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Cann River

McKenzie River Rainforest, Jean-Marc La Roque / Auscape International

Population 223

Cann River is situated at the junction of the Princes and Cann Valley highways, and is notable for its proximity to several spectacular national parks. The area boasts excellent fishing, bushwalking and camping in the rugged hinterland, with nearby Point Hicks notable for being the first land on the east coast of Australia to be sighted by Europeans.

Point Hicks Lighthouse:

2 cottages, each sleeps 6; Point Hicks Rd; (03) 5156 0432.

Visitor Information

Parks Victoria Cann River office, (03) 5158 6351; or East Gippsland Visitor Information Centre, 1800 637 060

www.lakesandwilderness.com.au

Nearby national parks

Nearby towns

  • Mallacoota

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  • Orbost

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  • Bombala

    Situated halfway between the Snowy Mountains and the Sapphire Coast, this charming small town has remained largely untouched by time. It...more

Nearby

Lind National Park The park includes the Euchre Valley Nature Drive through temperate rainforest gullies. It also supports open eucalypt forests with grey gum, messmate and silvertop ash. Watch for wildlife such as the pretty masked owl and the elusive long-footed potoroo. Has picnic facilities. 15 km W.Coopracambra National Park This park is in one of the most remote sections of Victoria. Ancient fossil footprints have been found in the red sandstone gorge of the Genoa River, and the surrounding granite peaks create a spectacular scene. The 35 000 ha area protects unique ecosystems and rare flora and fauna. Only experienced and well-equipped hikers should undertake walks in the rugged and remote parts of this park. A 'trip intentions' form needs to be lodged at the Cann River or Mallacoota office of Parks Victoria prior to departure, and parks staff must be notified upon return. 30 km N near NSW border.

Croajingolong National Park: the road travelling south of Cann River leads to Pt Hicks and its historic 1890 lighthouse (daily tours offered); for further details on the park see Mallacoota.

Fishing spots near town

Tamboon Inlet 20 km

The turn-off to Tamboon Inlet is on the Princes Highway at Cann River. Take the road to Tamboon Inlet, veering left on the Point Hicks road for about 5 km before turning right onto Peach Tree Creek Track which takes you... Find out more


Bemm River 26 km

Bemm River is located on Sydenham Inlet Road about halfway between Orbost and Cann River. In estuary terms, this waterway is a superstar, regarded by many as Victoria’s best bream and estuary perch fishery. It may... Find out more


Wingan Inlet 37 km

Leaving Mallacoota and driving south for about 30 km along the Princes Highway, you come across the turn-off to Wingan Inlet. Little known but well worth fishing for bream and flathead, the inlet is in Croajingolong... Find out more


Maramingo Creek 45 km

One of the most exciting, albeit also one of the most frustrating, days I experienced in an estuary took place in Maramingo Creek, an offshoot of the Genoa River. To get there, follow the Genoa River upstream from the... Find out more


Gipsy Point 48 km

If you are after dusky flathead and black bream, then Gipsy Point – which marks the junction of the Wallagaraugh and Genoa rivers – offers easy access to some of the best fishing in the inlet. To get there,... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River 52 km

The Wallagaraugh River is in southern NSW and northern Victoria. It’s a big river, wide and deep in parts. Upstream, near where the Princes Highway crosses the river, it breaks out into pools. For anglers who... Find out more


Mallacoota Inlet 54 km

Mallacoota Inlet, near the Victoria/NSW border, is one of Victoria’s largest estuaries. The Genoa and Wallagaraugh rivers and a host of smaller creeks and streams feed the inlet. The Wallagaraugh River joins the... Find out more


Marlo 61 km

In the annals of Australian folklore, the Snowy River is one of the icons. Anglers know that most of the action is in the lower reaches downstream from Orbost to Marlo where the river flows to the sea. Marlo is reached... Find out more


Ninety Mile Beach 76 km

In autumn, large schools of salmon, along with gummy sharks and mulloway, hit Victoria’s beaches. Snapper can still be caught, along with increasing numbers of yelloweye mullet. One of the most popular beaches in... Find out more


Lake Wonboyn 77 km

Lake Wonboyn is one of my all-time favourite spots. Located about halfway between Eden and the border with Victoria, this large estuary system suits serious anglers and families. Some visitors to this estuary stay in... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Croajingolong National Park 32 km

