The Wilderness Coast Walk provides an opportunity to explore a unique stretch of coastline in Croajingolong National Park on the far eastern coast of Victoria. Spread across hundreds of kilometres in Gippsland, this national park is beautifully wild with a eucalypt forest and long white sandy beaches. It is a secluded paradise of crystal waters ideasl for snorkelling.
 
Be careful in fire season.
 
Bemm River to Clinton Rocks – 14km
Mainly beach walking. Entrance crossing may be required at Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet may need to be negotiated if open to the sea. Boat transport may need to be arranged, or low tide required to safely cross the inlet. There is a large section of rocks to negotiate at Clinton Rocks.
Camping: Tamboon Inlet, Clinton Rocks
Clinton Rocks to Thurra River – 14km
Mainly beach walking. Prior to Point Hicks, Sledge Track from West Beach will lead hikers to the lighthouse, or West Beach Track runs more directly towards the Thurra River campground. Be aware of vehicles between the lighthouse and campground.
Camping: Clinton Rocks, Thurra River
Thurra River to Wingan Inlet – 20km
Mainly beach walking with some rock crossing. Thurra River and Mueller River may need to be negotiated if open, this is best attempted at low tide. There is an inland track behind Rame Head. A track and boardwalk lead from the beach to Wingan Inlet campground.
Camping: Thurra River, Gale Hill, Wingan Inlet
Wingan Inlet to Benedore River – 14km
Entrance crossing is required at Wingan Inlet, boat transport may need to be arranged. Once across the inlet, Easby Walk Track starts at the totem pole, a few hundred meters from the sea. Turn right at the €œEasby Creek€ sign and then follow the beach to Red River. Follow the track inland behind Sandpatch Pt to the steps then along the beach to Benedore River. Some rock crossing may be required if walking along the beach.
Camping: Wingan Inlet, Easby Creek, Red River crossing, Red River entrance
Benedore River to Mallacoota – 18km
Old Coast Rd walking track leads inland from Benedore River to Seal Creek, then onto Shipwreck Creek. Old Coast Rd continues from the campground and finishes at a car park on Centre Track. From here, follow Centre Track to Mallacoota. Be aware of vehicle traffic. It is also possible to follow the beach from Betka River to Bastion Point, then the Pittosporum Walk into Mallacoota.
Camping: Benedore River, Seal Creek, Shipwreck Creek, Mallacoota
Mallacoota to Nadgee, NSW – 20km
It is possible to continue hiking across the NSW border from Mallacoota township, past Cape Howe into the Nadgee Wilderness Area and through to Wonboyn township. A permit is also required to walk this section, available from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Office at Merimbula, on (02) 6495 5000. The variety of landscapes along the coast is one of the many highlights of the walk: sand dune formations at Cape Howe, dramatic coastal cliffs, sea caves, coastal lagoons along with coastal heaths and woodlands.
Getting there
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 trail can be accessed from a number of locations along the coastline. 2WD access is available at Bemm River, Thurra River, Wingan Inlet and Shipwreck Creek. Please check on road conditions prior to entering the park.
Warning
This is a guide only, distances are approximate. Please obtain topographic maps before setting out on a walk. Water is very limited, unreliable and untested for drinking along the Wilderness Coast. Please take adequate drinking water or make arrangements for supply of water.