Cape Howe and Mallacoota

Cape Howe and Mallacoota

Cape Howe and Mallacoota

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    Cape Howe and Mallacoota

    Croajingolong National Park

    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

     
    Three friends hike along the coastline at the Cape Howe Wilderness Zone as part of the Wilderness Coast Walk.

    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.
    The view from Genoa Peak at sunset in the Croajingolong National Park near Mallacoota.

    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.
    Mum and Dad sit around the campfire with their infant son while their three other children play in the background.

    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.
    Cape Howe and Mallacoota

    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.

    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.

    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.

    • Cape Horn (Croajingolong National Park)

      Cape Horn Jetty Closed

      Cape Horn Jetty is closed until further notice due to structural damage. This closure is inclusive of the surrounding retaining wall. 
      The site can still be accessed by four-wheel drive vehicles from Cape Horn Track.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Croajingolong National Park

      Croajingolong National Park closures due to fire damage

      The majority of Croajingolong National Park, including The Wilderness Coast Walk, remains closed due to widespread bushfire damage, with the exception of the following sites that are open:

      • South West Arm day visitor area (no toilet facilities, no jetty access)
      • Sandy Point (no toilet facilities)
      • Allens Head
      • Cemetery Bight
      • Goanna Bay
      • Narrows Jetty
      • Cape Horn
      • The first 300 metres of Narrows walking track only.

      Jetty closures

      The following jetties are currently closed due to fire damage or deterioration:
      Kingfish Point Jetty
      Cape Horn Jetty
      Gravelly Point Jetty
      Genoa River Jetty
      Captain Creek Jetty
      Sou' West Arm Jetty


    • Wingan Inlet Campground (Croajingolong National Park)

      Wingan Inlet Campground changes

      Wingan Inlet Campground will reopen shortly. However, partial closures within the park will apply.
      These include:
      • Fly Cove Walk
      • Elusive Lake walk
      • Wingan Rapids walk
      • Wilderness Coast Walk 
      • Circada Trail
       
      Campers please note that the trough spring water is not operational. Ensure to bring a sufficient supply of drinkin      g water.

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