CROAJINGOLONG EXPLORER 2018 : Trip report
Rod Chapple 1814 NX Pajero - Diesel -auto
Graham Halliburton 1740 Triton - Diesel - Manual
Monday 29-10-2018:
After meeting at Yarragon for coffee at 10.30am, we proceeded along the Princes Highway through
masses of roadworks with the usual slowdown signs. We had lunch at Bairnsdale down by the
Mitchell River.
Made good time in the afternoon and arrived at Cann River in nice time to set up camp. The camp
site here is well maintained with flushing toilets and cold showers, and is a free camp with a two
night limit.
A short walk to the pub and a nice meal with a glass of red, followed by a campfire topped the day
off nicely.
Tuesday 39-10-2018:
We headed off to explore Croajingolong NP and check out campsites for future trips. Furnell Landing
on Tamboon Inlet was our first stop, quite picturesque but no camping facilities, however it looked
like a good spot for fishing but the boat ramp was a bit on the muddy side.
After backtracking we picked up the Point Hicks Road and headed south to the Lighthouse and camp
area. Camp sites were scattered among the trees and scrub and they looked OK and were well
protected from the wind, with toilet facilities in a couple of spots.
The coastline around Point Hicks is spectacular and the walk around the lighthouse is well worth
doing. Lieutenant Zachary Hicks was with Captain Cook on the HMS Endeavour, and was the first to
sight this spot on the 20-4-1770.
Mueller Inlet was our next port of call, quite a pretty spot but only about eight camp sites with no
facilities. Looked like a good spot for kayaking and fishing on a short term basis.
Backtracking again to the Cicada Trail and across to Wingan Road West. This was an interesting drive
– 4X4 only. Looks like no vehicles had been here for some time as we had to do a lot of track clearing
to get through with a couple of spots presenting a bit of a challenge, mostly sand and clay surfaces.
The Rangers had opened the gates but were still to do the clearing, so we did a job for them. We had
to drive over a couple of large trees as we couldn’t move them. A great track and a good drive.
Onward to Wingan Inlet through old forest, which was a rewarding drive in itself. Wingan Inlet
campsite is a well maintained area with a couple of good “long drop” toilets. There are a couple of
community campfire sites nestled between the “gas only” camp sites. There is plenty of firewood to
be picked up on the road in - not too far from the camp. We spotted a Lace Monitor around our
camp and took photos.