Croajingolong National Park: A 2026 Winter 4WD Guide

Winter on the Wilderness Coast: A 2026 Guide to Croajingolong National Park The first light of a July morning in East Gippsland doesn't just wake you up; it humbles you. As the mist rolls off the granite peaks of the Howe Range and settles into the ancient coastal banksia forests, the only sound is the rhythmic thrum of the Southern Ocean against a white-sand beach that hasn't seen a footprint in days. Standing on the edge of the Wilderness Coast in Croajingolong National Park, you realize that this isn't just the end of Victoria—it’s a window into what the continent looked like long before the asphalt arrived. Why now: The Winter Solitude of 2026 If you’re reading this in the winter of 2026, you’re experiencing Croajingolong in its most raw and rewarding state. While the summer crowds flock to Mallacoota, winter is the season for the serious tourer. The humidity has vanished, replaced by crisp, clear days that turn the ocean a deep, saturated cobalt. More importantly, 2026 marks a significant milestone for the park, with the much-anticipated reopening of key access routes and the completion of major bridge reconstructions, including the Thurra River crossing, allowing 4WDers to push further into the heart of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve than they have in years. Getting there: The Corrugations of the Far East Croajingolong is located in the far eastern corner of Victoria, roughly 450 kilometres from Melbourne and 550 kilometres from Sydney. It’s a long haul, but that distance is exactly what preserves the park’s wilderness character. The primary entry points are via Mallacoota in the east or the Cann River turn-off in the west. Access to the most spectacular coastal camps like Wingan Inlet and Thurra River requires navigating long stretches of unsealed forest roads. In winter, these tracks can become soft and slippery after East Gippsland’s notorious rain events. While a 2WD can make it to Peachtree Creek or Mallacoota, a high-clearance 4WD is essential for the corrugated runs into the more remote inlets. Pro tip: East Gippsland’s logs and debris can be a real hazard on forest tracks in winter. Carry a chainsaw or at least a decent recovery kit, and ensure your 12V lighting setup is up to the task of spotting potholes in the early winter dusk. 4 Highlights of the Wilderness Coast 1. Point Hicks and the Historic Lighthouse Standing as the first point of the Australian mainland sighted by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770, Point Hicks is as historic as it is dramatic. The towering lighthouse looks out over a graveyard of shipwrecks, and in July, it’s a premier spot for whale watching as southern rights and humpbacks migrate north. With the road repairs of 2026 finally completed, the drive out to the point through the damp, mossy forest is a highlight in itself. 2. Wingan Inlet Accessible via a 4WD-preferred track, Wingan Inlet is where the wilderness truly begins. The inlet is protected from the ocean by a series of massive sand dunes, creating a mirror-still haven for kayakers and anglers. In winter, the sea eagles are particularly active here, and the silence of the campsite—broken only by the occasional roar of the surf through the trees—is absolute. 3. Thurra River and the Giant Sand Dunes The Thurra River area is home to some of the highest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. A hike up these shifting peaks offers a 360-degree view of the Wilderness Coast that is nothing short of breathtaking. In winter, the sand is often firmer and easier to climb, and the view of the river winding its way through the heathland into the ocean is a geological masterclass. 4. Mallacoota and the Bottom Lake Mallacoota serves as the gateway to the eastern section of the park. While it has more facilities than the remote camps, its real appeal in winter is the access it provides to the upper and lower lakes. Taking a small boat or a kayak up the Genoa River into the back-country reveals hidden bays and ancient forests that feel completely removed from the modern world. Where to stay: From Inlet Camps to Remote Bush Spots Croajingolong offers some of the most iconic coastal camping in Australia, all managed by Parks Victoria. Wingan Inlet Campground: This is the gold standard for wilderness camping. It’s small, secluded, and surrounded by ancient forest. Thurra River Campground: With the 2026 bridge reconstruction complete, this site is back to its best. It offers easy access to the river and the dunes, and the sound of the ocean is your constant companion. Peachtree Creek: Located near Tamboon Inlet, this is a quieter alternative with great fishing access. Mallacoota Foreshore: For those who want a hot shower and a pub meal within reach, the Mallacoota foreshore is a great base for day-tripping into the park. Practical Tips for the Far East Fuel: Your last reliable fuel stops are Cann River or Mallacoota. Don't push your luck; the forest tracks will burn through more diesel than you think. Water: While many campgrounds have tanks, the water is untreated. Bring your own drinking water or a high-quality filtration system. Supplies: Mallacoota has decent grocery options, but if you’re heading to Wingan or Thurra, pack like you’re going into the desert. You want to be fully self-sufficient. Safety: This is remote country. Tell someone your itinerary and expected return date. Mobs of kangaroos and wombats are everywhere in winter—avoid driving at dawn or dusk if possible. Staying Connected in the Biosphere Black Spot The beauty of Croajingolong is its isolation, but that same isolation creates a massive mobile black spot. Once you drop down towards the coast from the Princes Highway, your bars will vanish. In winter, when the tracks can be unpredictable and the weather can shift in an hour, being able to check the latest Bureau of Meteorology radar or coordinate a recovery with a mate is a critical safety requirement. This is where the Starlink Mini has changed the game for us. It’s compact enough to slide into a drawer system and runs efficiently off our 12V battery setup. We use an Alloy Mounting Arm attached to the roof rack; it keeps the dish clear of the vehicle’s metal surfaces and ensures a solid high-speed data link in minutes, even under the dense canopy of the East Gippsland forest. Closing Nudge Croajingolong National Park is a place that stays in your marrow. It’s a reminder of the power of the natural world and the importance of preserving these wild corners. Whether you’re there for the 4WD tracks or the silent inlets, winter 2026 is the time to see the Wilderness Coast at its most atmospheric. Once you’ve explored the far east, why not head west along the coast? Check out our [Victorian Travel Guide](/blogs/victorian-travel-guide) for more deep dives into the rugged heart of the garden state. Safe travels, and we’ll see you on the track.