Making Mallacoota memories
Nestled in the midst of the magnificent Croajingolong National Park and situated along the Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive is a magical place. You need to veer slightly off the main road and pack a little adventure in your bag and Mallacoota is sure to leave beautiful memories.
Fishing, angling, casting, trawling - no matter what words you use to describe the artful sport, it is life here. River fishing, lake fishing, surf fishing, ocean fishing and even dive fishing. From the common bream, flathead and mullet to the illusive game sharks, abalone and sea urchins! (we did say any type of fishing). With boat ramps and jetties, boat hire, bank angling and fishing charters there is no excuse for not catching a fish in Mallacoota.
Keeping on the water theme, the activities of boating, waterskiing and jet skiing along with kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding sit high on the to-do list. Then of course you have swimming, snorkeling and surfing. Quarry Beach is a hidden gem, Betka beach is a popular all rounder and the lakes provide a playground of water fun.
Feeling a little water-logged? Then it’s time to introduce you to Mallacoota’s land fun. Fancy a game of golf with the kangaroos, Or a hike along one of the stunning walking trails? Wildlife is in abundance and you will be treated to native friends from kookaburras to koalas while enjoying the fresh air. Peddle power is also a great way to get around and see the sights. With 300+ species of birdlife in the area, your inner twitcher will be out in force spotting some amazing and rare feathered, flying friends. The Croajingolong National Park is a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve due to its abundance of birdlife.
Mallacoota loves a festival. Their most famous accolade not to be missed each year is the Wild Harvest Festival. Think all kinds of wildy harvested goodies featuring abalone and sea urchins.
Plan a visit for the first Saturday of the month throughout the Summer and Easter weekend and you will be delighted with the Artisans and Produce market.
Speaking of arts, take a stroll through the Lakeside Studio Gallery and ensure you enjoy the offerings at the Mallacoota Arts Space located in town. Located just outside the town is the Mallacoota World War II Bunker Museum. A wealth of history lies within this small space and is well worth the visit.
The village holds all of your necessities with a supermarket, pharmacy, butcher and baker. Cafes and restaurants display some of the finest local produce and barista made coffee.
Venture slightly off the coast of Mallacoota to Gabo Island. This island is remote, wild and rugged offering spectacular views for a day trip or unique overnight stay. Rich in history, the second tallest lighthouse in Australia sits high on the pink granite cliffs of the island. You can walk around the island, see old ruins, rockpools, the radar station and enjoy a picnic by one of the sandy beaches while birdwatching. In the ocean live dolphins, seals and passing whales in the winter. And for something extra special, penguins make their way to shore after dark. This is a real treat to those who stay in the historic assistant lighthouse keepers residence on the island.
Gipsy Point is located upriver from Mallacoota. This hidden paradise is deep in natural beauty and the best way to take it all in is by exploring from the water. Hobie Kayaks are available or tag along with Wilderness River cruises for some top-notch birdwatching where they often spot the azure kingfisher and sea eagle.
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