One-third of Australia’s bird species have been spotted in this 87 500-hectare park that stretches for 100 kilometres along the coast. The threatened ground parrot forages in the heath and lorikeets feed in the... Find out more


Platypus-watching - Bombala 73 km

If you believe the hype, Bombala is the platypus capital of Australia and the locals stop just short of guaranteeing you a sighting. The best spot is the Platypus Reserve on the Bombala River (off Delegate Road) in the... Find out more


Cruises - around Lakes Entrance 108 km

More than just a cruise, a one- or two-hour Sea- Safari out of Lakes Entrance is an opportunity to add to research about the area. You will help document seabirds, marine life – including seahorses with an... Find out more


Cycling - Bega Valley to Orbost 116 km

Back Pedal Cycle Tours is an eco-certified tour company that offers a great range of supported, safe and family-friendly cycle tours, from single-day excursions in the Bega Valley, through to the three-day ‘Border... Find out more


Snowy Mountains Touring Company 136 km

Based on an unusual concept, this company offers a personal tour guide who can accompany you, in your vehicle, explaining the history, heritage, flora and fauna of the area as you travel. Either you can drive, or they... Find out more


Bushwalking in the Snowy Mountains 140 km

There is almost no end to the hiking that can be done in the Snowy Mountains. There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking tracks, and infinite ways to wander through the hills. The most popular walks are to the top of... Find out more


Cycling and mountain-biking in the Snowy Mountains 140 km

The easiest, family-friendly cycling to be had is the 3.5-kilometre concrete path around Lake Jindabyne. Bikes can be hired at several places in Jindabyne, including Sacred Ride. The concrete path links up with 18... Find out more


Cross-country skiing 145 km

A delightful winter pastime, cross-country skiing is a mix of walking, gliding and skiing, and the basics are much easier to pick up than those of downhill skiing or snowboarding. You can undertake the activity at... Find out more


Alpine National Park 152 km

Covering a vast 6460 square kilometres, this is Victoria’s largest national park and cradles the state’s highest mountains and dramatic alpine scenery, as well as the major downhill skiing resorts. The park... Find out more


Mitchell River National Park 158 km

Although only 11 900 hectares in size, this rugged national park contains some of the best forest country in Gippsland. Great for experienced rafters, kayakers and canoeists, it also has some superb bushwalks. With a... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Narooma Golf Club 173 km

Narooma is a small coastal haven with world-class beaches. It has become renowned for the whales, seals and penguins attracted to the pristine waters offshore. But one of the town’s major attractions remains its... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Bright Brewery 216 km

The original Bright Brewery shut down in 1916 and this modern incarnation was started by a quartet of ‘ale changers’ – couples David and Julie Cocks, and Scott Brandon and Fiona Reddaway – some 90... Find out more


Campsites around town

Peachtree Creek camping area 20 km

Peachtree Creek is one of Croajingolong’s more popular camping destinations. There’s good swimming in the adjacent Tamboon Inlet, but note that the mouth of the inlet can be subject to strong currents. You... Find out more


Tamboon Inlet camping areas (boat-based camping) 23 km

There are a number of designated bush camping sites scattered around the shoreline of Tamboon Inlet. These can only be reached by boat, and, needless to say, only entirely self-sufficient campers should head out to them.... Find out more


Thurra River camping area 27 km

The large camping area at Thurra River is in a prime position for excursions to the nearby, historic Point Hicks Light Station, whose tower (complete with Hitchcockian spiral staircase) was finished in 1890; you can stay... Find out more


Mueller Inlet camping area 28 km

There are 8 campsites at Mueller Inlet, sheltered by heath-covered sand dunes; 3 of these are reached on foot from the carpark. No open fires are allowed to be lit here. For a good 4WD excursion, take the nearby Cicada... Find out more


Ada River camping area 29 km

The campground at Ada River lies close to the southern boundary of enchanting Errinundra National Park, with its vast temperate rainforest, rocky viewpoints and clear streams. Check out the panorama from the Ocean View... Find out more


Coopracambra camping area (bush camping) 29 km

Bush camping in Coopracambra is an option for hikers or those steering 4WD vehicles. Experienced walkers literally go wild here, navigating their way up Mt Denmarsh and Mt Kaye, and stepping off the tracks to see... Find out more


