Join us as we travel to one of Victoria's true hidden gems - Croajingolong National Park
The Park is located on the Victorian and NSW border and is nestled around the magnificent Mallacoota waterway and the rugged Southern Ocean coastline of Bass Strait. It is home to ancient forests, pristine inlets, giant sand dunes and abundant wildlife. The main township is Mallacoota – a laid back relaxed coastal town which has attracted a wonderful group of dedicated local residents. It is the base for the local abalone industry and is a popular destination for recreational fishermen. The town has some excellent galleries which displays the work of talented local artists.
During our stay we shall discover pristine walking trails beside sparkling waterways and deserted beaches. The area is rich in birdlife in fact over 250 bird species have been identified. Croajingolong is a significant ecological location and has been recognised by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. Apart from its birdlife it has recorded sightings of 52 mammals and 70 native wildflowers.
The other highlight of our tour will be the opportunity to discover the pristine waterways of Croajingolong with Dale Winward onboard both his Lochard and Gipsy Princess boats. The Mallacoota Inlet is a significant inland waterway system. It comprises two large lakes (Top Lake and Bottom Lake) which are part of the estuaries of the Genoa and Wallagraraugh Rivers. There is 320 km of shoreline to discover. At historic Gipsy Point we have the opportunity to explore the upper reaches of the Wallagraraugh River famous for its pristine beauty and abundant birdlife - home to the beautiful azure Kingfisher and the magnificent local white bellied sea eagle.
Our Hotels and Cuisine
We are thrilled to be staying in one of our all-time favourite accommodation places Karbeethong Lodge. This historic lodge is ideally located in a very quiet location on the edge of Mallacoota Inlet with spectacular views over the water and Croajingolong National Park. It has very much a boutique style and our group will have exclusive use of the lodge.
Relax each evening with an aperitif in the beautifully decorated lounge with its open fire or take in the views from the veranda overlooking the lake. Afterwards move into the dining room and enjoy a delicious dinner. At night sleep peacefully in the cosy and stylishly decorated bedrooms. Each morning enjoy a nutritional breakfast before we depart for a day of exploring.
Karbeethong Lodge»Mallacoota, Victoria Historic and iconic homestead, built around the turn of the last century has been run as a guesthouse since the 1920s with a spectacular views over Mallacoota Inlet.
Great guides, interesting Tour companions and really wonderful accomodation and meals at Karbethong Lodge.
Ian from Melbourne, Australia[2023]
This was as most enjoyable walk and we were extremely lucky with the weather! The following week the roads were cut off and the rain was just incredible. We would have been house stuck for the week. This walk is not very strenuous except for the first day when the walk was 14kms. The rest of the days were occupied with looking around and doing shorter walks. The accomodation was excellent staying in an old lodge that had been built and added on to for over 100 years. It was extremely comfortable and had every thing we needed. And the food was wonderful! We saw wildlife and birds, including a koala on the lawn and others, a wombat who watch us and then dived into his hole on the river bank, a bittern plus many other species. Graeme was the perfect host and I seriously advise others to do this walk.
Ingrid from Tuross Head NSW, Australia[2023]
Our trip to Mallacoota and Croajingolong National Park was a wonderful peaceful break from a city life of commitments. Mallacoota in Eastern Victoria is a small community of caring and resilient people. The surrounding National Park is perfect for long and short walks, full of wild life. The morning call of birds was a musical awakening to a new day. Being able to discover the area of waterways and islands on foot and by boat is a treat. Our accommodation at Karbeethong Lodge was very comfortable with areas to relax on the verandah or in the large country style lounge with a warming fire.
Barbara from Melbourne, Australia[2023]
Thank you Graeme and the Walkabout team for another wonderful walk to a beautiful part of Australia - Mallacoota, Victoria. The scenery was magnificent along the bush walks, the beach walks and along the waterways. I didn't realise the extent of the waterways in this area and the amount of bird life. Graeme and our local guide Dale have a wealth of information of this gorgeous area. After each day of walking, our hosts Graeme and Jennifer at Karbeethong Lodge had a welcoming cheese platter awaiting on the verandah for us to enjoy with a drink or two overlooking the beautiful lake views. This followed later with a delicious 3 course dinner. One night it was even cold enough to enjoy an open fire while reminiscing about our walk with our lovely group of walkers. It was Mal's first walk with WGA and he survived it. I'm looking forward to another adventure in the near future with Walkabout.
Lyn & Mal from BonBeach, Australia[2023]
Thanks Graeme for introducing Walkabout clients to a beautiful part of the country at Mallacoota. The region is spectacular, the accommodation and hospitality were superb and you provided us with an enjoyable combination of bushwalks, sightseeing on the waterways and an opportunity to learn about the local history and culture. Special thanks to our hosts, Graeme and Jennifer, and to our skipper, Dale, the font of local knowledge.
Carmel from Perth, Australia[2023]
I really enjoyed the tour. Your hard work and attention to detail were much appreciated. The lodge was delightful, and Jennifer and Graeme were wonderful hosts.
Crissy from Canberra, Australia[2023]
Thank you Graeme for yet another wonderful walking experience, this time in Mallacoota. The delicious three course dinners cooked by our hosts Graeme and Jennifer in their delightful lodge overlooking the lake, great fellow walkers, spectacular scenery, invigorating walks surrounded by the bush or deserted beaches, birdsong, native wildlife, exploring the waterways of Mallacoota Inlet on the MV Lochard with the ever entertaining skipper Colin.. A perfect escape from busy everyday life.
Christine from Mount Eliza, Australia[2022]
Even though it was a walking tour I found it very rejuvenating as we had plenty of rain. Arriving back after a wet walk and having a hot shower and relax was wonderful. Graeme and Jenny were excellent hosts, the lodge is wonderful and meals we had were so innovative - and Graeme Clarke is a wonderful guide, pointing out many highlights along our walks. We saw Mallacoota in a different light. An excellent week!
Margaret from Sydney, Australia[2022]
I was so thrilled just to be able to book on the tour to Mallacoota after endless lockdowns so I was happy to just get there. I had never been to Mallacoota before and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the place. I loved Karbeethong lodge, Jennifer and Graeme, the hosts were just delightful and we felt welcome as soon as we stepped into the lodge. The delicious dinners prepared by Jennifer and Graeme were just wonderful. The walks were lovely and the company of all on the walk as usual was a delight. So many laughs and happy memories. Thank you Graeme for looking after us all so well and thank you to Trish too for popping in for 2 nights to say hello and walk with us. I look forward to the next adventure with you.
Sandy from Benalla, Australia[2021]
This was my first trip with WGA but from the moment I spotted my group at the meeting place, I knew I was going to enjoy it. The welcome was warm and relaxed from both Graeme and guests. Karbeethong Lodge accommodation, pre-dinner drinks and nibbles, and delicious meals, were a definite highlight in a trip with absolutely ALL highlights! The coastal walking in Mallacoota is incredibly scenic and thankfully has recovered quite quickly post fires, although reminders are still present, eg blackened trees. Extra additions to walking such as Dale's boat trips to the sea eagles' nest and to his farm for a seafood lunch were just delightful. Many opportunities for photographs and sightseeing. I can't wait to be a part of more WGA trips in the near future. Thanks Graeme, Trish and my walking friends.
Mallacoota & Croajingolong
