Marlo

Where the sparkling Snowy River meets the Southern Ocean, Marlo is a sleepy coastal hamlet that punches well above its weight for nature lovers. This is a place of wild beaches, riverine lagoons, and a laid-back fishing-village vibe that feels a world away from the neon lights of the Gold Coast. With a handful of cafés serving excellent local seafood and a pub with a view, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Croajingolong National Park or simply watching the tides roll in.

Highlights & What to See

• The Marlo Pub – Perched at the mouth of the Snowy River, this iconic weatherboard pub is the social heart of town. Grab a cold beer on the deck and watch the sun set over the river mouth, where pelicans and fishermen share the sandbar.
• Snowy River Mouth – A mesmerising stretch of sand where the river meets the sea. It’s a prime spot for beach fishing, birdwatching, or simply wandering the dunes. Keep an eye out for migrating whales (May–October) and pods of dolphins.
• Croajingolong National Park – A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that begins just south of town. Explore its pristine beaches, coastal heathlands and towering eucalypt forests on foot or by kayak. The Wingan Inlet and Thurra River are standouts for wilderness camping and canoeing.
• Marlo Coastal Walk – A short, easy trail from the township to the ocean beach, winding through banksia scrub and offering sweeping ocean views. Perfect for a dawn or dusk stroll.
• Seafood from the local co-op – Don’t miss the freshly caught gummy shark, flathead and local prawns. The Marlo General Store also does a mean fish and chips to eat on the grass by the river.

Suggested Time to Spend

Marlo itself is tiny – you can see the main sights in a couple of hours – but to truly soak up its wild beauty, plan for two to three days. Use the first day to explore the river mouth and do the coastal walk; spend the second day kayaking or fishing on the Snowy River, and the third day for a deeper foray into Croajingolong National Park. The pace here is slow, so don’t rush – bring a book, a fishing rod, and a sense of adventure.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Orbost – 20 minutes north, this historic timber town has a great local museum, the Snowy River Viaduct, and access to the Snowy River Rail Trail for cycling and walking.
• Cape Conran – 30 minutes south, part of the Croajingolong National Park, with a stunning coastal boardwalk, rock pools and a sheltered beach perfect for swimming.
• Lakes Entrance – 45 minutes west, the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, offering boat cruises, the Griffiths’ Sea Shell Museum, and a buzzing town centre.
• Buchan Caves – An hour’s drive north, these spectacular limestone caves offer guided tours through chambers of stalactites and stalagmites – a cool escape on a hot day.
• Mallacoota – 90 minutes south along the coast, a larger town on the border with NSW, with a beautiful lake system, excellent fishing, and the start of the Wilderness Coast Walk.

Please check official sources for current details.