Frosty Hollow camping area 34 km

Frosty Hollow is the only camping area within Errinundra National Park, although there are a couple of other sites just outside the park boundary. South of here down Hensleigh Creek Rd is Waratah Lookout, but the best... Find out more


Wingan Inlet camping area 36 km

Its beautiful sandy beaches and encircling rainforest make Wingan Inlet a wonderful place to stay. Take a walk through fern gullies to see some of Wingan River’s rapids, stroll over boardwalks to Fly Cove, and... Find out more


Banksia Bluff camping area 44 km

Banksia Bluff is the campground at Cape Conran, where over 60 km of Bass Strait beaches are yours to explore. Plod around the boardwalk at East Cape and follow the nature trail to Joiners Channel, or take the Heathland... Find out more


Bondi Forest Lodge 47 km

The Bondi Forest Lodge provides the only accommodation in the forest, in the form of twin bunk-bed rooms in 3 self-contained units, sleeping 72 in total. It’s on Buldah Rd, 32 km south of Bombala.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Wallagaraugh River Retreat 50 km

This park is located at the end of 8 km of good, unsealed road and the turn-off is well signposted on the Princes Highway, around 8 km east of Genoa. On the banks of the Wallagaraugh River, this is a secluded spot for... Find out more


Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park 54 km

This amazing, picturesque caravan park sprawls along the water’s edge. There are over 650 sites and the reception building is just 150 metres from the town centre. Some waterfront sites even have their own... Find out more


Orbost Caravan Park 64 km

The centre of town is only a short 500-metre walk from this park, which is situated off the main highway. It has large shady trees, good basic facilities and is conveniently located for an overnight stop; it is around a... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Eden 84 km

Easily accessed from the highway, this picturesque park is located on the south side of Eden in a lovely beachfront position. It has a wide range of facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more


Garden of Eden Caravan Park 88 km

This is a well-appointed, reasonably priced park in a great garden setting, just 2 km from the town centre. It is a good place for an overnight stay or for a longer holiday. Bookings are required in peak periods; pets... Find out more


Eden Tourist Park 89 km

Situated across the road from the beach, this place is 2 km from the town centre. A popular holiday park, it caters predominantly for tourists, offering good facilities. It is a good base from which to explore the area.... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Pambula Beach 97 km

This beachside park is one of our favourites in the popular family holiday region of the south coast of New South Wales. It has a pool complex, a licensed restaurant and spotless amenities, and is a great family park.... Find out more


Lake Tyers Camp and Caravan Park 100 km

This beachfront park is owned and operated by the Uniting Church. It is a great family park, ideal for a beachside holiday. The park operates in conjunction with a school camp and the consumption of alcohol is permitted... Find out more


Merimbula Beach Holiday Park 102 km

Perched on a headland looking out to sea, this quality park is in a great position. It has an excellent range of facilities including a shop and takeaway food. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length... Find out more


Lakes Entrance Tourist Park 105 km

This owner-operated park is on the eastern edge of town and very convenient for a stopover. It has good facilities and caters for most needs. We stay here. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Point Hicks Lighthouse

Operating since 1890, Point Hicks Lighthouse marks Captain James Cook’s first Australian landfall in the Endeavour and is named after his first lieutenant, Zachary Hicks. Prominent on a granite headland and... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Jacarri Eco-Cottage, Goongerah 47 km

This rustic little cottage in East Gippsland sleeps four, and has solar power and a dry composting toilet. It has been built with sustainable timbers and uses a water wheel to fill the water tank. Organic fruit,... Find out more


Adobe Mudbrick Holiday Flats, Mallacoota 52 km

These 12 rustic mudbrick flats were ecologically designed to avoid the need for air-conditioning, and have solar hot water and rainwater tanks. The 32-hectare surrounds are managed as a Land for Wildlife property,... Find out more


Alpine Habitats, near Jindabyne 137 km

Opened in 2007, these 18 cleverly designed two-bedroom buildings are linked underground by massive worm farms that digest all the compostable waste on the site. Set amid gnarled black sallees and other snow gums, the... Find out more


Arthur’s Cottage, Cudgewa 197 km

This historic mudbrick, two-bedroom cottage was built around 1897, but now has solar-powered lights and a gas kitchen. It sits quietly on the Cudgewa Creek, with platypus drifting past. You will need to bring your own... Find out more


