You are here

Home > Explore > Parks map search > Croajingolong National Park > Things to do > Walking the Wilderness Coast

Croajingolong National Park

Walking the Wilderness Coast

Loading

Loading map

Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability which may arise from you relying upon this information
Add change of condition

Change of conditions

  • The Wilderness Coastal Walk will be closed between Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek from 3 April to 30 April 2013 due to prescribed burning operations. at Walking the Wilderness Coast
    Tuesday 2 April, 2013 |
View all changed conditions for Croajingolong National Park

Long walk / Multi day walk
Medium walk / Day walk

The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the Eastern Shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve, NSW.

The walk can be accessed from a number of locations along the coastline. Two-wheel drive access is available at Bemm River, Thurra River, Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek. Please check on road conditions prior to entering the park.

Permits

Parks Victoria and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service have booking system to manage the number of walkers and to minimise visitor impact on these remote areas.

The maximum group size is eight. Walkers staying overnight or those who camp using watercraft for access require a permit.

Applications for permits can be obtained from the Parks Victoria office located at Mallacoota or the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service office at Merimbula.

Advance bookings are recommended for peak periods, but no more than three months prior to the walk.

Walking and camping

Along the coast there are a number of designated campsites. A two night limit applies to all remote sites.

The Sandpatch and Cape Howe Wilderness areas were proclaimed in 1992, to ensure that landforms, native plant and animal communities are left unaltered or unaffected by the influence of European settlement of Australia. As a result, there are no signposts or walking track markers and in some sections the track becomes ill-defined due to thick vegetation.

Walkers should be well equipped, experienced and confident in navigating from topographic maps before attempting the walk. Before starting your walk you will need to source maps, tide charts, weather reports and relevant track notes.

Phone coverage is unlikely, with only some coastal peaks offering reception. Use of a personal EPIRB is encouraged.

Minimal impact bushwalking

Walkers should practice minimal impact bushwalking, to maintain the remote environment and wilderness experience for others. A campsite should be left as if no one has been there. Remember - carry in, carry out.

Please do not formalise campsites, such as using timber washed up from the sea to construct picnic tables and seats, as this undermines the wilderness experience for other visitors.

Clean boots and camping equipment thoroughly prior to entering the area to reduce the likelihood of weed seeds or the destructive fungus Phytopthora being inadvertently walked in.

Toilets

There are only a few toilet facilities provided at established campgrounds along the walk. A hand-trowel is recommended so you can bury solid waste to a minimum depth of 15cm, 100m from water sources. This will help to prevent diseases like giardia and also protect the highly valuable water quality of the undisturbed water catchments along the walk. Please carry out tissues, sanitary pads, tampons and condoms.

Wash 50m away from creeks and lakes, and pour the waste water on the ground to filter through the soil. Detergents, toothpaste and soap (even biodegradable types) harm fish and other aquatic life. Use gritty sand and a scourer instead of soap to clean dishes.

Food

Wildlife such as Brushtail Possums and Lace Monitors have sharp claws and teeth which they will use to access your food. Seal your food in locked containers as they are both great tree climbers.

Warnings

  • Water availability along the walk is seasonal and if collected should be boiled or filtered prior to consumption. It is essential that you carry an adequate supply of water with you.
  • River crossings are best attempted at low tide and as far upstream from the river mouth as possible. After heavy rain, streams and lakes may be swollen and open to the ocean making crossing dangerous. The dangers of crossings may also be exacerbated during high tides. Crossing river entrances and creeks requires extreme care and up to date weather and tide observations are essential to avoid disappointment and unnecessary risks.
  • Weather conditions may change rapidly and temperatures may be lower than expected in coastal areas. Ensure that you are adequately prepared. Carry extra provisions with you in case of an emergency. Be practical with your itinerary, do not over extend yourself and risk injury.
  • Bites from sandflies, mosquitoes, marchflies and ticks are common. Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid insect bites. Snakes may be encountered and the wearing of gaiters is recommended.

Related publications

Visitor experiences

What's on

Submit an event at Walking the Wilderness Coast

Create an event
Click to view the news RSS feed.

Thanks a Million to our Volunteers at Point Cook Coastal Park

09 May 2013

Parks Victoria is saying a special thank you to its many volunteer groups across the state as part of National Volunteer Week, which runs from 13-19 May 2013. In Point Cook Coastal Park volunteers from AMES, an organisation that assists newly arrived refugees and migrants to settle in to Australia, have …

View all latest news