Cape Howe and Mallacoota

A father and moth walk along a sandy beach while their two children climb on the nearby rocks

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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.

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.

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Cicada Track Closed

    Cicada 4WD track will remain closed in 2024. 

    The seasonally closed track was due to be opened on 31/10/24. Due to the closure of Pt Hicks Rd from Fishermans track for the Thurra Bridge works, the western end of Cicada track will be inaccessible. 

    A reopening date for Pt Hicks Rd is not currently known, this notice will be updated when more information is available.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Cape Conran Coastal Park & Croajingolong National Park

    Parts of Cape Conran Coastal Park and Croajingolong National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    Closures will apply during the following dates:
     
    16-20 September 2024
    9-13 December 2024
    2-6 June 2025
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps or call 13 19 63.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link.

    Attachments: Croajingolong NP and Cape Conran CP aerial operations informations map (2,519KB)

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

  • Croajingolong National Park

    Point Hicks Road Closure

    Please be advised that Point Hicks Road is currently closed due to ongoing construction works. As a result, there is no access to the following campgrounds and accommodation:
    • Thurra River Campground
    • Mueller Campground
    • Point Hicks Lighthouse
     
    Alternative Camping Options: While Point Hicks Road is closed, alternative camping sites are available at the following locations:
    • Wingan Inlet
    • Tamboon Inlet
    • Peachtree Creek Reserve

  • Shipwreck Creek Campground (East Gippsland Coastal streams Natural Catchment Area, Croajingolong National Park)

    Shipwreck Creek Campground Toilets

    Shipwreck Creek Campground currently has portable toilets in place, whilst Parks Victoria rebuilds new toilet facilities.

Similar Experiences

 
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Three women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

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