11 WEEKENDDRIVE October 2024 | East Gippsland News Weekend Marlo to Mallacoota Duration 1.5hrs Distance: 146km (one way) This edition’s drive starts where the Snowy River meets the sea, Marlo, and ends at one of the state’s most popular holiday destinations, Mallacoota. Head off from Marlo and head east on C107 towards Cape Conran. This is a must-stop location, where you’ll find a wild, sandy surf beach book-ended by spectacular pink-and-rust-hued rock outcrops just waiting to be scaled and explored. Take the boardwalk of the Cape Conran Nature Trail, through native heathlands and craggy banksia trees, past places where, for thousands of years First Nations people would gather to sing, talk and dine on local shellfish. After exploring the Cape, point your vehicle north to reconnect with the Princes Highway (A1) which will take you into the Bemm River Scenic Reserve. Be sure to check out the McKenzie River Rainforest Walk, where you can meander through warm temperate rainforest, beneath towering tree ferns, on a captivating onekilometre loop trail that includes two armybuilt swing bridges. After stretching your legs in the rainforest, it’s time to continue east on the A1, until you reach the relaxed town of Cann River (an ideal place for a fuel-food-and-coffee pitstop), before heading further east, passing through Wingan River which, despite having a postcode (and once having a post office), now has an official population of zero. Once you reach the town of Genoa, it’s time to hang a right, taking the Mallacoota-Genoa Road (C617) towards Mallacoota, which is now just half-an-hour away. Once there, you’ll discover why Mallacoota is one of Victoria’s most revered holiday destinations. Surrounded by the magnificent wilderness of the Croajingolong National Park (a recognised UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve), and set on a beautiful inlet, Mallacoota really is a wonder to behold. A relaxed coastal village and a commercial fishing hub, every year it attracts thousands of recreational anglers, boaters and holiday- makers looking to enjoy the sparkling waterways, pristine beaches and laid-back vibe. Cape Conran Escape to the sea Marlo (photos: Visit Victoria and Everyday Nicky) Mallacoota New Honda HR-V As smart as it looks. Pace Honda 461-463 Princes Highway, Bairnsdale | (03) 5152 0100 Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm | Sat: 8.30am-12.00pm Designed with clever engineering, intuitive technology and a modern silhouette, the Honda HR-V captivates from the moment you lay eyes on it. Book a test drive today.
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