Traveller safety information

• The track network allows visitors to explore the park on a variety of short or long walks. Walkers intending to try part or all of the Wilderness Coast Walk need to obtain a permit from Parks Victoria.
• Rivers and inlets offer the safest swimming, but beware of strong currents near entrance areas.
• Fishing is permitted in the park. A Recreational Fishing Licence is required for all Victorian waters.
• Some of Australia's best flat-water canoeing can be enjoyed on the rivers and inlets of the park.
• The parks variety of flora and fauna make it excellent for all aspects of nature studies and photography.

• Bookings are required for camping during peak periods and year-round fees apply.

• Enquiries and bookings for the Thurra and Mueller campgrounds should be made at the Point Hicks Lightstation office, phone (03) 5158 4268.
• Apply to Mallacoota Parks Victoria Office phone 03) 5161 9500 for Tamboon Inlet, Wingan Inlet, Shipwreck Creek and Peach Tree Camp.
• All food and drinking water needs to be taken in. Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
• Access to camping areas is by rough gravel roads which may be closed to vehicles after heavy rain. Camping is not permitted around the Mallacoota Lakes. Remote campsites along the coast are available for walkers on overnight hikes (permit required).

Accommodation

• Commercial facilities and accommodation are available in the townships of Cann River, Bemm River, Genoa and Mallacoota.
• Point Hicks lighthouse also offers accommodation.

Other facilities

• There are day visitor picnic facilities at most of the coastal camping areas and around Mallacoota Inlet. Some are accessible by boat only.
• Public boat launching ramps are at Mallacoota, Gipsy Point, Bemm River and Furnell Landing.

Aborigines have lived in the area, which contained all the resources for individuals and communities, for perhaps 40,000 years. The name of the local tribe, the Krauatungalung, part of the Kurnai (Gunai) nation, is reflected in the name of the park. Descendants continue to live there and local communities maintain links with the park.

Captain Cook's first sighting of Australia's east coast in 1770 was at Point Hicks. European settlers began to arrive in the 1830s, and pastoralists had occupied most of the better land by the 1850s. In the early 1900s two national parks were set aside around Mallacoota and Wingan Inlet, and in 1970 Captain Cook National Park was established at Point Hicks. These parks were greatly enlarged and combined to form Croajingolong National Park in 1979.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Bidawal and Nindi-Ngudjam Ngarigu Monero identify the Croajingolong National Park as their Traditional Country.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria .

Fifty-two mammal species, 26 reptile species and 306 species of birds have been recorded. The birds represent about half of Victoria's and a third of Australia's total bird species. The abundance of possums, gliders and bats is attributed to the presence of hollow-bearing trees. Wetlands attract 40 species of migratory seabirds and waders while coastal heathlands and woodlands attract hawks, eagles and falcons. Six owl species live in the forests. Threatened species found in the park include the Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, Smoky Mouse, Grey-headed Flying Fox and Australian Fur Seal.

Stands of warm temperate rainforest, coastal woodland and coastal heathland support many threatened plant species. The park is one of the most significant conservation reserves in Victoria, and is one of the State's three Biosphere Reserves.

• Light fires only in fireplaces provided.
• Vehicles must stay on roads and tracks open to public vehicles, and walkers should keep to tracks.
• Dogs, cats and firearms are not permitted.
• Remember that all plants, animals and cultural heritage features are protected.
• Be prepared to share jetties, picnic areas and firewood with other visitors.
• Do not dispose of waste material in pit toilets.

• Beware of strong currents near entrances to rivers and inlets.
• Ocean beaches may be subject to rips and currents.
• Ticks may be a problem for campers and walkers at times.
• Most of the access roads are unsealed and many are not suitable for caravans. Check with Parks Victoria before travelling.

Croajingolong National Park is in the far eastern corner of Victoria, about 450 km east of Melbourne and 500 km south of Sydney (Melway ref: 629 J5). Access roads lead from the Princes Highway or from Mallacoota. All roads in the park have gravel surfaces - check road conditions after heavy rain.

Peachtree Creek Reserve
(near Croajingolong National Park)

A basic bush camping site. The unsealed surfaces of the tracks around the site are poor due to erosion. This problem is especially apparent on the vehicle access track leading up to the toilet facilities. There is no designated accessible toilet facility. Access to the water's edge is poor, although it is only a short distance away.

Shipwreck Creek

The camping area and picnic facilities at Shipwreck Creek are reasonably accessible, being on flat ground and free of obstacles. The paths leading to the centrally located toilet are clear and accessible but the toilet lacks accessenhancing features. The track to the beach and the heathland is narrow and uneven, and often steep.

Wingan Inlet

Wingan Inlet has mostly flat and clear camp sites, but lacks an accessible toilet. The tracks leading to the beach are sloping and narrow.

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• Coopbracambra National Park
• Errinundra National Park
• Gabo Island