Australian 4WD Action - June 2018

there has been recent rains. The

entry and exits from the river are

usually steep, slippery and

muddy, so only attempt this

track with a high clearance 4WD

with decent tyres. The Cicada

Track continues through tall

forested areas, coastal

heathlands, and several

low-lying boggy areas that may

pose a challenge particularly if

there has been recent rain. The

track eventually terminates after

about 20km onto the West

Wingan Road – turn right and

head to the Wingan Inlet

Campground which is a further

11km to the south.

Wingan Inlet is arguably the

jewel in the crown of the

Croajingolong National Park

with large shady campsites,

communal fi replaces, water

access, and a spectacular

There are two camping areas

near Point Hicks – Thurra River

and Mueller River. Thurra is the

largest area and there are a

range of campsites on offer

close to the coast amongst the

coastal vegetation. The local

lighthouse keeper will come

around and collect camping

fees. From Thurra campground

there are some great walks

including the Dunes Walk, Saros

Track and the lighthouse walk.

The Dunes walk winds through

coastal banksias and heathland

before opening out into a

network of sandy trails through

soaring dunes that tower 30m

“TAKE SOME TIME TO EXPLORE

THIS UNIQUE PART OF VICTORIA”

QUICK FACTS

RESTRICTIONS & PERMITS:

Fires –Yes

Pets – No

Fees – Yes.

KEY CONTACTS:

Parks Victoria

PH: 13 19 63

Point Hicks Lighthouse

PH: (03) 5158 4268

above the Thurra River. Take a

board and have some fun sliding

down these massive dunes. The

Saros Track commences near

the lighthouse and offers

magnifi cent views of the coast as

you follow the path to view the

shipwreck of the SS Saros that

ran ashore during heavy fog on

its way to Sydney in 1937.

After checking out the

lighthouse and perhaps some of

the other attractions at Thurra

River, head back along the Point

Hick Road for about 8km to the

turnoff on the right to the Cicada

Track. At the start of the track

there is a short walking track to

Mt Everard which is worth a

detour as it provides spectacular

views of the surrounding forests

and heathlands as well as Point

Hicks and the dunes from a large

sloping rock face.

A short distance into the

Cicada Track is the biggest

challenge – the crossing of the

Mueller River. Take heed of the

warning signs and check the

crossing before making an

attempt as it can be quite deep if

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Who doesn’t love a

bit of mud!

The East Coast of Vic

truly is a hidden gem!