Cape Conran Coastal Park

Cape Conran Coastal Park

Escape to the natural beauty of Cape Conran Coastal Park, a sprawling coastal wilderness spanning 11,700 hectares in East Gippsland, Victoria. Situated near Marlo, approximately 396 km from Melbourne, this park offers a diverse landscape of isolated sandy beaches facing the rugged Bass Strait, alongside tranquil heathlands and banksia woodlands teeming with vibrant nectar-feeding birds. It's a cherished destination for campers and nature enthusiasts from across Australia and beyond, providing opportunities for fishing, surfing, nature walks, and simply unwinding in a serene environment.

Facilities:

• Camping:
• Banksia Bluff Campground: The main bookable campground with septic toilets, cold outdoor beach showers, tables, and fireplaces. Selected sites are dog-friendly (dogs must be on a leash). All sites are unpowered, and generators are not permitted. Firewood needs to be brought in.
• Non-bookable camping areas: Binn Beach, Gunnai Beach, and Pearl Point offer basic, unpowered sites on a first-come, first-served basis. These generally have no toilet facilities, so visitors need to be self-sufficient.
• Cabins and Lodges: Self-contained cabins and the larger Olive-Berry Lodge (suitable for groups) are available for booking within the park.
• Picnic Areas: East Cape offers gas barbecues and picnic tables.
• Boat Ramp: Located at West Cape (Salmon Rocks), providing the only boat launching ramp in the area. Note that conditions can be exposed and the ramp may be subject to sand and kelp.
• Walking Tracks: Numerous tracks winding through banksia woodlands and heathland, including:
• Cape Conran Nature Trail/East Cape Boardwalk
• Estuary View Walk
• Yeerung Gorge Walk
• Pearl Point Walk (longer hike)
• Dock Inlet Walk (longer hike)
• Toilets: Available at Banksia Bluff Campground and East Cape Day Visitor Area. Some remote camping areas do not have facilities.
• Information: Interpretive panels at the Activities Centre provide information on the park's history, flora, and fauna.
• Accessibility: Some accessible toilets are available at Banksia Bluff Campground (Loops C and F). However, many pathways are unformed and not graded for accessibility.
• Other: Designated fireplaces (BYO wood), rubbish removal (for Banksia Bluff, but take out what you bring in for non-bookable sites). Note that bore water from taps is generally not suitable for drinking.

Distance to Tourist Spots Nearby:

• East Cape Beach: Within Cape Conran Coastal Park (approx. 0.03 miles from central point).
• Jacksons Beach: Within Cape Conran Coastal Park (approx. 1.32 miles).
• Ricardo Beach (Marlo): Approximately 6.62 miles (approx. 10.6 km).
• Mots Beach (Marlo): Approximately 9.44 miles (approx. 15.2 km).
• Marlo (township): Approximately 17 km. Offers fuel and basic convenience supplies.
• Bemm River (township): Approximately 7 km from some non-bookable campsites. Offers shops and toilets.
• Orbost (township): Approximately 34 km. Offers fuel, supermarket, chemist, medical, and veterinary services.
• Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary: Approximately 5 km offshore from Cape Conran, known for snorkelling and diving.
• Lake Tyers Beach: Approximately 37.34 miles (approx. 60 km).
• Lakes Entrance: Approximately 41.63 miles (approx. 67 km).

Cape Conran Coastal Park is a magnificent destination for those seeking a genuine Australian coastal experience, offering a blend of rugged beauty and tranquil bush camping. Remember to check current conditions and fire restrictions before your visit