Mallacoota in Summer: What It's Like and When to Book

Busy first, then quieter. Christmas to mid-January is the peak, and the crowds thin from late January. The water is warmest in late January and February, so that's when you get the warmest water and the thinner crowds together.

Walks, parks and businesses have all reopened since the 2019–20 fires. Bastion Point's beach, lookouts and boat ramp are all open again.

Mallacoota goes from a few hundred people to several thousand over Christmas. That's the stretch when you'll want tables, boats and tours booked ahead rather than hoping to walk in. From late January the crowds thin.

You'll notice it in town. The public boat ramps are at Bastion Point (for the ocean), Karbeethong and near the caravan park, and there can be a queue at peak times. Shops in town are well stocked but get busy in peak weeks, so bring the basics. The IGA, at 49 Maurice Avenue, trades until 7pm in the summer peak.

If you're coming for the peak, our tips for Mallacoota's peak season and the summer things-to-do list are the next two reads.

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. The ocean beaches lag behind.

Before you swim, check beachsafe.org.au. It lists each Mallacoota beach with its hazard rating and live patrol information. With little ones, the inlet shallows near the Main Wharf are calm and shallow, the best spot for them. The Mallacoota swimming guide covers the rest.

Earlier than most people think. Waterfront houses for late December are often booked well before September, but please contact Amelia to enquire. January school-holiday weeks fill up in November.

Yes, all but one. Hammond Properties looks after 17 holiday homes in Mallacoota, and every house except Four on Stingray Point has air conditioning. Four on Stingray Point has water views but isn't waterfront, takes dogs, and you can launch a kayak from it. You can see them all on the properties page.

In January cafés and restaurants are generally open seven days. Book a table a few days ahead. Our guide to where to eat in Mallacoota has the addresses and phone numbers.

Sundayss is closed over the cooler months and generally reopens in the early summer period: see our Sundayss guide. Community markets run every Saturday through the summer school holidays. Summer also brings beach cricket, fishing competitions and live music by the lake.

Early February is the sweet spot: the crowds have gone and the water hasn't cooled. If your dates are flexible, ask Amelia about early February when you ring.