Visit Marlo...
The Mouth of the Snowy River
It is one of those trivia questions that very few people know the answer to: “What is the town at the mouth of the Snowy River?” The Snowy winds through the low-lying, fertile river flats and then turns north and runs beside the sea protected by a long line of sand dunes.
At low tide it is possible, if you are prepared to go for a short swim, to cross the river and walk out to the entrance of the river which has become a popular surfing location. Otherwise, very conveniently, there is a Marine Parade which runs along the top of the ridge above the river and offers a number of good viewing points and an excellent walking track.
Cape Conran
Cape Conran Coastal Park covers a total of 11,700 ha of coastal wilderness from Point Ricardo to Sydenham Inlet. It is an ideal destination for walkers featuring an attractive rocky peninsula which has a pleasant 2.5 km clifftop walk and pristine beaches which are ideal for swimming, fishing, diving and boating.
The easiest access is via the coastal road at Marlo which heads east to Cape Conran. The road passes superb lookouts over the Snowy River mouth and the ocean coastline.
Fishing in the Area and the Corringle Slips
Marlo has a number of boat ramps and slipways (it really does cater for anglers) including the historic Corringle Slips on the far side of the river opposite the town. Access to the Corringle Slips is via Corringle Road which leaves the Princes Highway at Newmerella south of Orbost. The Corringle Slips were built by Samuel Richardson (who built the PS Curlip) when the Orbost Shipping Company was operating. The Slips were washed away in the 1893 floods and reassembled by Martin Jorgensen who then became a part owner. The Slips have camping facilities, toilets, a picnic area and are known as a good fishing location. It is recognised that surf fishing is best at Frenches Narrows, Point Ricardo, Yeerung, Corringle and around the Snowy River estuary.
Estuary Walk
The Snowy River Estuary Walk runs from Marine Parade to Frenches Narrows and provides an opportunity to explore the unique environs surrounding the Snowy River estuary.
The walk provides elevated views of the estuary, river mouth and the sweep of coastline to Point Ricardo in the east. The numerous boardwalk sections provide excellent vantage points to observe birdlife. The walk is a total of 5.1 km, takes around 1 hour 40 minutes one way.
Marlo Hotel
At the heart of the town sits the Marlo Hotel, perched on the hill, overlooking the estuaries and entrance. The Marlo Hotel, established in 1886, has been operating for over 120 years, offering accommodation, private function areas, good food, cold beverages, clean ocean air and a friendly pub atmosphere.
The Road from Orbost to Marlo
The road from Orbost to Marlo follows the Snowy River and passes a number of excellent locations beside the river where you can set up camp, have a picnic or just relax and do a bit of fishing. There is also, on the far side of the river, an unusual area of warm temperate rainforest with vines, lianas and lilly pilly trees which is home to bell-birds and thornbills. Notice how rich the river flats are. The Snowy has been known to flood three times a year and the soils are fertile and ideal for dairy grazing.
Bird Watching
Twitchers unite, East Gippsland is a thriving paradise full of feathered friends. Birds have found a place to love, with less human interaction, a choice of native forests and wetlands combine to bring an ideal habitat. The wilderness of the coastline even attracts some endangered species which are often found in some remote parts of the Croajingolong National Park.
The Mitchell River National Park is home to the lyrebird, bowerbird, rose robin, honeyeater and more. These can often be spotted while walking the tracks in the area, and sometimes by car. If you are wishing to twitch your way into spotting some top-knot pigeons, black bittern or striated heron you may like to try paddling from the Gipsy Point Jetty.
East Gippsland Rail Trail
Pedal power your way through most of East Gippsland by following this historical railway journey. You will be greeted with rolling hills, vibrant forests and grand old bridges with views worthy of a rest stop.
The countryside is ever changing as you roll your way along the trail. Look out for wandering wombats and friendly horses. Take your time, the villages along the way are worth your while and welcome you with country hospitality and a comfy nights rest. This is the perfect trail for a multi-day ride, or shorter day trips.
Credit to: Aussie Towns, Visit Gippsland, Visit East Gippsland
