Holiday houses in Marlo

At the mouth of the Snowy River, the town of Marlo sits between riverside pastures and rainforest, where the Bass Strait meets the Tasman Sea, in Victoria. The seaside village, with a population of about 600, is quite small, defined mainly by one general store and a pub. Looking towards Snowy River, a jetty and ramp host visiting boats that quietly come and go with the tides. This tranquility here is what attracts visitors to book local Marlo accommodations and campsites in the area.

That and the coastal parks and nature reserves that serve up an abundance of trails, bush camping, fishing, and boating. Cape Conran Coastal Park is one such spot, and a popular place to immerse yourself in nature. Its wild ocean beaches, unusual rock formations, and heathlands are teeming with wildlife, including wombats, nectar-feeding birds, and Victoria’s biggest lizard. At the cape itself there are a choice of rocky and sandy beaches to visit, with a scenic coastal boardwalk where you’ll find interpretive signs that give insight into the Aboriginal history of the area.

Victoria’s moderately variable climate sees Marlo heat up between December and February, when the area comes to life with visitors looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Although it’s still temperate enough for activities such as fishing and hiking, both the climate and visitor numbers cool between March and May. Local life is more at the forefront during these months, when you can experience events such as the regional agricultural show that’s held annually in March. This classic country affair showcases pedigree livestock alongside local crafts and cakes. September and November see the weather warm up again, but these are also the area’s wettest months. If you’re looking for a sun, sea, and sand adventure, January and February are the months to choose as they’re the driest and warmest.

East Gippsland Rail Trail

A few kilometres north of Marlo, the town of Orbost is linked to the East Gippsland Rail Trail — a disused railway just under 100 kilometres in length that’s been transformed into a popular hiking, biking, and equestrian trail. With its gentle gradients, a hard-pack gravel surface, and no vehicles allowed, it makes for ideal cycling terrain. Pass through rolling farmland and coastal lakes, beneath historic railway bridges, and through quirky little towns offering plenty of rest stops.

Marlo Coastal Reserve

The shallow waters in the protected bounds of the Marlo Coastal Reserve are ideal for fishing year-round. Follow the short Snowy River Estuary Walk from Marlo past Mots Beach to get up close with the flora and fauna of the park’s coastal salt marsh, Banksia Woodlands, and Littoral Rainforest. Take the path to its conclusion at Frenches Narrows for panoramic views of the estuary and the ocean beyond, and if you’re lucky you may well spot some dolphins or a whale along the way.

Cape Conran

Head to Cape Conran and catch a wave when the surf’s up. There are surf lessons for novices that include wetsuits, surfboards, and even sunscreen — so all you need to do is show up and stand up (or try to). Cape Conran’s waves are gentle enough for children to learn on and are also suitable for body boarding.