MALLACOOTA

Mallacoota is a wonderfully quiet town in the midst of the Croajingalong National Park. Mallacoota is home to some incredibly diverse bream fishing, estuary perch angling and the famed massive flathead. Mallacoota has one of the best climates in Victoria – warmer in winter and relatively cooler in summer, this is definitely a year round destination. For the non-angler the walking, canoeing, cruising, golfing and surfing is excellent or you could explore the bush in your four-wheel drive. Mallacoota is home to 300 species of bird species, and so is a popular place for bird watching and a great place to see Victoria’s fauna in its native habitat. Croajingalong National Park and the extraordinary diversity of landscapes and ecosystems of pure white sandy beaches, rambling heathlands, rocky coastal headlands, granite peaks, lush rainforests and towering eucalypts have been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which nominated the park as a World Biosphere Reserve.

BEMM RIVER

The Bemm is one of Victoria’s most popular ‘secret’ destinations. An oxymoron I know, but Bemm River still manages to keep that secret spot feel about it, even though the fishing here is legendary. Big bream are the forte, however large dusky flathead are also a prime target, as are the big schools of tailor and salmon that forge their way through the entrance when it is open. Plenty of accommodation is always available along with that legendary friendly community.

MARLO

If a bream and estuary perch angler were to design the perfect place for these two species, then Marlo would be the result. An intriguing mix of the Brodribb River, the Snowy River and some wonderful bankside environmental enhancement gives the perfect environment for estuarine species, and the anglers that chase them. A variety of accommodation options and a great boat launching facility in Marlo helps make this wonderful place a great attraction. While it can become quite busy in summer for obvious reasons, the ‘shoulder’ periods are just as good for the fishing and with less crowds, the options open up exponentially. Marlo is also the start of the Cape Conran coastal touring route and the gateway to Victoria’s ‘wilderness coast’, so the wild places are as great attraction as the fishing and ocean. The coast road leading from Marlo hugs the ocean, making it easy to explore the rugged beaches, boardwalks and campgrounds that you can find dotted along this road. Some parts of this region are Marine Coastal Parks so check with Parks Victoria online for boundaries and regulations.

METUNG

Located on a thin peninsula on the shores of Lake King and Bancroft Bay, the tranquil village of Metung has long been a favourite for holidaymakers. It is also the venue for one of the most keenly contested Victorian Bream Classic events – testament in itself of the awesome bream fishing here. Competitors come from all corners of Victoria to fish these waters. Whilst boating and fishing is the key focus at Metung, it is is also known for its scenic walks, good local food and galleries. The Metung Hotel is something of a hub of the town, especially when you can feed the pelicans from right out the front of the pub, or embark on a cruise aboard one of the many boats that travel between Metung and Lakes Entrance. While the family’s angler is out fishing, other family members can learn how to sail or even hire a boat to explore the lakes and waterways. Yachts and cruisers are available for hire for overnight stays, allowing visitors to tie up in some of the protected creeks and jetties that abound in the Gippsland Lakes system.