Active project record

Originally reported: 2023
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026
Status at last review: Design and planning underway; final scope and commercial model not yet confirmed

This page documents the Croajingolong Coastal Wilderness Experience as it was being developed in 2023 and records the latest publicly available status. It is not maintained as a continuously updated project tracker. Later developments may be covered through Keep It Wild Australia’s Protected Areas Tourism Watch reports.

The original proposal

The Croajingolong Coastal Wilderness Experience was announced as a project to improve walking and visitor experiences along Victoria’s Wilderness Coast, particularly between Cape Conran and Point Hicks in East Gippsland.

The broader Wilderness Coast Walk is an existing eight-to-ten-day route extending from Cape Conran through Croajingolong National Park to Mallacoota and continuing across the New South Wales border into Nadgee Nature Reserve. It is generally suited to experienced walkers because of its remote setting, rocky headlands, water crossings, long sections of beach walking, limited drinking water and the need for strong navigation and camping skills. (Parks Victoria)

The Victorian Government’s concept was intended to make parts of this landscape accessible to a wider range of visitors, including less-experienced walkers who may require shorter itineraries, improved facilities or additional support. The project was described as potentially providing a series of day walks and overnight journeys linking Croajingolong National Park, Point Hicks Lightstation and Cape Conran Coastal Park. (Parks Victoria)

When Keep It Wild Australia first reported the project, the final scope had not been determined. Early information indicated that most upgrades were likely to occur between Cape Conran and Point Hicks, while areas east of Point Hicks would retain a more remote experience with limited infrastructure.

The project was also expected to include planning for the Point Hicks precinct. At that stage, it was unclear whether the final experience would involve new commercial accommodation, licensed guided products, bookable camps or other private tourism components.

Current status

Parks Victoria reported in June 2026 that site-feature and level surveys and trail audits had been completed. Concept designs were being developed for key campgrounds and possible trail upgrades. (Parks Victoria)

The design phase is expected to continue throughout 2026, subject to consultation with Traditional Owners, project partners and local communities. Parks Victoria has not announced a construction starting date and says the timing of works will depend on the review of required permits and approvals. (Parks Victoria)

The project therefore remains in planning and design rather than construction. No final masterplan, complete list of works or confirmed commercial operating model has been publicly released.

Project funding

The Victorian Government provided $7.5 million through the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions for planning and tourism infrastructure associated with the Croajingolong Coastal Wilderness Experience. (Parks Victoria)

Parks Victoria’s 2023–24 National Parks Act annual report said a feasibility assessment had been prepared and that detailed scoping and planning were underway. It described the funding as supporting tourism infrastructure along the Croajingolong coastal wilderness route. (Parks Victoria)

What has changed

The principal change since the earlier Keep It Wild Australia article is that the project has progressed from early planning into survey work, trail audits and concept design.

The publicly stated scope has also become less specific in some respects. The current Parks Victoria project page refers to concept designs for key campgrounds and potential trail upgrades but does not set out a settled network of new walking routes, accommodation facilities or commercial tourism products. (Parks Victoria)

The earlier expectation that planning would be completed in 2025 has not been met. Design work is now expected to continue throughout 2026, and construction remains dependent on permits, approvals and further decisions about the final scope. (Parks Victoria)

Environment and cultural heritage assessment

Parks Victoria states that environmental and cultural heritage assessments will be completed before the scope of works is finalised or any on-ground implementation begins. The agency is working with Traditional Owners, the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, local governments and community organisations. (Parks Victoria)

This remains important because the project covers a remote coastal landscape with significant ecological, cultural and wilderness values. The extent to which new infrastructure is introduced, and where it is located, will only become clear once concept designs and assessment documents are released.

Why this project matters

The Croajingolong Coastal Wilderness Experience is significant because it seeks to reshape visitor access across one of Victoria’s longest and most remote coastal walking landscapes.

At present, the project appears to be primarily government-funded visitor infrastructure rather than a confirmed private tourism development. However, it was originally presented as one of Victoria’s larger nature-based tourism initiatives, and its stated purpose of broadening access may eventually involve bookable accommodation, guided products, concession arrangements or other commercial services.

The distinction matters. Improvements such as public campsites, track repairs and day-walk facilities are different from infrastructure reserved for private operators or high-cost packaged experiences. Until the final masterplan, designs and operating arrangements are released, the commercial implications remain uncertain.

The project should therefore remain within the historical archive as an unresolved tourism-development proposal rather than being described as an approved commercial development.

Confirmed

The Victorian Government allocated $7.5 million to the project.

The project covers visitor experiences associated with Croajingolong National Park, Point Hicks Lightstation and Cape Conran Coastal Park.

Site surveys and trail audits have been completed.

Concept designs are being developed for campgrounds and possible trail upgrades.

Design and consultation are expected to continue throughout 2026.

Construction has not been scheduled and remains subject to permits, approvals and a final decision on the scope of works. (Parks Victoria)

Not yet confirmed

The final route and infrastructure footprint.

The number, location and design of campground upgrades.

Whether new roofed or semi-permanent accommodation will be constructed.

Whether any facilities will be privately operated, exclusively licensed or incorporated into high-cost guided tourism packages.

The future role of Point Hicks Lightstation within the wider visitor experience.

The construction timetable and allocation of the full $7.5 million budget.

Sources and documents

  • Parks Victoria: Croajingolong Coastal Wilderness Experience
  • Parks Victoria: National Parks Act Annual Report 2023–24
  • Parks Victoria information on Croajingolong National Park, Point Hicks and Cape Conran Coastal Park