LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 105 A natural haven that will take your breath away Nestled on the rocky shores of the Wilderness Coast, surrounded by the Croajingolong National Park, the pristine waters of the Mallacoota Inlet, and the roaring waves of the southern ocean, Mallacoota holds a special place in the hearts of many. The area's unspoilt habitats support a diverse array of bird, marine and animal life, and there are countless beach, river and bushland trails to explore. It is also a boating, fishing and surfing mecca. An excellent range of waterfront accommodation and camping is available, and there is a large caravan park set along the shore of the picturesque Wallagaraugh River. The Top Lake, Bottom Lake, the inlets, cliffs and beaches are all great places to explore – or just sit and watch the beautiful sunsets for which the area is renowned. The township's main street offers a variety of stores and services for travellers, including supermarkets, cafés and food outlets, camping, fishing tackle and bait suppliers, as well as places to stock-up on gas and petrol. An angler's paradise It's no secret that Mallacoota attracts anglers looking to catch any of the many fish species inhabiting the lakes, beaches and rivers in this area. Spring is an excellent time to head out onto the vast waterways of Mallacoota and sheltered Gipsy Point, or you can just kick-off your thongs and wade among the foam of the ocean shore-breaks with your surf rod. Mallacoota's river estuary provides sheltered waters for virtually any size boat, including canoes and kayaks. Several boat ramps in and around the town make it easy to access the water. Ask local fishing and bait suppliers about the best spots, rigs and baits for your style of fishing. Many offer live baits in season. Popular baits for Inlet fishing include sand worms, prawns, mussels, crabs, pilchards and yabbies. Croajingolong National Park Recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Croajingolong National Park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from pure white sandy beaches to granite peaks and heathland. This very special place supports more than 1500 plant species and a diverse range of animal life, including more than 300 species of birds and more than 50 mammal species, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, koalas, platypuses, possums, bats and gliders. Whales, dolphins and seals are often seen along the national park's 100 kilometres of beautiful, undeveloped coastline. The pristine sands of Quarry Beach, Mallacoota. Photo: Garry Moore/Visit Victoria Fishing – from land, boat or jetty – is a popular activity in Mallacoota. Photo: Visit Victoria MALLACOOTA
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