The Odd Frog, Bright 215 km

This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out more


The Buckland, Bright 220 km

With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Thurra River Rest Area 11 km

11 km E of Cann River (L) or 98 km SW of Eden (R) Small but secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 34.147 E149 16.346... Find out more


Bemm River Rest Area 24 km

45 km E of Orbost (R) or 30 km W of Cann River (L) Small area 300 metres off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 37.799 E148 53.224... Find out more


Bellbird Creek Rest Area 31 km

39 km E of Orbost (R) or 36 km W of Cann River (L) Small parking area next to the hotel. Good shade. GPS: S37 39.132 E148 49.058  ... Find out more


Genoa Rest Area 40 km

48 km NE of Cann River (L) or 61 km SW of Eden (R) Large area well off the highway on the north side of the river. Excellent facilities. Good shade. GPS: S37 28.351 E149 35.486... Find out more


Murrungower Rest Area 49 km

16 km E of Orbost (L) or 59 km W of Cann River (R) Large secluded area just off the highway in a pleasant forest setting. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 41.358 E148 37.107... Find out more


Wallagaraugh River Rest Area 54 km

65 km NE of Cann River (L) or 43 km SW of Eden (R) Small area adjacent to the highway among a few large trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S37 22.163 E149 42.885... Find out more


Newmerella Rest Area 67 km

West side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 44.415 E148 25.304  ... Find out more


Scrubby Creek Rest Area 71 km

86 km NE of Cann River (L) or 22 km SW of Eden (R) Large area just off the highway in the forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S37 13.370 E149 49.797... Find out more


Hut Link Road Rest Area 73 km

89 km NE of Cann River (L) or 19 km SW of Eden (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S37 12.278 E149 50.695  ... Find out more


Yellowpinch Dam Rest Area 99 km

32 km N of Eden (L) or 22 km S of Bega (R) Small area located 1 kilometre off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 51.068 E149 48.765... Find out more


Lake Tyers Rest Area 103 km

10 km NE of Lakes Entrance (R) or 49 km SW of Orbost (L) Secluded area well off the highway in the forest. Good shade. GPS: S37 48.933 E148 01.824... Find out more


Lakes Entrance Park Area 110 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway overlooking the river near the information centre. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S37 52.892 E147 58.394... Find out more


Bemboka Rest Area 110 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. NOTE: Camping and showers available for a fee. GPS: S36 38.127 E149 34.696... Find out more


Fred Piper Memorial Lookout Park Area 111 km

14 km W of Bemboka (L) or 62 km E of Cooma (R) Very small parking bay adjacent to the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 35.841 E149 26.647... Find out more


Log Crossing Rest Area 111 km

T/O 26 km E of Bairnsdale (L) or 9 km W of Lakes Entrance (R) Small secluded area 2 kilometres north of the highway in the forest. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S37 49.555 E147 56.337... Find out more


Nimmitabel Park Area 117 km

South side of town Parking area at Lake Williams. Good facilities. GPS: S36 30.903 E149 16.928... Find out more


Tambo River No.2 Rest Area 118 km

49 km S of Omeo (L) or 72 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 24.276 E147 50.096... Find out more


Bega Lookout Park Area 118 km

5 km N of Bega (R) or 72 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway at the lookout. GPS: S36 38.692 E149 49.430... Find out more


Tambo River No.1 Rest Area 127 km

33 km S of Omeo (L) or 88 km N of Bairnsdale (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S37 18.168 E147 45.091 ... Find out more


Nicholson Park Area 128 km

East side of town Small parking area overlooking the river. Good facilities. GPS: S37 49.031 E147 44.409... Find out more


Quaama Rest Area 137 km

31 km N of Bega (R) or 46 km S of Narooma (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 28.110 E149 51.979 ... Find out more


Mount Gladstone Lookout Rest Area 146 km

T/O 4 km W of Cooma (L) or 47 km SE of Adaminaby (R) Small area 1.5 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Steep access road. GPS: S36 15.04 E149 04.42... Find out more


Oriental Claims Park Area 149 km

107 km SE of Bright (L) or 2 km NW of Omeo (R) Small picnic area at a historical site beside a creek 500 metres off the highway. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S37 06.465 E147 34.560... Find out more


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