Cape Howe and Mallacoota

Cape Howe and Mallacoota

Cape Howe and Mallacoota

    This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

    Explore

    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.

    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

    No results

    There are no results matching your criteria.

    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.

    • Croajingolong National Park

      Kingfish jetty closed

      Kingfish Point Jetty on Mallacoota Inlet has collapsed and requires significant repair. The jetty is out of use until further notice, which may limit access for some vessels.

      Croajingolong National Park closures due to fires - March 5 update

      The majority of Croajingolong National Park remains closed due to fire, however, the following visitor area has reopened:
      • The first 300 metres of Narrows walking track.
       

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Campground closure

      As directed by the Chief Health Officer all campsites, camping grounds and caravan parks closed from midnight 25 March 2020.
      People can continue to live on a closed caravan park or camping ground if it is registered as their primary place of residence or if they are staying in caravan parks as interim accommodation where their primary residence is not available. For further information go to parks.vic.gov.au/COVID19

    Similar Experiences

     
    Two kayakers come across a group of pelicans on the Gippsland Lakes.

    Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

    The tranquil Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons separated from the Tasman Sea by the coastal dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach. Seven rivers terminate at the lakes – the Latrobe, Avon, Nicholson, Tambo, Mitchell, Macalister and Thomson rivers.
    Three women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

    Cape Conran Coastal Park

    Cape Conran Coastal Park has heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands brimming with nectar-feeding birds
    Three friends standing at the Erskine Falls lookout admiring the waterfall.

    Great Otway National Park

    The park features rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, rock platforms and windswept heathland. In the north, the park features tall forests, ferny gullies, magnificent waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
    X
    By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
    Confirm