Mallacoota

Mallacoota is a remote coastal town in the East Gippsland Shire at the far eastern tip of Victoria, Australia, situated at the mouth of Mallacoota Inlet where the Wallagaraugh and Genoa rivers meet the Tasman Sea. Surrounded by Croajingolong National Park, it is notable for its pristine inlet, ocean beaches, wilderness coastline, and abundant wildlife, and serves as a base for boating, fishing and nature-based tourism.

Visitors can expect a small coastal town set on a large tidal inlet enclosed by forested national park. The town centre has shops, cafes and accommodation around the inlet foreshore. Visitors can explore sandy ocean beaches such as Betka Beach and Bastion Point, walk coastal trails, cruise or paddle the inlet, fish, swim, view wildlife including pelicans and sea birds, and take boat trips to nearby Gabo Island. The surrounding Croajingolong National Park offers lookouts, bushwalking tracks and camping areas.

The area is part of the traditional lands of the Bidawal and GunaiKurnai peoples. European settlement developed from the mid-19th century around fishing, timber and agriculture. The inlet supported a commercial fishing industry and the town became a holiday destination in the 20th century. The district was significantly impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Mallacoota retains cultural significance for its Aboriginal heritage and as a long-established fishing and coastal community. It is valued for its connection to Croajingolong National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and for its maritime heritage including the Gabo Island Lighthouse.