The Cann River Hotel

Cann River (including Point Hicks and Bemm River)
Tiny township on the Cann River in the Gippsland
Cann River is a tiny township on the junction of the Cann River and Princes Highway 450 km east of Melbourne. Its importance and interest lie in its proximity to Croajingolong National Park and the access it provides to Point Hicks, the first land to be sighted by Europeans on the east coast of Australia.

The low granite cliffs to the south of Cann River are some of Australiašs most important historic sites. Located 30 km south of Cann River, Point Hicks was named after Captain James Cookšs senior lieutenant, Zachary Hickes, who, on 20 April 1770 became the first European to site the east coast of Australia. This event is commemorated by a stone obelisk which is located near the 36 m high lighthouse which stands on the point.

There has been some dispute as to whether Zachary Hickes actually saw Point Hicks or whether he saw Ram Head about 20 km further up the coast. Certainly, although Cook named the promontory Point Hicks it was changed to Cape Everard in 1865 and did not return to Point Hicks until it was renamed in 1970 (a suitable Cook Bicentenary event)

Cann River is a mixture of a sawmilling town (the visitor arriving from the north passes two very large sawmills before reaching the centre of the town), stopover point, starting point for bushwalkers, and centre for local Aboriginal Arts and Crafts.

Things to see:  

Nulluak Gundji Arts and Crafts Centre
The Nulluak Gundji Arts and Crafts Centre is located on the Cann River Highway about 500 m from the Princes Highway.

The Cann River

Bushwalks
The bushwalks in the area are of interest. The Victorian Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands have produced a number of sheets on the Croajingolong National Park and its camping facilities. It is possible to camp at Mueller River (near Point Hicks) where there are both walk in and drive in campsites, Thurra River (an houršs drive from Cann River on a narrow, winding and steep unsealed road) and Tamboon Inlet. Further information about camping in Croajingolong National Park contact the Cann River Information Centre - (03) 5158 6351.

Bemm River
Further down the coast (midway between Cann River and Orbost) is the turnoff to Bemm River, a tiny settlement with a permanent population of about 50 people which is noted as an excellent bream fishing area. Bemm River is situated on the Sydenham Inlet which is noted for its large waterflower population and quiet beaches.

	Motels
	Cann River Hop Inn Motel Cann Valley Hwy Cann River VIC 3890 Telephone: (03) 5158 6331 Facsimile: (03) 5158 6491 Rating: ***
	Cann River Motel Princes Hwy Cann River VIC 3890 Telephone: (03) 5158 6255 Rating: *
	Cann Valley Motel Princes Hwy Cann River VIC 3890 Telephone: (03) 5158 6300 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Cann River Hotel Princes Hwy Cann River VIC 3890 Telephone: (03) 5158 6221
	Caravan Parks
	Cann River Caravan Park Princes Hwy Cann River VIC 3890 Telephone: (03) 5158 6369 Rating: *
	Restaurants
	Cann River Hotel Princes Hwy Cann River VIC 3890 Telephone: (03) 5158 6221