good for you

In the midst of the coastal paradise of Mallacoota on Australia's south-east coast, surrounded by pristine natural beauty and historical significance, lies the historic Karbeethong Lodge. The Lodge's uniqueness is founded in its history as one of the first family homes built in the area. This turn-of-the century built waterfront lodge plays a special role as the oldest building in this small community, with many of the locals recalling vivid memories of childhood stays, weddings, events and family gatherings there.

Bordering the World Heritage-listed Croajingolong National Park, Karbeethong has spectacular views over Mallacoota inlet, making it the perfect location for long bush walks or enjoying Mallacoota's many water-based activities.

Winter or summer this place has plenty to offer. In the colder months you can snuggle up in front of the open wood fire in the living room, or when the temperature heats up you can retreat to the coolness of some of the best national parks and beaches on the Australian coastline.

The name 'Karbeethong' is derived from the indigenous name for 'moonlight over the water'. Sitting on your front verandah, sipping a glass of the local red, you can easily see where the name comes from as the rising moon casts its refection over the lake.

When EJ Brady, one of Australia's best known poets and authors, first visited the Mallacoota region in 1909, he declared the area 'a utopia - a paradise found', and you just might too.

good for mallacoota

One of the most appealing features of Karbeethong Lodge is the important role it plays in the local community, providing an important source of revenue and jobs.

As stated by the owners, "History, community and environment defines everything we do."

The lodge supports many local, arts and environmental initiatives and approximately 80 per cent of revenue spent by visitors remains in the local community. Special events and musical concerts on the property are open to all, and the local choir can be heard practicing here.

Despite the challenges of maintaining an Edwardian era house in a remote location, Karbeethong Lodge does make every effort to be environmentally sustainable. Recycled materials and local wood are used extensively throughout the property for renovations and construction, and recycling, solar and water-saving initiatives have been introduced.

Rooms

Food

The lodge is largely self-catering, with the exception of breakfast where a continental breakfast is served using produce sourced locally from the region.

For other meals, guests can share the lodge's large country kitchen and communal living and dining rooms or use the outdoor barbeques.

Mallacoota is equipped with two good supermarkets stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, and most things you will need to cook up a storm. The Mallacoota Hotel in the main street has a very good bottle shop which sells a variety of Australian wines and beers.

Each guest room has its own fridge and cupboard in the large communal country kitchen, or if you prefer to eat out, there are a range of excellent local restaurants that can be recommended by the owners.

In-house catering for groups can also be arranged with notice.

Features & Facilities

• A unique 12-bedroom historic waterfront lodge-style accommodation with spectacular views over Mallacoota inlet.
• Surrounded by national park 5kms from Mallacoota township.
• Volleyball and badminton net and games on site, and walking distance to boat hire.
• Ideal for group/whole-house bookings, parties, weddings, special events.
• Fully equipped large self-catering country kitchen, dining and lounge rooms with an open wood burning fireplace in the living room.
• Scenic boat or fishing tours in historic wooden boat "Porky Bess" can be arranged to catch some fresh fish that you can cook up in the country-style communal kitchen.
• In keeping with the Lodge's period theme, there are no radios or television sets in the rooms - absolute bliss when you really what to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The only sounds you are likely to hear are the native animals and birds.

See Local Info for more information on activities in the area.

Local Info & Activities

Mallacoota: is a small, unspoiled seaside village with sparkling ocean beaches, lakes, rivers, forests and pristine wilderness areas. Cafes, restaurants, shops, a bakery, a cliff-top golf course, lake tours, a pub with live music and endless golden surf beaches make it a delightful place to visit, either for a short break or a longer stay.

The Top Lake, Bottom Lake, little inlets, cliffs, beaches and mountains reveal innumerable places to explore, boat, fish, walk or simply sit and watch the birds, animals, flora and sunsets.

Croajingolong National Park is an internationally recognised wilderness area with great walks, and abundant native flora and fauna. Walk to the top of Genoa Peak for 360-degree views, or soak up the solitude at Shipwreck Creek.

unesco world biosphere reserve

Croajingolong's landscapes and ecosystems are so valuable that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have nominated it a World Biosphere Reserve.

Wildlife: The national park offers excellent opportunities to observe a diverse range of wildlife. More than 300 species of birds and more than 1,000 plant species flourish here. Sit still for a moment and you can't help but feel like the bush is alive with birds, animals and a myriad of flora. Make sure to take your binoculars and a guide for bird-watching along the Wingan inlet.

Water activities: The pristine waters around Mallacoota offer many opportunities for boating and water sports. You can hire a boat or bring your own and catch a fish on Mallacoota's bottom lake or launch a canoe or kayak at Gypsy Point and explore the tranquil waters of the Genoa and Wallagaraugh rivers. The area is also renowned for abalone diving.

Gabo Island is about 16 km from Mallacoota and can be accessed via a boat-ride or short flight. It is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia dating back to 1853.

Swimming: There are numerous beautiful beaches along this part of the coast. The mouth of the Betka River provides safe swimming in the shallows for children, good fishing and has facilities for a picnic or BBQ. Other nearby beaches are also popular for swimming and surfing or you can just lie on the beach and soak up the sun with a good book.

Eating out: Good food is essential on holiday, and the local cafes and restaurants serve a variety of fresh seafood, foccacia, yummy breakfasts and good coffee.

Arts and crafts: The area is home to a number of artists and craftspeople, whose work can be found in local shops and galleries.

Sustainability

While sustainable practices are often difficult and expensive for properties with such unique circumstances, Karbeethong Lodge has done its best to incorporate the use of solar power, and extensive recycling and water-saving programs to help reduce its environmental footprint.

The lodge is very community-focused providing employment, revenue and services for the small local community.

Wherever possible, fresh produce is sourced from local suppliers and supporting the local community is an important part of the property's philosophy.

Getting There

Mallacoota is located off Highway 1, five and a half hours drive north east of Melbourne, three hours drive from Canberra and six and a half hours drive south of Sydney.

Alternatively, you can catch a one hour flight to Merimbula from Sydney or Melbourne (REX (Regional Express) Airlines from Sydney and Melbourne) and pick up a hire car at Merimbula airport. Mallacoota is forty minutes' drive south of Merimbula airport.

Karbeethong Lodge is 5 kms from Mallacoota township on the Mallacoota Inlet.

insider tips

With Victoria's warmest winter temperatures and cooling summer ocean breezes, the climate makes Mallacoota a great year round destination.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

peak period - december 25 - january 31st and good friday - easter monday

double room:

AUS$120.00 - AUS$180.00 p/night based on double occupancy.

Extra person is charged at $30 p/night.

**Rooms with views at the front of the house are more expensive than those at the back of the house.

Studio suite (self contained): 1 double bed and one pull out double sofa bed. Sleeps a maximum of 4.

$250.00 p/night

off period - (rest of year)

double room:

AUS$85.00 - $120.00 p/night based on double occupancy

AUS $30.00 for an extra person.

**Rooms with views at the front of the house are more expensive than those at the back of the house

Studio suite - self contained. 1 double bed and one pull out double sofa bed. Sleeps a maximum of 4.

AUS$220.00 p/night

• All room rates include a continental breakfast and GST.
• Special rates apply for stays of more than two days or whole-house bookings.

booking & cancellation

• A booking is secured on payment of a non-refundable 10% deposit (10% of total cost of booking).
• Cancellations made within 21 days of your arrival date incur a cancellation fee of the 10% deposit plus the cost of 1 nights accommodation.
• Group bookings must be paid in full 14 days in advance.
• 'No show' cancellations will incur a cancellation fee of the total cost of your booking.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.