Betka Beach is where the Betka River meets the sea, about five minutes' drive south of Mallacoota along Betka Road. When the river mouth is closed, the lagoon is shallow and still, which suits small children. The ocean side has surf, rocks and currents. There's a grassy area, picnic tables, gas barbecues and toilets, and an easy loop walk of about 2.2 km.
Where is Betka Beach?
About five minutes' drive south of town along Betka Road. Secret Beach is on the same road, about 7 km south of town, then a short walk and stairs down to the sand.
The lagoon and the surf
Betka Beach has two kinds of water, and which one you want depends on who's swimming.
| Side | What the water's like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| The lagoon, when the river mouth is closed | Shallow and still | Small children |
| The ocean side | Surf, rocks and currents | Check Beachsafe first |
The lagoon only suits little kids when the river mouth is closed, so have a look at the mouth before you set up for the day. If it's open, see our guide to where to swim in Mallacoota for the other spots.
Check Beachsafe before you swim
Check beachsafe.org.au on the day you swim. It lists each Mallacoota beach with its hazard rating and live patrol information. We don't name a patrolled beach in this guide: Beachsafe is live, and this page isn't. That goes double for the ocean side, with its surf, rocks and currents.
Toilets, barbecues and picnic tables
Betka Beach has a grassy area, picnic tables, gas barbecues and toilets. Pack lunch for the barbecue and a shade umbrella, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
The Betka Beach loop track
The Betka Beach loop track is an easy walk of about 2.2 km with river, heath and ocean views. Wear shoes you can walk in, and a hat.
Walking on to Secret Beach
For a longer walk, AllTrails lists the walk from Betka Beach to Secret Beach as moderate, about 8 km, taking 2 to 2.5 hours. Take water and check the weather before you set off.
Secret Beach is one to admire from the sand. It isn't patrolled, and swimming there can be dangerous because of rough waves and rips. If you'd rather drive, it's about 7 km south of town along Betka Road, then a short walk and stairs down to the sand. A sea cave at the northern end of Secret Beach can only be reached safely at low tide, so check the tide times if you want to see it. Our guide to Mallacoota's coastal walks and beaches covers it in more detail, and our Mallacoota walks guide covers more walks.
When is the water warmest?
Late January and February. Early February is the sweet spot: the crowds have gone and the water hasn't cooled. The inlet warms up first and is comfortable from December, and the ocean beaches lag behind. For what the rest of the season is like, see Mallacoota in summer.
Staying nearby
Hammond Properties looks after 17 holiday homes in Mallacoota. Seven have a fully fenced yard, which helps with small children, including Pheeney Place, Blue Waters and Lacy's Place. Bookings are by phone on 0401 825 547 or through the enquiry form, and booking direct means lower fees than Airbnb or Stayz. Browse them all on our Mallacoota holiday rentals page.