Wilderness Coast Walk is a 100km, grade 4 hike located in the Croajingolong National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 8-10 days to complete.
Warning
Before starting this walk, you will need to source maps, tide charts, weather reports and relevant track notes. Water is limited, unreliable and untested for drinking along the Wilderness Coast. Please take adequate drinking water or make arrangements for supply of water.
Hike overview
Escape civilisation on the ultimate long-distance walk through remote wilderness. The Wilderness Coast Walk stretches 100km along the far-eastern coast of Victoria. The Wilderness Coast Walk extends along the wild coast of far-east Gippsland. Trek isolated stretches of coastline, including the Sandpatch Wilderness Area, past the historic Point Hicks Lighthouse, secluded coves and through pristine landscapes teeming with native wildlife.
Start at Bemm River on the sandy shores of Croajingolong National Park. You can finish your trek at Mallacoota or extend your hike across the New South Wales border into Nadgee Nature Reserve. Explore isolated beaches, sand dunes and vast estuaries as you trek the rugged coastline. Be prepared for a true wilderness experience that will see you scrambling over rocky headlands and boulders, crossing river estuaries (which may require swimming), walking long stretches of sand, and hiking through thick vegetation on ill-defined paths. This walk is not for the faint-hearted.
Hikers need to be experienced and prepared for challenging conditions. The walk is divided into three zones and you will need experience and confidence navigating from topographic maps.
Advance bookings are required for camping along the walk. Groups are limited to eight people and a two-night maximum applies at remote campsites to protect the natural environment.
The section of the Wilderness Coast Walk east of Mallacoota must be booked through NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Call the Merimbula office on (02) 6495 5000.
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 'Easby 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.
The three zones
Sandpatch Zone
This section spans from Shipwreck Creek to Wingan Inlet and is about 26km. You will walk along open beaches and coastal heathlands. Purchase Mallacoota 8822-N map to help plan this section of the walk.
Rame Head Zone
This section spans from Wingan Inlet to Thurra River and is about 22km. It covers mostly beaches and some coastal forest. Purchase Cann – Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk. If you plan to camp at Wingan Inlet, book this stay in the Rame Head Zone. The campground has an area dedicated to overnight hikers completing the Wilderness Coast Walk. No water is available any time of year in this section.
Clinton Rocks Zone
This section spans from Thurra River to Bemm River and is about 28km. There is a large section of rocks to negotiate at Clinton Rocks. Purchase Cann–Point Hicks Map 8722-N to help plan this section of the walk. This section involves crossing the entrances of Sydenham Inlet and Tamboon Inlet. Boat transport may need to be organised, or low tide required, if these inlets are open to the ocean. Call Parks Victoria to check latest conditions.
Route and GPX file
Bemm River to Mallacoota (100km)
Max elevation: 96 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 985 m
Total descent: -974 m
Bemm River to Nadgee (155km)
Max elevation: 247 m
Min elevation: 0 m
Total climbing: 1731 m
Total descent: -1688 m
Tips
- You may need to arrange boat transport to get across Sydenham and Tamboon inlets – Sydenham Bait and Tackle Shop (03 5158 6465) can help with this.
- Take a tide chart and walk at low tide as much as possible for safety and to be able to walk on the compacted sand.
- Before starting your walk, you will need to source maps, tide charts, weather reports, and relevant track notes
- I am not aware of any commercial transfer services that can return you to the trail head.
Trail location
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Getting there
The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales.
The walk can be reached from a number of locations along the coastline. Two-wheel drive access is available at Bemm River, Thurra River, Wingan Inlet, Shipwreck Creek and Mallacoota Inlet. Check road conditions before you arrive at the park.
Gallery
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About the region
Croajingolong National Park (VIC)
The Croajingolong National Park is a coastal national park located in the East Gippsland region of the Australian state of Victoria. The 88,355-hectare national park is situated approximately 450 kilometres east of Melbourne and 500 kilometres south of Sydney. Croajingolong National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.
Croajingolong National Park follows the remote coast of far-east Victoria and is home to ancient forests, pristine inlets, giant sand dunes and abundant wildlife. Canoe, kayak or boat to explore Tamboon, Mallacoota and Wingan Inlet. Camp at Thurra River, walk the Wilderness Coast or step back in time at Point Hicks Lightstation.
Croajingolong is all about wilderness and escaping civilisation. Basic but picturesque campgrounds can be found scattered along the many inlets of the coast along this part of Victoria. These sheltered water bodies are also perfect for fishing. Get back to nature and camp at the remote and peaceful Wingan Inlet, Shipwreck Creek, Mueller Inlet or Peachtree Creek Campgrounds. Spot Brush-tailed Possums, Long-nosed Bandicoots and Lace Monitors. At night, listen out for the cackling sound of the Yellow-Bellied Glider.
Nadgee Nature Reserve (NSW)
The natural beauty of Nadgee Nature Reserve has been preserved for centuries, allowing visitors to explore, bushwalk, birdwatch and swim in a pristine coastal landscape.
On the far south coast of NSW is a startling area of untouched beauty. Nadgee Nature Reserve is a haven for those who relish getting back to nature and thrive on peace and quiet. The only sign of life along long stretches of sand might be footprints left by wallabies. Swim in pristine lakes or walk along sandstone cliffs, peering into the coastal heath to see native wrens and little wattlebirds. If you fancy fishing, you’re in luck – there is superior beach, estuary and lake fishing throughout the reserve.
At Nadgee’s north end is the family-friendly town of Wonboyn, close to easy day walks, picnic grounds and tranquil beaches. Further south, experienced hikers can take on the 60km Nadgee–Howe wilderness walk. At Nadgee you won’t be bothered at all by crowds, other than perhaps a pod of dolphins riding the waves.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Wilderness Coast Walk (100km)”
Jose Cepeda
Gina Bromiley!!!!
Has area recovered from.the fires? Or will be be walking in fire damaged areas?
This looks good Donna Campbell