Explore the wide sandy beaches flanked by rocky outcrops and impossibly blue waters, where nectar-feeding birds flit lightly through the banksia woodlands.
Fall head over heels with this hidden gem. Cape Conran Coastal Park is tucked away along Victoria's far-east Wilderness Coast.
A wide sandy beach is book-ended by rocky outcrops saluting the ocean. In the half-moon bay, turquoise waves arch and crash on the shore.
Cape Conran Beaches
Families and swimmers: head to East Cape Beach. The shallow waters make for an excellent swimming spot. Much calmer waters are found here than its rowdier neighbours, even though the beach is unpatrolled.
Surfing bliss can be found at West Cape Beach which boasts big swells and some protection from the wind. Pearl Point turns the gnarly-scale up a notch and is recommended only for experienced surfers.
Further east is another surfing hot spot, Pearl Point, with free campground.
Fishing & Boating at Cape Conran
Wild Pearl Point and Binn Beach are fabulous locations for surf fishing, or for river fishing head to Yeerung River. Abalone diving is popular both at West Cape Beach/ Salmon Rocks. Salmon Rocks has a small break in the rocks where the area’s only boat ramp can be found.
Cape Conran Walks
Follow the boardwalk of the Cape Conran Nature Trail which connects East and West Capes for 3.2km through banksia woodlands and heathland, past sacred ancient meeting places of Aboriginal people.
Cape Conran Coastal Park boasts numerous walks through banksia woodlands and heathland. For shorter walks, try the Estuary View Walk to the lower reaches of the Yeerung River or Yeerung Gorge Walk, where the trail winds through deep, dark rock pools fed by the river.
For longer hikes, try the 25km Pearl Point Walk traversing lengths of soft sand and interesting rock formations, or the 20km Dock Inlet Walk reaching an expanse of freshwater cut off from the coast by sand dunes.
Aboriginal History
Cape Conran is one of the eleven sites of Indigenous significance of the Bataluk Cultural Trail. Evidence of one of the Earth’s oldest people can be found here on this shoreline, with remnants of tools and marine life that have been built up to form “shell middens”. The top layer of a midden is visible from the viewing platform at Salmon Rocks.
The Cape Conran Nature Trail protects some sacred ancient meeting places of the Gunaikurnai people. Interpretive signs provide a rare glimpse into the significance of this coastal environment for Aboriginal people.
Camping & Accommodation at Cape Conran
There are a number of relaxed bush campsites around the park. The main campground is Banksia Bluff which has fireplaces, shelter, bush showers and toilets.
Self-contained cabins and lodges are also available.
Peak periods book out well in advance, so get in early with your bookings. Minimum night stays apply over peak periods.
Cafes & Restaurants near Cape Conran
Innovative craft brewing legends, Sailors Grave, have their flagship brewery ‘Dunetown’ located between Marlo and Cape Conran. This game-changing experience features 16 taps showcasing an ever evolving selection of artisanal beers brewed from farmed and foraged ingredients. You can also find them at their Tapshacks in Orbost, Meeniyan, The Slipway Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota.
Nearby in Marlo, the Marlo Pub is an institution with its generous wooden deck with estuary views.
Accessibility
Explore Cape Conran's Surrounds
Cape Conran Nature Trail
3.2km - 6.4km, 1.5 - 2 hrs | Cape Conran Coastal Park | Follow the boardwalk through banksia woodlands and heathland, past sacred ancient meeting places of…
Marlo
Fishing-primed and boating-perfect, Marlo is a relaxed coastal town where the Snowy River meets wild ocean beaches.
Orbost
Rolling hills, gloriously rich farmland, dramatic coastlines and mountain forests surround the town creating its nature-rich vibe.
Croajingolong National Park
Croajingolong National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful and ecologically significant places, and the stuff of dreams for keen hikers.
East Gippsland Beaches
From Ninety Mile Beach through to the deep wilderness of Croajingolong National Park, this is an epic breadth of pristine coastline.
Bemm River
Set at the meeting point of the river and the vast Sydenham Inlet, Bemm River is a fishing-town heavyweight.
Stringers Knob Mottle Range Four Wheel Drive
Take in a majestic trestle bridge as you circle west of Orbost through spotted gum and stringy bark forests. Journey back in time to the mid 1900s as this…
Waratah Loop Four Wheel Drive
Ideal for water lovers, this track takes in picturesque picnic spots by the Snowy River and a dip at a plunging waterfall. Load up the four wheeler with all…
Marlo to Mallacoota Drive
220 km | 3 hours 55 minutes Marlo - Cape Conran - Croajingolong - Mallacoota Take a dreamy coastal road trip along Victoria’s eastern pocket, from the sleepy…