Blessed with Victoria's warmest winter temperatures and cool ocean breezes in summer, the coastal township of Mallacoota is one of Victoria’s great escapes. Surrounded by the magnificent wilderness of Croajingolong National Park and coastal headland of Cape Howe, this corner of Victoria is just begging to be explored.
There is no better way to enjoy the charm of Mallacoota Inlet than from the water. Bring your own boat, canoe or kayak, or hire from a local provider. The inlet is the perfect escape for fishing enthusiasts and many competitions are held here year round. Catch bream, mulloway, tailor and flathead and cook them on the BBQ.
If fishing isn’t your forte, pack a picnic and cruise the endless expanses of the Top and Bottom Lakes. Spot pelicans, little terns, herons scouting for their next meal, and if you’re lucky, the White-bellied Sea Eagle. Pull up at one of the ten jetties and picnic areas around the lake for a scenic picnic or bbq or refreshing swim.
Things To Do
Cape Howe Wilderness Zone
Cape Howe Wilderness Zone is part of Croajingolong National Park. It adjoins Nadgee Wilderness Area along the border between Victoria and New South Wales.
Genoa Peak
North west of Mallacoota, Genoa Peak offers magnificent views of the Wilderness Coast, the Thurra Dunes and Mallacoota Inlet. To access Genoa Peak, a gravel road from the Princes Highway leads to a picnic area, where a walking track provides access to the summit. The walk is 1.5km in length and a moderate level of fitness is required.
Shipwreck Creek
This small campground is set in a tall forest above a small secluded cove which is only a 10 minute walk away. It is an excellent base for walks covering both heathland and coastal scenery.
How to get there
Cape Howe and Mallacoota
Croajingolong National Park is located approximately 450 kilometres east of Melbourne and 500 kilometres south of Sydney. The park is easily accessible from the Princes Highway – with a number of turnoffs to key destinations and attractions.
To access Mallacoota, turn off the Princes Highway at Genoa on to Mallacoota-Genoa Road. Cape Howe is a designated wilderness zone and can only be accessed on foot. For more information on accessing this area contact the Mallacoota Parks Office. Any overnight hikes in the Cape Howe Wilderness needs to be booked via the NSW National Parks Service Merimbula Office.
To access Mallacoota, turn off the Princes Highway at Genoa on to Mallacoota-Genoa Road. Cape Howe is a designated wilderness zone and can only be accessed on foot. For more information on accessing this area contact the Mallacoota Parks Office. Any overnight hikes in the Cape Howe Wilderness needs to be booked via the NSW National Parks Service Merimbula Office.
When you're there
There are a number of walking tracks around Shipwreck Creek, from remote sandy beaches and heathlands to rocky coastline. Along these walks are views of Gabo Island and the Howe Range. Among the eucalypt forests are brilliant displays of native flowers during spring and early summer.
Shipwreck Creek Beach Walk
10mins, 500m one way
Walk to the secluded beach featuring the picturesque Shipwreck Creek surrounded by spectacular rocky outcrops. The walk commences at the Shipwreck Creek Day Visitor Area and concludes at the communal cooking area.
Shipwreck Creek to Centre Track via Old Coast Road
2 hours, 6.5km one way
This walk provides spectacular views as it meanders through heathland along the coast. It also offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching. The track commences at the Day Visitor Area and concludes at a car park on Centre Track.
Shipwreck Creek to Seal Creek
2 hours, 6km return
Follow the creek to the secluded Seal Creek Beach where there are impressive rock pools to explore. The track to Seal Creek is accessed from the south-western side of the beach.
Warning: There are no signposts or track markers and attempts to return via the rocky coastline are not recommended as large waves and high tides may prevent access.
Heathland Walk
30 minutes, 2 km return
The Heathland Walk commences at the Shipwreck Creek Day Visitor Area and concludes at the communal cooking area. During spring and summer there is an amazing variety of wildflowers, some of which are classified as rare or threatened. Keep your eyes open for orchids.
Shipwreck Creek Beach Walk
10mins, 500m one way
Walk to the secluded beach featuring the picturesque Shipwreck Creek surrounded by spectacular rocky outcrops. The walk commences at the Shipwreck Creek Day Visitor Area and concludes at the communal cooking area.
Shipwreck Creek to Centre Track via Old Coast Road
2 hours, 6.5km one way
This walk provides spectacular views as it meanders through heathland along the coast. It also offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching. The track commences at the Day Visitor Area and concludes at a car park on Centre Track.
Shipwreck Creek to Seal Creek
2 hours, 6km return
Follow the creek to the secluded Seal Creek Beach where there are impressive rock pools to explore. The track to Seal Creek is accessed from the south-western side of the beach.
Warning: There are no signposts or track markers and attempts to return via the rocky coastline are not recommended as large waves and high tides may prevent access.
Heathland Walk
30 minutes, 2 km return
The Heathland Walk commences at the Shipwreck Creek Day Visitor Area and concludes at the communal cooking area. During spring and summer there is an amazing variety of wildflowers, some of which are classified as rare or threatened. Keep your eyes open for orchids.
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
When to go
Fishing at Mallacoota Inlet is best from December through to early May; however, it is one of the few locations in Victoria where fishing can be enjoyed year-round.
Flathead, whiting, yellowfin, bream and perch are most likely to bite from late spring to autumn. Throughout winter large schools of Black Bream make their way into the estuary. And tailor, salmon and trevally are also known to bit throughout June, July and August.
Flathead, whiting, yellowfin, bream and perch are most likely to bite from late spring to autumn. Throughout winter large schools of Black Bream make their way into the estuary. And tailor, salmon and trevally are also known to bit throughout June, July and August.
Nearby Events
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Need to know
Cape Howe and Mallacoota
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)
Wingan Inlet Beach Access Closed
The beach access track (Fly Cove Walk) at Wingan Inlet is closed due to bushfire damage. Please be advised that the only access to the beach is via the inlet using watercraft.
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Croajingolong National Park
Areas of Croajingolong Park closed due to 2019/2020 fires
Croajingolong National Park
Due to widespread bushfire damage, the following areas of Croajingolong National Park remain closed:- Sandy Point toilet
- South West Arm Jetty - Mallacoota Inlet (toilets/steps)
- Kingfisher jetty and Day Visitor Area
- Captain Creek day visitor area and jetty
- Captain Creek Fire Trail
- Genoa River day visitor area and jetty - Mallacoota Inlet
- Gravelly Point day visitor area and jetty - Mallacoota Inlet
- Wilderness Coast Walk (between Cape Howe and Bemm River)
- Double Creek walk and day visitor area
- Genoa falls day visitor area
- Fly Cove walk - Wingan Inlet
- Mueller Inlet campground
- Thurra River campground
- Point Hicks Road (section south-east of Fishermans Track)
- Cicada Trail
- Swan Lake Track
- Clinton Rocks Track
- Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk
- Elusive Lake Walk
- Mt Everard Walk
- South West Arm day visitor area (no toilet facilities, no jetty access)
Gale Hill Track Closed
Gale Hill Track is closed until further notice due to severe erosion.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Stay safe this summer around beaches
Beaches may have hazards such as steep cliffs, slippery rocks, strong ocean currents, large waves, rips, and sudden changes in weather conditions. Stay safe on your day at the beach by only swimming where there are lifeguards and by staying in between the red and yellow flags. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Always wear a lifejacket whenever boating, rock fishing, or using a watercraft. -
Shipwreck Creek Campground (Croajingolong National Park)
Suggested 4WD access to Shipwreck Crk Trk
Suggested 4WD access to Shipwreck Crk, along Shipwreck Crk Trk due weather affected potholing & rutting
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