Mallacoota’s locals say it’s getting back to its best after bushfires
Less than two months since devastating bushfires ripped through Mallacoota, the town is still in recovery. But locals say its famously stunning scenery remains just that and explained why now is the perfect time to visit.
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Despite being cut off for most of the summer holidays, Mallacoota is fighting back strongly now that the main road into town has reopened.
Events celebrating its famous fishing, beaches and seafood have been locked in to lure tourists back to the popular seaside location.
Most of the town’s infrastructure escaped unscathed from the inferno that threatened at the start of the year but many homes were destroyed.
The town is getting back on its feet, according to Mallacoota Wilderness Business and Tourist Association vice-president Jodie York.
“The town is very much struggling, but there’s no reason not to visit now,’’ she said.
One of Mallacoota’s signature events, the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival, has been confirmed for early April.
“The festival has a full schedule, the only exception being there’s no tour of the abalone processing plant which was hit by the fires,” she said.
The open-air seafood market is set to be a popular stop and organisers hope to repeat last year’s sellout of all ticketed events.
“It’s going to be bigger than ever this year,” Ms York said.
Destination Gippsland chief Terry Robinson said the history of the seafood industry would be an underlying theme during the weekend.
Mallacoota has always been a popular stopping point in autumn for grey nomads who stay for a short break before heading north for a warmer winter.
The Mallacoota Boardriders will host the Far Easter Surf Festival again this year, this time with a science-fiction theme to celebrate life on the ocean and surf culture.
A fishing challenge has also been confirmed for the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June. The Reel It In organisation has announced that the Mallacoota Bream Challenge will also double as a bushfire appeal fundraiser.
Ms York said the beaches had cleaned themselves and the bush was also seeing signs of regrowth.
“Most of the town’s infrastructure and accommodation is still standing so we’d love for people to come and stay.”
A free campsite at nearby Genoa has also reopened for independent travellers.
Another significant achievement was the rebuilding of access stairs at Bastion Point, thanks to the work of local Lions club members and volunteers.
Hooded plovers, which nest in the sand dunes, and blue fairy wrens had also been spotted in recent weeks.
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And even if the coastal town is a drive too far, local businesses have just kicked off the My Mallacoota Esky campaign which enables people to buy products online from businesses, artists and producers, and still show their support.
“We’d love everyone to come along and fill their Esky in town but My Mallacoota Esky means that they can do so from the comfort of their own home,” Ms York said.