Day Trips

Genoa Peak

This jaw-dropping, 3 km medium level walk boasts magnificent views of the Croajingolong National Park coastline.

Genoa Peak is a year-round fave for folks visiting Mallacoota. The walk involves a little bit of bushwalking and climbing, so be sure to pick a fine day to enjoy the gems of the area in full.

Reach the viewing point sitting on a large granite tor, just 400 m from the top. The last section is steep with a steel ladder leading into the summit’s 360º views of Mallacoota Inlet -ocean and mountains included!

To get there, take the turn off Princess Highway towards Genoa Peak Road. Drive 8 km to the car park and picnic area.

Genoa Falls

Make your way back to Princess Highway, turn left and travel approximately 2 km to a turn off on the right -just before a set of power lines cross the highway. A short distance down this track you’ll find a parking bay with a path leading to the scenic Genoa Falls.

The falls are a set of wide-open, sloping basalt rocks dotted with 1-2 metres high outpouring streams. Head there for a frolicking session by the water and discover this solitude haven, just off Princess Highway.

Be sure to check out Genoa Peak while your here.

Mallacoota Lookout

The lookout rises 300 m over sea level, nestled within the lush nature of Maxwells Rainforest Walk. Offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities of Croajingolong and Mallacoota Inlet.

There’s a small picnic ground in the area, ideal for a mid-day lunch stop.

Access is via Maxwells Road, approximately 22 km north of Genoa.

Drummer Rain Forest Walk

Wander by the Thurra River on this easy 1 km return walk amid the magic of an ancient rainforest. The loop takes visitors across Giant Kanuka Trees, ferns, mosses, vines and more, so simply breathe in the pure, temperate air of the woods, sit back and relax.

The Drummer Rainforest Walk is located just off Princes Highway, 11 km east of Cann River. To access the walk, simply follow the signs off the highway.

Picnic area, free gas BBQ and toilets facilities are provided at the carpark area.

McKenzie River Rainforest walk

A 1 km easy walk including swing bridges, boardwalks and sealed paths, this is an entertaining track displaying information panels that help understand the rich ecosystem of a rainforest.

There’s a wide variety of habitats along the trail. From Mountain Grey Eucalyptus to Kanooka trees, walk among ferns, vines, mosses and enjoy the greenery of the forest!

Located 90 km east of Mallacoota, access to the trail is from the signposted picnic area.

Wingan Inlet and surrounds

Lazy days of sun-basking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing don’t get better than this! The Wingan Inlet sits where the Wingan River opens to the sea. A sanctuary of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, upstream narrows, thick forest, and all the classic saltwater species of fish -including Black Breams-, this is a wild spot packed with wonders.

Only a 1.5 hours drive from Mallacoota, the inlet is still within the boundaries of the Croanjigolong National Park, enclosed by native vegetation and inhabited by Fur Seal colonies. The area was hit by the fires but is open again to the public (in some areas).

There are a range of walks you can do or pop your kayak in and wander up the river and maybe even paddle river rapids!

Access is via West Wingan Road -approximately 85 km from Mallacoota. There is a small camping ground managed by Parks Victoria, plus a Day Visitor area at the end of the road.

Thurra River Dunes – currently closed

The Dunes Walk takes ramblers through Tea Tree and Banksia woodlands on a gently sloping trail that starts at the Thurra River Camp Ground -find the sign near campsite 14. Discover this impressive dune system rising 30 metres over sea level, and be amazed by the contrast between the greenery surrounding the river, and the brightness of these sandy knolls.

Before heading on this trail, make sure to take water and sun protection. Temperatures can exceed 40º, and there is no shade when walking on the dunes. Plus, you’ll likely experience strong winds that can whip up sand -also note, there are no walk markers on the dunes.

Green Cape Lighthouse

Cross over from Victoria to NSW and discover Green Cape Lighthouse, a heritage site rooted in seafaring history. Crowning the tip of Green Cape stands tall Australia’s first lighthouse made of concrete, opened on 1883. Take in world-class ocean views gifted with a beautifully rugged coastline, and watch whales passing in this wild and windy corner of the country.

Located 92 km north of Mallacoota, Green Cape Lighthouse is a 1.5 hours drive from town. The last 23 km of the road are unsealed, leading to a car park and a viewing area near the lighthouse.

Boyds Tower and Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site

Boyds Tower was indeed meant to be a lighthouse, but when the plans of the eccentric Scottish entrepreneur, Benjamin Boyd collapsed, it was the Davidson family who took over and used the tower as a whale-watching spot.

A visit to these historical sites is a great and entertaining way to learn how life in this secluded region was back in the 19th century. Follow an easy walking track to the tower, find the missing section lost to lightning, and check out Benjamin’s name engraved at the top. Then make your way to the two nearby viewpoints and take in sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Twofold Bay.

Both historic sites can be accessed via Edrom Rd, which connects Princess Highway about 16 km southwest.

Sapphire Coast Culinary

If culinary delights and beer are your thing then you may be interested in visiting the Longstocking nano Brewery in Pambula NSW.  Located on the grounds of a nursery, art gallery and cafe – a trip here for lunch won’t disappoint.

Interested in some of the best sweet treats around?  Make sure you get to the Wild Rye Cafe in the main Street and grab a Portuguese tart AND a Blueberry Brûlée. Yum!

When visiting Mallacoota for a short time you may not be inclined to travel further afield so this one might be for those staying a bit longer: 3546 Princes Hwy, Pambula NSW 2549