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.
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.
Need to know
Cape Howe and Mallacoota
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.
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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Thurra River (Croajingolong National Park)
Thurra Campground
The Thurra campground is currently closed pending replacement of the Thurra River bridge and safety works in the campground. Reopening is taking longer than expected due to the scale and complexity of works. Thurra campground may be reopened for summer 2023-2024, however please continue to monitor this site for updates and change of conditions. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Seasonal road closures 2022
Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.Deer Control (ground shooting) operation underway
Deer control is being undertaken in this park from October 2021 to June 2022. Some localised access restrictions may apply. Find out more about this program. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Areas of Croajingolong National Park closed due to fire damage
The following areas of Croajingolong National Park remain closed:
· Gravelly Point, including the jetty· Kingfish Point, including the jetty
· Wilderness Coast Walk is closed between Bemm River and Pebbly Beach due to fire and flood damage· Thurra River Campground· Point Hicks Road is closed south of Fishermans Track· Cicada Trail· Wingan Inlet Rapids Walk· Gale Hill Track· Rame Head Track
Parks Victoria apologises for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding as recovery works progress. -
Mueller Camp (Croajingolong National Park)
Mueller Inlet Campground - Closed due to flood damage
Following heavy rainfall in East Gippsland in late March/early April 2022, Mueller Inlet Campground will be closed until further notice due to flood damage. -
Croajingolong National Park
Lakeview, Miners and a section of Betka Tracks closed due to severe storm damage
Tracks closed due to severe storm damage making conditions Dangerous, impassable and unsafe for vehicle accessFlood impacts to tracks and visitor sites
Croajingolong National Park was impacted by flooding in early April and some sites are currently closed. Monitor this page for updated site closures.
Assessments are ongoing and further areas may be closed at short notice or not accessible on arrival. -
Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)
Wingan Water Supply Trough
Campers are advised that the water supply trough at Wingan has been impacted by recent flooding. Campers should be self-sufficient in providing for their water needs for the duration of their visit and not rely on re-supply from the trough.
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