Corringle Slips Camping Area

One of Victoria’s most affordable accommodation options unsurprisingly is Corringle Slips Camping Site, equipped with all the best things a camping spot has.

Where is it?

Corringle Foreshore Reserve, East Gippsland, Vic. Situated at the mouth of the Snowy River estuary, this beachfront camping area offers a host of activities, from boating or surf fishing in the estuary or canoeing in the Corringle Slips backwater and Frenches Narrows.

Swimming is not advised at Corringle due to strong rips and currents, but bushwalking is another alternative.

What’s it like?

Although still in a relatively natural state, Corringle Slips camping area is equipped with barbecues, designated fireplaces, picnic tables, pit toilets, a boat ramp, and jetties. However, drinking water is not available and visitors must bring their own or know how to make untreated water safe to drink.

The area is accessible to all vehicle types. At Christmas and Easter, bookings are determined by ballot. But all other time of the year, this accommodation is a steel for that off-the-grid weekend away.

Choose between 24 sites on the property, with the majority allowing all vehicles. Load up the campervan and trailer for a comfy sleeping situation, but if you want to feel at one with nature – bring your swag and sleep under the stars.

Corringle Slips Campground — A concrete boat ramp is located at the slips, providing access to campers who want to go surf fishing.

Water and boating activities can be enjoyed within the estuary, at Mots Beach, Sampsons Beach and up from the Marlo jetty. Swimming is not advised as the ocean beach at Corringle is unsafe due to strong rips and currents. Surf fishing is very popular. The most common fish caught are Salmon, Tailor and Gummy Shark. A concrete boat ramp is located at the slips, providing access to the Snowy River estuary.

Things to do nearby

Due to the remote location, you’ll have to drive a bit to get to any main sites. But if you’re happy setting down roots and playing beach cricket, then bat away.

Snowy River Estuary Walk

Hit the coastal town Marlo, only a 20-minute drive away, for a walk along the Snowy River estuary, winding all the way across to Ocean Beach. Roughly a 5 kilometre walk, the snags you cook on the barbie will be well deserved.

Of course, if you want a quick and snappy stroll, loop round at Mots Beach for a cool 2 kilometres each way. And for that extra motivation, bring the dogs along.

Beach Hopping

As you know, swimming is not advised at Corringle (and Ocean Beach) due to strong rips and currents, but we know a few other beaches you can pop down to. Mots Beach and Sampsons Beach are close by, so pump up the floaties and pack on the sunscreen.

Salmon Rocks Corringle, VIC — Perch yourself on top of Salmon Rocks to watch the sunset.

If you want to change it up, head east up to Cape Conran. You’ll find Salmon Rocks Beach, a perfect area to bring the jetty out onto. But if you perch yourself on the iconic rocks, and it’ll show off one hell of a sunset.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Activities

Rent out a paddle board from SUP Marlo for the day. Prices range from $30 for 2 hours and $40 for half a day. Take a paddle out through the calm waters of Snowy River, while keeping an eye out for local animal and bird life along the coast.

East Gippsland Rail Trail — Bike all the way from Orbost to Bairnsdale, VIC.

15-minutes up the road lies Orbost a small town, that’s known for the starting points to the East Gippsland Biking Rail Trail and Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. Hire out a mountain bike (or e-bike with pedal assist for an easy option), and explore the tracks. The whole trail is 94 kilometers, so do’t expect to knock it out in one day.

If you’re taking a day trip all the way up to Snowy River National Park, along the water you can hire out canoes to sail out onto the calm lagoons, or whitewater rafts for those fast-moving rapids.

Wilsons Promontory

Wilson’s Promontory National Park, on Victoria’s south-east coast, is something very special. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do at Victoria’s oldest national park. Approximately a 4 and a half hour drive, if you’re up for the road trip, the view is totally worth it.

Where to eat?

For a classic Aussie staple meal, head over to Marlo Ocean Views Takeaway & Kiosk. Frying up all things fish n’ chips, greasy burgers and crunchy potato scallops, throw the picnic blanket down along the beach for the best spot in all East Gippsland.

For a touch of class, check out The Marlo Hotel has got you covered. Order a standard chicken parma with a bevvy on tap and feel the warmth of the perfect summer night out on their deck. If you don’t feel like dining out, grab the meal to-go and feast around your personal fire-pit back at the campsite.

How much does it cost?

Camping fees from $15.10 per night per site, covering up to six people.

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The details

Corringle Slips Foreshore Reserve

Address: Corringle Road, East Gippsland, VIC

Planning a trip over to Gippsland? Hit here for our curated Gippsland guide on all-things to do.

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road. These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach

Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver, which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay

The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum. Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum

The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum

The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)

Corringle Slips Camping Area

One of Victoria’s most affordable accommodation options unsurprisingly is Corringle Slips Camping Site, equipped with all the best things a camping spot has.

Where is it?

What’s it like?