When I searched for images of Mallacoota to share with you, I was inundated with photos of men holding fish up to the camera. Mallacoota is a place to fish, obviously, but it is also a place to kayak, swim, surf, bushwalk, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the waterways, pristine coastline and wildlife. I’ve selected the two best campgrounds.

1. Shady Gully Caravan Park

Why it passes muster:

• It’s camper van friendly
• In a place of beauty
• And it scores more than 4 stars on Trip Advisor

Facilities:

• Toilets
• Hot showers
• Laundry
• Camp kitchen
• BBQs and an undercover BBQ area
• Pool
• Free WIFI
• Kiosk (bait and tackle, ice, tourist information)
• Children’s playground
• Pets are welcome outside of peak season

What makes it special:

It is surrounded by the Croajingolong National Park in six acres of natural parkland. It is not waterfront but it is also not as crowded as the Foreshore Holiday Park (below). You get plenty of space even when it’s fully booked. It is 1 km out of town – a pleasant walk or short drive. Kangaroos, possums, kookaburras, parrots and the occasional goanna live happily amongst the camper vans. If you’re a bird lover you are in for a treat. There are some great walks nearby.

Rates: $18 – $40 depending on site and season.

2. Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park

Why it passes muster:

Facilities:

• Toilets
• Hot showers
• Laundry
• Camp kitchen
• BBQs
• Free Wifi
• Kiosk
• Playground
• Moorings
• Waterfront picnic tables.

What makes it special:

It is right on the waterfront. Some of the sites even have their own jetty. It is dog friendly, fires are allowed, and it is across the road from ‘town’ – a couple of cafes, a grocery store, and a pub.

Rates:  $24 – $78 depending on site and season

Tips:

1. The waterfront sites slope quite a bit and the sites are a bit tight. The enormous park is divided into three areas – the beachside, the central area near the office, and the town end up hill with slightly larger and more level sites.
2. If you enjoy peace and quiet, request a site away from the children’s playground. Site #371 is at the very tip of the park and is private and quiet.
3. As of April 2015, the facilities were in need of an upgrade.

For more Information:

• Gippsland Tourist Information
• Australian road trips
• Hiring or buying camper vans
• A map of the best campgrounds in Australia.

Vaarwel, campers!