bushfire recovery
Project Status
Last updated: April 2024
Mallacoota Inlet jetties and day visitor areas
This project intends to replace or upgrade jetties around Mallacoota Inlet and to upgrade day visitor areas. This will potentially include upgrades to existing picnic tables, fire pits, access tracks, barbeques, and toilets.
Concept designs are complete for these upgrades. We’re now seeking approvals and permits for the proposed works, before moving into the final planning phase.
Thurra River Bridge
The rebuild of Thurra River Bridge is being led by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
- A contractor has been appointed to construct the new Thurra River Bridge.
- A site handover for the works has been completed and preliminary site works are underway.
Thurra River Campground
The campground is currently closed and inaccessible due to bushfire and flood damage to the Thurra River Bridge. We’re currently investigating if we can begin work on the campground rebuild prior to the bridge being rebuilt.
Point Hicks Visitor Precinct
This project aims to upgrade facilities across the Point Hicks Lightstation precinct, which includes the heritage Lightstation buildings and visitor accommodation. The fire protection and power generation systems will be upgraded to improve safety and efficiency. As with the Thurra River Campground, the precinct is currently inaccessible due to the closure of the Thurra River Bridge and damage to Point Hicks Road.
Works to address high-risk hazardous materials in the Lightstation precinct are being planned following the completion of the building assessments. There will be further investigations into the condition of Point Hicks Road.
While delivery of this project is challenged by the lack of vehicle access, we’re exploring alternative ways to start works at the precinct.
Toilets at Genoa River Fire Trail, Sandy Point, and Sou West Arm
The contract has been awarded for construction of toilets at Genoa River Fire Trail, Sandy Point, and Sou West Arm. Construction will commence when all planning approvals are finalised.
Completed projects across Far East Gippsland
Everard Walking Track
Wingan Boardwalk (Fly Cove walk)
Lake Elusive Walking Track
Jetties at Genoa River, Gravelly Point, Sou West Arm and Captains Creek
Captains Creek Day Visitor Area toilet, track and fencing
The Narrows Walking Trail and bridges
Genoa Peak Visitor Area assets
Genoa Falls stairs
Shipwreck Creek Campground area assets
Double Creek Nature Trail Tracks and boardwalks
McKenzie River Rainforest Walk tracks and boardwalks
Cann River Bushland Reserve bridges and walking track
Mueller Inlet Campground
Sign replacement throughout Croajingolong National Park and surrounds
Mallacoota Endemic Garden
New jetty at Sou West Arm
The project
The Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20 heavily impacted areas throughout Croajingolong National Park. Many campgrounds and park facilities, such as picnic tables, jetties, and toilets, destroyed in the fires have since reopened or been reinstated, while work continues at some sites. Parks Victoria is also upgrading park facilities not impacted by the fires to enhance visitors' experiences.
Project timelines
The following timelines are subject to assessments, permits, and on-ground and construction industry conditions. Timelines will be updated here as projects progress.
- Mallacoota Inlet Jetties and day visitor areas: Approvals are expected in late 2024 and following that, procurement of construction works will start.
- Thurra River Bridge: DEECA anticipates completion of the bridge by late 2025.
- Thurra River Campground: Anticipated to reopen after the bridge rebuild is complete.
- Point Hicks Visitor Precinct: The delivery of this project is contingent on the completion of the Thurra River Bridge rebuild. The bridge is currently expected to be completed in late 2025.
- Toilets at Genoa River Fire Trail, Sandy Point, and Sou West Arm: Construction will commence when all permits and approvals are received, which is expected to be in early 2024.
Environmental management
Croajingolong National Park has a wide variety of highly significant coastal landforms including tidal inlets, estuaries and lagoons, extensive sand dunes, and prominent rocky cliffs. It is home to 1,000 recorded native plant species, 43 species of threatened native fauna, including the Little Tern, Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristle-bird, Eastern Broad-nosed Bat, and Australian Fur Seal, and one quarter of Australia’s bird species.
Ecological assessments are being completed to protect flora and fauna during on-ground works.
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’re 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’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Who we’re working with
While there is no Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for the park, there are a number of Traditional Owner groups that have a connection to the area. Parks Victoria is consulting with the Traditional Owner groups to understand the cultural values of these places.
We’re also working with Mallacoota and District Recovery Association (MADRA), East Gippsland Shire Council, Gippsland Port Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
Access changes
For information about changes to public access within Croajingolong National Park please visit the park page for the change of conditions section.
During the recovery works there may also be temporary closures to allow construction and ensure public safety. Access changes will be signposted and updated on this website.
Project funding
Victorian Government Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package for improving facilities around Mallacoota Inlet: $2.8 million
Mallacoota and surrounds bushfire recovery insurance: $1.4 million
Thurra River Bridge and Campground insurance: $10 million
Victorian Government Point Hicks Visitor Precinct Funding, for upgrading access to Point Hicks Lightstation and associated facilities: $3.85 million
Other information
- Bushfire recovery information session held 23 November 2023.
- Recording of bushfire recovery information session.
- Bushfire recovery information session Questions and Answers.
- For other bushfire and flood recovery updates visit Buchan Caves Reserve and Cape Conran Coastal Park.