Croajingolong National Park

Aborigines have lived in the area, which contained all the resources for individuals and communities, for perhaps 40,000 years. The name of the local tribe, the Krauatungalung, part of the Kurnai (Gunai) nation, is reflected in the name of the park. Descendants continue to live there and local communities maintain links with the park.

Captain Cook's first sighting of Australia's east coast in 1770 was at Point Hicks. European settlers began to arrive in the 1830s, and pastoralists had occupied most of the better land by the 1850s. In the early 1900s two national parks were set aside around Mallacoota and Wingan Inlet, and in 1970 Captain Cook National Park was established at Point Hicks. These parks were greatly enlarged and combined to form Croajingolong National Park in 1979.

Fifty-two mammal species, 26 reptile species and 306 species of birds have been recorded. The birds represent about half of Victoria's and a third of Australia's total bird species. The abundance of possums, gliders and bats is attributed to the presence of hollow-bearing trees. Wetlands attract 40 species of migratory seabirds and waders while coastal heathlands and woodlands attract hawks, eagles and falcons. Six owl species live in the forests. Threatened species found in the park include the Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, Smoky Mouse, Grey-headed Flying Fox and Australian Fur Seal.