Croajingolong National Park: Short Walks, Point Hicks, Camping

It's a big coastal park: about 88,000 hectares, taking in 100 km of coast in far-east Victoria. Croajingolong takes its name from the Aboriginal people of the area, and it has been a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 1977.

Visit Gippsland counts over 70 native wildflower species, 52 mammal species and 250 bird species in the park. Visit Mallacoota says it's home to over 1,500 native species of plants and animals combined. That second figure is plants and animals together, not plants alone.

Double Creek and Genoa Falls are within about 27 km of town. Genoa Peak is closed for now.

Double Creek Nature Walk

The Double Creek Nature Walk is an easy 1 km loop through warm temperate rainforest, about 8 km from Mallacoota, with a picnic ground. Lyrebirds are common, and koalas are possible, so walk quietly and keep looking up. Dogs aren't allowed on the walk. For more to do over summer, see our guide to Christmas and January in Mallacoota.

Genoa Falls

Genoa Falls is just off the Princes Highway about 4 km west of Genoa, about 27 km from Mallacoota, or around 25 minutes' drive. It's a short walk with stairs, about 800 m return, to small falls spilling over wide rock shelves. The turnoff is unmarked, and there's a small unsealed car park with no toilets or picnic tables, so bring what you need. Water dragons are often seen there in warm weather. The rocks can be slippery, so wear shoes with grip and keep a hand on small children. Dogs aren't permitted at Genoa Falls.

No. Genoa Peak in Croajingolong is currently closed to the public. Before heading there, check parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63.

For reference, the walk starts at the Genoa Peak Day Visitor Area, which has picnic facilities and wood-fired barbecues. It's about 2 km return, with a steep climb to a summit lookout.

Point Hicks Lightstation is inside the park, and it was built in 1890. You reach Point Hicks from the Cann River side of the park.

If you're after a lighthouse, there's another on Gabo Island, about 14 km from Mallacoota and 500 m off the Croajingolong coast. The Gabo Island lighthouse was built from 1858 to 1862 from local pink granite, and at 47 m it's the second-tallest lighthouse in Australia. You reach Gabo by boat or light plane, weather permitting, and you have to book. You can also stay overnight in the old lightkeepers' cottages, booked through Parks Victoria.

The Wilderness Coast Walk runs about 100 km, from Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong to Wonboyn in NSW's Nadgee Nature Reserve, and it usually takes 8 to 10 days. Plan food, water and how you'll get home from the far end before you start.

Campgrounds such as Shipwreck Creek and Thurra River are booked through Parks Victoria.

• Shipwreck Creek has coastal heath and rock platforms, and it's at its best in spring when the wildflowers are out.
• Thurra River has a forest walk that leads to huge sand dunes.

In the park you might see lyrebirds, goannas, swamp wallabies, sea eagles and wombats. On the Double Creek walk, lyrebirds are common and koalas are possible. At Genoa Falls, water dragons are often seen in warm weather. Bring binoculars, and give anything you meet plenty of room.

Plan on leaving the dog out of your park days. Dogs aren't allowed in most Victorian national parks, and Parks Victoria doesn't list Croajingolong among its dog-friendly parks. Assistance dogs are welcome, with entry requirements. Dogs aren't allowed on the Double Creek walk or at Genoa Falls either. For houses that take dogs, see our dog-friendly houses in Mallacoota.

• Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
• Genoa Peak: check parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 before heading there.
• Genoa Falls: the turnoff is unmarked, and there are no toilets or picnic tables.
• Camping: book Shipwreck Creek and Thurra River through Parks Victoria.
• Take water, food, a hat and sunscreen, and shoes with grip.