The Mallacoota RSL Bunker Museum is on Airport Road, inside a WWII operations bunker built in 1942 as an RAAF Advanced Operations Base. It opens Tuesdays 9:30am to 12pm and Sundays 1 to 3pm, so check ahead and plan your week around those two sessions.
This guide covers the museum first, then the history you can still visit around Mallacoota: two lighthouses, an old cruise boat, and a cemetery at Genoa.
At a glance
On Airport Road
The RSL Bunker Museum is inside a WWII operations bunker built in 1942.
Two sessions a week
Tuesdays 9:30am to 12pm and Sundays 1 to 3pm. Check ahead.
29 aircraft types
The displays cover the 29 aircraft types that used the airfield, plus coastal defence.
Gabo Island lighthouse
Built 1858 to 1862 from local pink granite, 47 m tall.
On this page8 sections
Where is the Mallacoota Bunker Museum?
On Airport Road. The museum is inside the bunker itself, a WWII operations bunker that was built in 1942 as an RAAF Advanced Operations Base. The Mallacoota and District Historical Society runs it.
Kangaroos graze around the airport and on the golf course, so keep an eye out. Our Mallacoota wildlife guide has where else to see them.
When is the Bunker Museum open?
Two sessions a week. Check ahead before you go.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30am to 12pm |
| Sunday | 1 to 3pm |
If you're only in town for a long weekend, the Sunday afternoon session is the one to aim for.
What's inside: Mallacoota in World War II
The museum's displays cover coastal defence, ships attacked off the south-east coast in WWII, and the 29 aircraft types that used the airfield. You see them inside the bunker that was built in 1942 for the RAAF Advanced Operations Base.
The Gabo Island lighthouse
The Gabo Island lighthouse, built 1858 to 1862, is 47 m of local pink granite. It's the second-tallest lighthouse in Australia, and lighthouse tours climb the tower's 196 steps. You can stay overnight in the old lightkeepers' cottages, booked through Parks Victoria.
You reach Gabo by boat or light plane, weather permitting, and you have to book. You can't just turn up. We can pass on contact details for the boat operators, and our Gabo Island guide has the flights and tours.
Point Hicks Lightstation
Point Hicks Lightstation, inside Croajingolong National Park, was built in 1890. It's reached from the Cann River side of the park. Croajingolong takes its name from the Aboriginal people of the area. Our Croajingolong National Park guide covers the park's walks and camping.
The M.V. Loch-Ard
Mallacoota Cruises runs lake cruises, scenic cruises and eco tours aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard, which dates from about 1910. A cruise is a way to spend time on a boat older than the bunker. Our boating guide covers the other ways onto the water.
More history around Mallacoota
There's an old cemetery at Genoa from the early settlement days. Genoa Falls is just off the Princes Highway about 4 km west of Genoa. Our Genoa Falls guide has the walk.
In town, the Mallacoota Arts Council runs a gallery and exhibitions. We don't have its hours, so check before you go.
Staying in Mallacoota
Hammond Properties looks after 17 holiday homes in Mallacoota. Booking direct means lower fees than Airbnb or Stayz, and Amelia will help match you to the house that suits you. Book by phone on 0401 825 547 or through the enquiry form, or browse our Mallacoota holiday rentals. For more to fill the days, see things to do in Mallacoota.
Good to know
RSL Bunker Museum
- Airport Road, Mallacoota
- Tuesdays 9:30am to 12pm
- Sundays 1 to 3pm (check ahead)
- Run by the Mallacoota and District Historical Society
History nearby
- Gabo Island lighthousebuilt 1858 to 1862; book a boat or flight
- Point Hicks Lightstationbuilt 1890, from the Cann River side
- M.V. Loch-Arddates from about 1910, with Mallacoota Cruises
- An old cemetery at Genoa