LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 103 CAPE CONRAN Discover a wild coastal park West Cape, Cape Conran Coastal Park. Photo: Parks Victoria Cape Conran Coastal Park is tucked away along Victoria’s far-east Wilderness Coast. The 11,000 hectares surrounding Cape Conran was declared a coastal park in 1997. The park is home to a charismatic cast of wildlife, including Victoria’s biggest lizard, the Lace Monitor, wombats, Southern Brown Bandicoots, Long-nosed Potoroos and birds, such as the New Holland Honeyeater and White-bellied Sea Eagle. Here you can spot magnificent marine animals, including dolphins surfing in the waves, whales migrating from May to October, and seals. Dive or snorkel at Joiner’s Channel or West Cape to see an amazing, diverse underwater ecosystem. The 220-hectare Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, located approximately five kilometres offshore, is known for its representation of reef environments in Victoria, and its value for underwater recreation and maritime heritage. Getting there: Cape Conran Coastal Park is in East Gippsland, approximately 420 kilometres east of Melbourne and 530 kilometres south of Sydney. Turn off the Princess Highway at Cabbage Tree Creek Road, or turn off to Orbost and travel through Marlo into the Coastal Park. Walking: The diversity of walking opportunities around Cape Conran can take you through white sandy beaches, rocky ridges and banksia woodlands. The day-visitor areas on the east and west sides of the Cape provide easy access to stroll along the beach. Enjoy walks along tracks and trails suitable for most ages and fitness levels, or take one of the more challenging walks – for which bushwalking experience is recommended. Select a walk to suit you, from Heathland Walk, Swampy Creek Walk, Cape Conran Nature Trail, Yeerung Estuary View Walk, Yeerung Gorge Walk, Pearl Point Walk or Dock Inlet Walk. Camping: Book at parks.vic.gov.au to camp at the parks’ main campground, Banksia Bluff Campground (135 sites). Book in advance to select a site to suit your camping equipment. You don’t need a booking to camp at remote Binn Beach (five sites), Gunnai Beach ) (two sites), Pearl Point (four sites) and Dock Inlet (two sites), where the limited sites are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared and stay safe: Check for the latest park conditions before you go and during your stay at www.parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 19 63. As beaches and coasts are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. For emergency assistance call Triple Zero (000). Cape Conran Coastal Park is in the East Gippsland fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Warnings signs may be erected, but do not expect a personal warning. Do not enter the Park. If you are already in the Park, leave the night before, or as early as possible in the morning. Cape Conran Coastal Park in East Gippsland is the ultimate beachside getaway with iconic banksia woodlands and scenic nature trails. Camp with your dog at Banksia Blu昀 Campground or stay in comfort in a self-contained cabin. Find out more at parks.vic.gov.au Explore spectacular beaches Cape Conran Coastal Park Salmon Rocks PB15308
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