Get ready for Mallacoota and the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival 2026

With the 2026 Mallacoota and the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival coming up we thought we would share some of the most spectacular ways to tour our town. One of the most rewarding ways to experience the area is by exploring it from multiple perspectives. Located in the far East of Far East Gippsland near the New South Wales border, Mallacoota offers ocean, lake, bush and coastal landscapes in one compact and accessible destination.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Mallacoota Inlet

The calm waters of the Mallacoota Inlet and local rivers provide ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding. Early mornings are particularly popular, when the water is glassy and wildlife is active. Paddlers often spot stingrays, black swans and sea eagles while gliding across the lake.

Paddleboarding is suitable for beginners and experienced visitors alike, with protected waters offering safe conditions year-round. Equipment hire is available locally, making it easy for festival visitors to incorporate a paddle session into their weekend itinerary.

Kayaking and Canoeing Through the Lake System

The Mallacoota Lake system is one of the largest tidal lake systems in the Southern Hemisphere. Kayaking allows visitors to explore further into the Top Lake and Genoa and Wallagarah River arms, where bushland banks meet quiet estuaries.

This is one of the most immersive ways to experience East Gippsland’s coastal wilderness. Many visitors combine kayaking with birdwatching, photography or fishing, creating a full-day nature experience.

Ocean Exploration and Coastal Adventures

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, ocean-based tours offer access to Mallacoota’s dramatic coastline. Fishing charters operate offshore, while experienced paddlers can explore the headlands and beaches from the water.

The meeting point of bushland and sea creates spectacular scenery, particularly around Bastion Point.

Scenic Drives Through East Gippsland

Driving to and around Mallacoota is an experience in itself. The approach through Croajingolong National Park winds through coastal heathlands, tall eucalypt forests and lookouts with expansive ocean views.

For visitors attending the festival, allowing extra time for scenic stops, photography and short walks along the drive enhances the overall experience of the region.

For more adventure opportunities head over to visitgippsland.com.au and keep exploring this beautiful region.