Introduction Walk Victoria's "Low Country" while parts of the High Country rest and recover from the fires. Croajingolong National Park in far East Gippsland with it's magnificent wilderness coastline and undisturbed forested foothills is home to a vast array of indigenous plants and animals.
Walking opportunities abound and we will take full advantage of these with days filled with either a combination of shorter walks in succession or a full day walk.
The walks are graded moderate so you need to be reasonably fit.
This departure is fully accommodated, with lots of walks exploring Point Hicks, Thurra River and Mallacoota area. Three nights are spent in historic lighthouse keepers quarters at Point Hicks Lighthouse boasting superb ocean views, walks and fascinating history.
Itinerary Day 1 (Mon) Melbourne passengers depart Southern Cross Railway Station, Melbourne City at 7.50am travelling east to arrive at Bairnsdale Station where you will be met by your tour guide. Joining time in Bairnsdale is 11.30am with lunch together in Bruthen before setting off for an afternoon of travelling past Orbost to Cann River.Joining time in Cann River for those travelling from ACT or NSW is 3pm.Leaving Cann River the road winds down to the coast at Thurra River and we arrive late afternoon at Point Hicks Lighthouse in the heart of Croajingolong National Park.We will spend three nights in the historic assistant lighthouse keepers cottages. These comfortable roomy cottages have double or twin share rooms with shared bathroom facilities.Time to get the feel of our very special setting before the evening meal. Day 2 (Tue) Point Hicks (once named Cape Everard) was the first place in Australia sighted by Captain Cook and his crew on the “Endeavour” in 1770.With the lighthouse perched on a granite headland, photo opportunities abound. This morning a leisurely walk to West Beach follows an old supply track used during the building of the lighthouse.Once at West Beach you have the option of exploring the rock pools with their crystal clear water and abundant seashore life or walking on around the long sandy beach.(3 km return with option of further beach walking) Return to the lighthouse for lunch.After lunch we drive back to Thurra River and wander through Tea Tree and Banksia Woodlands to discover the extensive dune system nearby. (4km return with option of a further 5 km along road)A guided tour of mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse will also be arranged.Evenings will be a special time here with sunsets promising to be stunning.Relax on the verandahs, watch seals, the waves and schooling fish. Day 3 (Wed) We commence today with a drive back past Thurra River and a walk up Mt Everard (approx 6km return).A climb of 200m makes this a bit of a challenge, but the 360 degree views from the spectacular cliffy summit are outstanding.Watch for rock orchids (in spring only) on the sheltered side of large boulders near the summit.As well as views inland towards Errinundra Plateau, there is a bird’s eye view of extensive dune system around Point Hicks and we can just see the tip of the lighthouse.Return to the vehicle and enjoy lunch at Thurra River.An afternoon loop walk takes us from Thurra to Mueller Inlet along minor bush roads and back along the sandy beach. (approx 4-5km loop walk with an option of additional beach walking) Keep an eye out for a glimpse of the Lighthouse as we walk. At any point you can choose to forego any of the walks and remain at the Lighthouse to just enjoy the peace and solitude. (BLD) Day 4 (Thu) Leaving Point Hicks and the charm of the lighthouse behind us, today is a travelling day as we drive to Wingan Inlet where we have some very relaxed time to enjoy this lovely inlet and beach on a short walk. This delightful easy nature walk wanders discretely through the bush around the shore of the inlet with including specially construction boardwalk through paperbark thickets over wetlands. As this walk arrives at the beach there is the option of an extra walk along the beach either to the opening of Wingan Inlet or in the other direcvtion up onto Rame Head.(Nature walk 4km return with (optional extra beach walking) Late afternoon sees us travelling on to the Gipsy Point where we have three nights in guesthouse accommodation at Gipsy Point Lodge.Here you will enjoy panoramic views and birdwatching from your room overlooking either the Genoa River or the gardens. Day 5 Take advantage of a leisurely start today.This morning we have two lovely short walks at Double Creek which take in a a small pocket of rainforest and follow an arm of the estuary.Birdwatching is excellent.Have a look around Mallacoota before a picnic lunch nearby.After lunch we will walk the Mallacoota Walking Track, skirting the township through a variety of bush environments and coastal heath before arriving at the ocean beach. A pleasant walk along the beach takes us to the entrance of Mallacoota Inlet and into the town of Mallacoota completing the loop walk (7km walk).Return to Gipsy Point Lodge for another night of fine food and relaxed atmosphere. (BLD) Day 6 (Sat) Commence today with a drive through Mallacoota and a lovely walk along the nearby “Old Coast Road” walking track which takes us along above the coastal cliffs through a delightful variety of forest and heathland to Shipwreck Creek.Wildflowers abound in spring and occasional views of the wilderness coast add to the enjoyment of the walk.Watch for Sea Eagles gliding effortlessly overhead, as well as the small bush birds that inhabit the forest and heath.(6.5km walk) Return to Gipsy Point Lodge for lunch.This afternoon you have the option of remaining at the lodge to relax or join an energetic walk up Genoa Peak. This is a short, steep climb (3km return with a steep climb of 200m) which concludes with steel ladders taking you to the top of granite boulders that offer first class views of Mallacoota Inlet and Gabo Island and much more.Rock Orchids may be in flower during spring. (BLD) Day 7 (Sun) This morning we leave Gipsy Point with time to fit in some short but interesting walks on the return trip. Genoa Falls is a little gem on Genoa Creek where on a sunny day, we should see the wonderful Gippsland Water Dragons basking on the rocks.Depending on time, it may also be possible to include either a rainforest walk or a walk at the Cabbage Tree Palms Reserve.Arrival time in Bairnsdale is around 4pm(Purchase own lunch today) and Melbourne passengers will be arrive in Melbourne approx. 8pm.(B)
Accommodation 6 nights accommodation. Three nights accommodation are in assistant lighthouse keepers cottages at Point Hicks Lighthouse, with shared bathroom facilities in each cottage. The last three nights accommodation are in four star guesthouse accommodation at Gipsy Point Lodge. Fares are for twin share (or double) rooms. A very limited number of single rooms may be available at an additional cost.
Meals B=BreakfastL=LunchD=Dinner
Group size Limited to 10 participants. NOTE: Another tour also offered with a similar departure Croajingolong Coastal Ecotour which includes shorter easier walks with more emphasis on time for birdwatching and examining the coastal vegetation. Ask for details.
