Mallacoota in autumn is the stretch after the summer rush. The crowds thin from late January, flathead fire into April and bream are caught year-round, and the Artisans and Produce Market runs on the first Saturday of the month, except at Easter. Our rates are lower outside summer, too.
At a glance
Flathead into April
Flathead fire roughly November to April, and bream are caught year-round.
Crowds thin
Christmas to mid-January is the peak. The crowds thin from late January.
First-Saturday market
8am to 12pm at Lions Park and the Mudbrick Pavilion. Not in January or at Easter.
Double Creek loop
An easy 1 km rainforest loop about 8 km from Mallacoota. Lyrebirds are common.
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Is it quiet after the summer holidays?
Quieter, yes. Mallacoota goes from a few hundred people to several thousand over Christmas. Christmas to mid-January is the peak, and the crowds thin from late January.
The lull starts before autumn does. The water is warmest in late January and February, and early February is the sweet spot: the crowds have gone and the water hasn't cooled. If swimming is the main event, come then. Our guide to Mallacoota in summer covers the peak weeks.
Fishing in autumn
Flathead fire in the warmer months, roughly November to April, and bream are caught year-round. So March and April still get both. Mallacoota is best known for dusky flathead and for black and yellowfin bream.
A Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is needed for fresh and saltwater fishing. Under-18s are among the exemptions, and you can buy one online. Kids can fish off the jetties and the Main Wharf, in sheltered water with no boat needed. Our guide to the best time to fish Mallacoota goes through the seasons.
To get out on the inlet, Mallacoota Hireboats hires out power boats, kayaks, SUPs and pedal boats. A power boat is $150 for a half day (4 hours) and $210 for a full day (8 hours), and a single kayak is $50 and $75. It's at 10 Buckland Drive. Ring 0474 818 058. The boat hire guide has the full price list.
Autumn walks
Three walks, from short to long:
| Walk | Length | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| Double Creek Nature Walk | An easy 1 km loop, about 8 km from Mallacoota | Warm temperate rainforest and a picnic ground. Lyrebirds are common, and koalas are possible. |
| Betka Beach loop track | An easy walk of about 2.2 km | River, heath and ocean views |
| Mallacoota Coastal Walk | About 9.5 km one way | The long one |
Dogs aren't allowed on the Double Creek walk. Our Mallacoota walks guide has more on each, and the Betka Beach guide covers the loop.
Markets and Easter
The Mallacoota Artisans and Produce Market runs on the first Saturday of the month, 8am to 12pm, at Lions Park and the Mudbrick Pavilion. It doesn't run in January or at Easter. Community markets also run at Easter.
Sundayss, the café and juice bar on Allan Drive, trades from December through to Easter. It's closed over the cooler months and generally reopens in the early summer period. Our Sundayss guide has what it serves.
Recent Wild Harvest festivals ran 25 to 27 September 2026, 26 to 28 April 2024 and 11 to 13 November 2022, so check the next date before you plan around it. The Wild Harvest guide has what's on.
Gabo Island in autumn
Gabo Island tours and boat transfers operate year-round, autumn included. Gabo Island sits about 14 km from Mallacoota. You reach it by boat or light plane, weather permitting, and you have to book. You can't just turn up. Our Gabo Island guide lists who runs the trips.
Staying in autumn
Our rates are lower outside summer, and the minimum stay can be adjusted depending on property availability, so ask if you want a shorter stay. Booking direct means lower fees than Airbnb or Stayz, and Amelia will help match you to the house that suits you. Bookings are by phone on 0401 825 547 or through the enquiry form, and you can browse the houses here.
Good to know
Phone numbers
- Mallacoota Hireboats0474 818 058
- Hammond Properties bookings0401 825 547
Walk lengths
- Double Creek Nature Walkeasy 1 km loop (no dogs)
- Betka Beach loop trackabout 2.2 km
- Mallacoota Coastal Walkabout 9.5 km one way
Dates to know
- Artisans and Produce Marketfirst Saturday of the month, 8am to 12pm (not January or Easter)
- Community marketsalso run at Easter
- Sundaysstrades from December through to Easter
- Gabo Island tours and boat transfersyear-round