Water and wilderness
where Mallacoota 514 kilometres east of Melbourne Surrounded by sea and untamed nature, Mallacoota is a quiet coastal village that invites visitors of all ages to wander, unwind and discover a magical world of water and wilderness. With Victoria’s warmest winter temperatures and refreshing summer breezes, Mallacoota is an inexpensive year-round destination that provides the perfect base to explore the pristine coastal wilderness of East Gippsland. Much of the township and its beaches are within walking distance, and the small town is surrounded by an abundance of kid-friendly and nature-based activities. Think brilliant mountain bike trails, stand-up paddleboard and kayak tours, and endless lakes for waterskiing, all within a 25-minute drive. Here are 10 reasons to grab the kids and make a beeline for Mallacoota. visitmallacoota.com.au
1. Explore the white sandy beaches, granite peaks and heathlands of Croajingolong National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that supports more than 1,500 plant species and a huge range of wildlife.
2. Hire a kayak, paddleboat or putt-putt boat (you don’t need a boating licence) from Mallacoota Hireboats to explore the lakes and rivers, or throw in a line to catch flathead, bream, whiting and salmon.
3. Enjoy a sunset cruise of the Mallacoota inlet to soak up the scenery as you learn about the town’s rich history with Mallacoota Cruises.
4. Take a dip in the lagoon at Betka Beach, which provides safe swimming for kids of all ages in an ever-changing tidal estuary. Pack snacks to enjoy on the grassy picnic area overlooking the swimming area, or take a stroll along the 1.2-kilometre River Loop walk, perfect for younger kids with bikes and scooters.
5. Speaking of two wheels, hire bikes to follow the shared boardwalk that skims the lake shoreline between Mallacoota and Karbeethong Jetty, or tackle one of the many mountain bike trails surrounding town.
6. Head to the top of Gipsy Point, a stunning peninsula that juts into the top lake of the Mallacoota Inlet, and is home to a large mob of kangaroos.
7. Make for the top of Genoa Peak for sensational views over the Croajingolong wilderness coastline, Gabo Island and Mallacoota Lakes. Or stretch your legs on a kid-friendly trek to Genoa Falls.
8. Visit Gabo Island, a haven for plants and wildlife with a rich cultural history, to see the distinctive pink granite lighthouse and, if you’re lucky, spy whales, dolphins and seals frolicking off its shores.
9. Tackle a steel street course with banks, a quarter pipe, a box, rails and a concrete flat at Mallacoota Skatepark, adjacent to the Lions Park Playground.
10. Enjoy a session of sliding on the steep slopes of Tip Beach’s sand dune. Perfect for sandboarding, it’s just south of Mallacoota town centre.