Things to do in Cann River, Victoria – free attractions guide

The best things to do in Cann River, Victoria, are swimming near the Thurra River dunes and climbing the Point Hicks Lighthouse.

Cann River, Victoria, is a pretty little village. It’s about two-thirds of the way along the drive from Lakes Entrance to Mallacoota in East Gippsland.

Many visitors just plough on through along the Princes Highway. Others turn north along the Monaro Highway, which ends here. But the true joys are to the south.

Cann River accommodation and cafés

First up, however, the village itself. There are a few accommodation options in Cann River, including the Cann River Hop Inn Motor Inn. The Cann River Rainforest Caravan Park offers camping and cabins, too.

There are also a few decent places to eat in Cann River. Squire’s Café, the Cann River Bakery and Wild Rye’s all compete for attention.

Things to do in Cann River, Victoria: Croajingolong National Park

But the real reason to stop a while in Cann River is the middle section of the Croajingolong National Park. This is where you’ll find the Tamboon Inlet – a great spot for fishing – and Thurra River. This tannin-stained river is a fabulous place for a summer swim, while the Thurra River dunes are the largest sand dunes in Victoria.

Top of the list of things to do in Cann River, however, is likely to be a visit to the Point Hicks lighthouse. Point Hicks was the first part of Australia seen by the crew of the Endeavour on Lt James Cook’s history-changing voyage of discovery. The lighthouse is open to the public on tours, and there wonderful coastal views from the top of the spiral staircase.

Point Hicks in the Croajingolong National Park, East Gippsland, Victoria. Photo by Mark Watson/ courtesy of Visit Victoria

Things to do in Cann River, Victoria: Lind National Park

Either side of Cann River on the Princes Highway are the Lind National Park and Alfred National Park. Bushfires in 2019/20 caused serious damage in the Alfred National Park, and it is currently closed. There’s not much in the way of tourist facilities in the Lind National Park, although the Euchre Valley Nature Drive makes for an enjoyable weave through old-growth forest.

This article came as a result of a Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip in March/ April 2022. This trip was supported by Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria.

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