By RV Daily,
September 4, 2022
The devastating Gippsland bushfires followed by a raft of COVID-19 restrictions that made visiting impossible was hard on Mallacoota. But now that recovery is well and truly underway, Mallacoota is waiting to be discovered again. From a beachside caravan park to temperate weather, as we shed our winter woollies, it’s time to revisit what makes the beachside town of Mallacoota so special.
When I was a young boy, whenever I talked to my friends about what they would be doing over the school holidays, many would say they were going to Mallacoota. I often wondered about this seemingly magical place that everyone I knew went to (except me). As the years went by, I heard more and more about Mallacoota. My wife and I even drove past it several times when visiting the in-laws in Merimbula, each time thinking we really must go see what all the fuss is about.
I can tell you that Mallacoota lives up to the hype. It truly is one of the most beautiful destinations in Victoria.
Where is Mallacoota and how do I get there?
The township of Mallacoota sits on the far north-eastern edge of the Gippsland coast close to the New South Wales border. At a distance of around 520 kilometres from Melbourne, it’s about as far away from the city as you can get while remaining in Victoria. It takes around 6.5 hours of driving time from Melbourne City. Possibly longer if you’re towing a big rig as the second half of the drive from Bairnsdale is mostly narrow winding roads with the occasional sharp bend.
If you’re coming from Sydney way, it’s around 56 kilometres (7.5 hours drive) down the A1. The turnoff to Mallacoota is well signposted so you can’t miss it.
Fuel is available in Mallacoota but keep in mind that the next nearest fuel on the Melbourne side is at Cann River, 69km away. On the Sydney side, fuel is available at Eden (85km away).
Mallacoota Caravan Park
Caravanners and campers are well catered for in Mallacoota with a few options to choose from. For waterside camping, head to the council-run Mallacoota Foreshore Caravan Park. For those who prefer to be near the woods, head to Shady Gully Caravan Park.
We stayed at the popular Mallacoota Foreshore Caravan Park which sits right at the mouth of the Wallagaraugh River. Here you will find some of the most spectacular vistas in the country. We were fortunate enough to get a site overlooking the inlet where we could sit under our awning with a cold beverage and just admire the views.
The park itself is very clean with excellent facilities. It is dog-friendly, although there is a limit of one dog per person. They even provide a dog wash at the amenities block – very civilised indeed. The park is a short walk away from the main township. Here you’ll find all the basic necessities including two supermarkets, two petrol stations and a variety of smaller outlets. Be aware that many stores close around 1 pm during the weekends and prices are a little higher than in the major centres.
Mallacoota weather
The weather in Mallacoota is generally temperate with mid-summer ranging from 14-25 degrees. Winter weather in Mallacoota usually ranges from around 6-15 degrees.
Finding things to do in Mallacoota is not difficult
Finding things to do in Mallacoota is not difficult at all. The main attraction is fishing, which is supposedly abundant. All I could manage was a small mullet but I’m assured there are heaps of bream, flatheads and the occasional mulloway. If you’re into boating and fishing, this is as good as it gets in Victoria.
The nearby Croajingolong National Park is a must-visit. Following the remote coast of far-east Victoria, it’s home to ancient forests, pristine inlets, giant sand dunes and abundant wildlife. Other activities include coastal walks, fishing charters, sightseeing cruises and a visit to the Gabo Island lighthouse.
If your fishing endeavours are not successful, there are plenty of places to eat…all of which get good reviews. Another option is to grab some fresh seafood from roadside vendors on Saturdays and Sundays and cook up a meal for yourself back at the van.
If you’re into photography, Mallacoota is paradise. It offers a unique blend of landscapes that seem to have been handpicked from various areas around Australia. It’s as though Mother Nature purloined parts of Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, mixed them with elements of the NSW central coastline and finished off with the uniqueness of the Victorian fern tree bushland to produce a truly spectacular backdrop for a family getaway.
I should have visited sooner. What are you waiting for?
Having spent some time in Mallacoota, I now understand why so many of my friends over the years keep going back there for their holidays over and over again. I am actually a little annoyed with myself for not visiting sooner. It’s the sort of place that gets into your system and beckons you to return and experience the unique sense of isolation it offers, something that is difficult to find close to the big cities.
It is unquestionably a long way to go for many Victorians and obviously even further for other Australians. However, the lure of pristine beaches, excellent fishing and photogenic landscapes combined with its quiet isolation make it well worth the effort. Now that it’s in our blood, we will definitely return to Mallacoota.
For more information on visiting Mallacoota, check out Visit Mallacoota, a comprehensive source of information about the area including attractions, upcoming events and activities, accommodation and services.
