Day 27-29: Mallacoota Inlet
Updated: Jan 6
Today we made a push for Victoria. Mallacoota Inlet was waiting on the other side, and with it, one of the most spectacular inlets teeming with wildlife. But first, an impromptu stop along Wallaga Lake Inlet, in the Bega Valley Shire, New South Wales. Shorebirds lined the beaches, the tide was starting to roll in, and we set up chairs and had breakfast at the waterfront.
A short walk later, we passed a gazebo constructed with four hand-carved posts. A few local surfers were returning from the beach, and we followed the trail they chose. We entered what can only be described as a magical forest with spiraling trees, arching away from the wind. Aboriginal maddens and artifacts were found all around the lake. There was something different about this place.
When the trees opened up again, we were met with this view (see video). Wallaga Lake is the largest in southern New South Wales. The lake is framed by Gulaga Mountain rising in the background.
A single bench sat off the beaten path in the grass. Presumably locals knew about this spot, but it wasn’t occupied today. Grasslands in Australia tend to be knee to chest height. If a path is required, it’s either stamped down with foot traffic or mowed. We sat down and took in the surroundings. It felt like a cross between Maine and coastal California - one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen.
We found sandy tracks that can only belong to kangaroo. They like to come down to feed on seaweed and mangrove seed pods that washed up from overnight tides.
What day can end without seeing a koala. The first koala of our trip!
This little koala found a place to sleep until a wind and rain storm cleared.
