Mallacoota, Gippsland — Victoria

Mallacoota is a small town located in Victoria, Australia, within its East Gippsland region. It is also situated in the south west part of the Mallacoota Inlet, near the border to New South Wales. The town is quite isolated, though its natural beauty, abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreations, and the warm hospitality of people more than made up for its location.

The inlet is a major recreational destination in the area. Locals and visitors head out to this body of water to go boating, swimming, and fishing. There are also several nature walks around the inlet that allows bushwalking and bird watching. Prawning is also a popular activity during summer season, adding to the enjoyment of both visitors and locals. The Mallacoota Inlet is composed of two parts, the Top Lake and the Bottom Lake. These lakes and all the other waterways can be explored through river cruises.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Bottom Lake at Karbeethong, an area located north of the town. It is particularly scenic at nighttime, with the moon clearly reflected on the lake surface.

The beach facing the coastal part of the town and the inlet is well known as a prime surfing destination. Its most popular surfing spot is the Bastion Point.

The mouth of the Betka River is a popular destination for families and groups of friends. This is because the area is a safe spot for children to frolic in. it is also ideal for fishing and picnics.

Mallacoota is also located at the end of the Croajingolong National Park and visitors can take advantage of this. Numerous species of birds and animals call this park home, making bird watching and animal viewing highlights of every visit to this park. Numerous nature walks also lead visitors through verdant forested areas, heaths, and impressive rock formations. Avid fishermen can procure licenses and go fishing in the park’s pristine beaches and estuaries. These bodies of water are also ideal for canoeing and swimming. Elsewhere, visitors should keep an eye out for kangaroos, as the town and its surrounding areas are known homes of mobs of these native animals.

Located south of the Croajingolong National Park is Shipwreck Creek, where facilities for camping and picnics are available.

Mallacoota is also an excellent gateway for Gabo Island, which is located north east of the town. The island boasts of a lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country, having been built in 1862. It was constructed out of pink granite taken from the island itself. The island also has a colony of penguins that visitors can observe after dark. There are also several vantage spots within the island that are ideal for whale watching. Elsewhere, visitors can choose ideal spots to have their picnics and go swimming or snorkeling. Before leaving the island, visitors should stop by the Monumental City monument and Gabo Island’s Old Cemetery.

The town also boasts of its own Mallacoota Golf Course, where visitors and locals get to indulge in a decidedly urban activity in rural settings.