Cann River

Deep in the Croajingolong National Park, Cann River is a tiny, raw frontier settlement that serves as the gateway to one of Victoria's most pristine coastal wildernesses. With a population barely tipping 200, this is a place where the bush meets the sea, where you can hear the whipbirds call and the Southern Ocean roar. It's a stopover for travellers on the Princes Highway, but those who linger are rewarded with empty beaches, ancient forests, and a profound sense of isolation.

Highlights & What to See

• Croajingolong National Park – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this park offers spectacular coastal walks, such as the Thurra River to Mueller Inlet track, where you'll cross dunes, heathlands, and deserted beaches. Look for lyrebirds and wallabies.
• Shipwreck Coast – The wild beaches between Cann River and Mallacoota are littered with historic shipwrecks. The wreck of the SS Saros (1937) is still visible at low tide near the mouth of the Cann River.
• Point Hicks Lighthouse – A 45-minute drive south, this is where Captain Cook first sighted mainland Australia. Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views over the untamed coastline.
• Cann River Rainforest Walk – A short boardwalk loop through a cool temperate rainforest of tree ferns, myrtle beech, and towering mountain ash. It's an easy, immersive stroll.
• Fishing and Boating – The Cann River estuary is popular for bream, flathead, and luderick. Launch a tinny from the boat ramp or cast a line from the bank.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers use Cann River as a quick pit stop for fuel and supplies, but to truly appreciate the area, plan for at least two full days. Day one: explore the Croajingolong coastal walks and the Point Hicks Lighthouse. Day two: drive to Mallacoota for a boat tour of the lakes, or hike the Genoa Peak Track for sweeping views. If you're camping, allow an extra day to simply relax on the beach or fish the estuary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Mallacoota – 40 km east, a laid-back lakeside town with excellent kayaking, birdwatching, and the spectacular Mallacoota Coastal Walk. It's the perfect base for exploring the eastern end of Croajingolong.
• Gabo Island – Accessible by boat from Mallacoota, this granite island is a haven for little penguins and seals, with a historic pink-granite lighthouse.
• Genoa – 25 km north, a tiny hamlet with a historic pub and access to the Coopracambra National Park, known for its rugged gorges and Aboriginal rock art.
• Orbost – 80 km west, a larger town on the Snowy River, with the Snowy River National Park offering white-water rafting and the iconic 'Pinnacles' lookout.
• Lakes Entrance – 140 km west, the bustling gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, with abundant wildlife cruises, fishing charters, and the Ninety Mile Beach.

Please check official sources for current details.