Croajingolong National Park is a coastal national park in East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. The name Croajingolong derives from the Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east".

Understand

Landscape

The diverse coastal landscapes feature rocky outcrops, large stretches of sandy beaches, coastal dunes and freshwater rivers, making the park a popular destination for hiking and walking, swimming, diving, snorkelling and sea kayaking.

Flora and fauna

The eastern section of the park lies within the Nadgee to Mallacoota Inlet Important Bird Area, so identified by BirdLife International because it supports populations of eastern bristlebirds and pilotbirds as well as other significant fauna.

Croajingolong's landscapes are so spectacular and environmentally significant that UNESCO nominated it a World Biosphere Reserve in 1977. The park houses impressive biodiversity, including almost 1,000 native plant species and 315 animal species.

Get in

There's only one town of any size within the park, Mallacoota, near the midpoint of the Princes Highway between Sydney and Melbourne and a full day of driving from either end.

There are no other paved roads within the park, and you'll need a good 4WD to tackle the unpaved roads.

Fees and permits

Just turn up to the park. No fees required.

Get around

Some of the smaller places can only be reached by trekking but your car should take you to the more important places.

See

• Point Hicks and Tamboon. This controversial spot is believed where Captain Cook made his first landing spot. But more than that, the awesome view of the Southern Ocean isn't to be missed. (updated Jul 2021)
• Tamboon Inlet resort town
• Sand dunes at Thurra River
• Lake Elusive
• Mount Everard
• Rame Head

Do

• Fishing - a Recreational Fishing Licence is required
• Flat water canoeing
• Bushwalking - if attempting Wilderness Coast Walk, first obtain a permit from Parks Victoria
• Old Coast Walk. 6.5-km coastal walk starting at Old Coast Road car park - 2 hours one way. 

Eat

Outside Mallacoota there are no places to eat, so bring your own food.

Sleep

• Point Hicks Lighthouse (Located in the heart of the Croajingolong National Park about 50 minutes off the Princes Highway from Cann River in far East Gippsland, midway between Melbourne & Sydney), ☏ +61 3 51584268. Accommodation available in historic Keeper's cottages and bungalow. From $120 per night (bungalow, standard rate). 

Camping

• Mueller Inlet Campground. Camp under starry skies at night and lose yourself in birdsong and wilderness by day. It is also not too far from the Thurra river, meaning you can never stop kayaking. (updated Jul 2021)