Mallacoota Wildflowers: When They Bloom and Where to Look

The peak runs from mid-September to late November. That's the window to plan around. We haven't narrowed it to a best week, so we won't pick one for you.

Spring is also when humpback and southern right whales head south past Mallacoota with their calves, so our guide to Mallacoota in spring is worth a read before you come.

Visit Gippsland counts over 70 native wildflower species in Croajingolong National Park, along with 52 mammal species and 250 bird species. You may also see a figure of over 1,500. That's Visit Mallacoota's count of native plants and animals combined, not flowers. The Croajingolong National Park guide covers the park itself.

Shipwreck Creek is the one spot we can point you to with confidence. It has coastal heath and rock platforms, and is at its best in spring when the wildflowers are out. If you'd like to stay the night, campgrounds such as Shipwreck Creek and Thurra River are booked through Parks Victoria.

We'd rather name one place we know than list walks we can't vouch for. If we confirm more wildflower spots, they'll go here.

We haven't confirmed wildflowers on these walks, so we don't promise any. The Betka Beach loop track is an easy walk of about 2.2 km with river, heath and ocean views, and our Betka Beach guide has the rest. The Double Creek Nature Walk is an easy 1 km loop through warm temperate rainforest, about 8 km from Mallacoota, and lyrebirds are common there. The Mallacoota Coastal Walk is about 9.5 km one way. The Mallacoota walks guide sets them side by side.

No. Genoa Peak in Croajingolong is currently closed to the public. When it's open, the walk is about 2 km return, with a steep climb to a summit lookout. Before heading there, check parks.vic.gov.au or call Parks Victoria on 13 19 63. Our Genoa Falls and Genoa Peak guide has the latest we know.

• Get down low. Most wildflowers are small, and they look better from their own height.
• Soft light is kinder than harsh midday sun. Early mornings and overcast days both work.
• Stay on marked tracks, and don't pick the flowers.
• A macro lens or your phone's close-up mode helps with orchids.

Don't count on it in the park. Dogs aren't allowed in most Victorian national parks, and Parks Victoria doesn't list Croajingolong among its dog-friendly parks. Assistance dogs are welcome, with entry requirements. Dogs aren't allowed on the Double Creek walk either. Our guide to bringing your dog to Mallacoota covers what you can do together.