Mallacoota is a small town in the East Gippsland region in the state of Victoria, Australia. At the 2016 census, Mallacoota had a population of 1,063. At holiday times, particularly Easter and Christmas, the population increases by about 8,000. It is the last official township on Victoria's east coast before the border with New South Wales. Mallacoota has a regional airport (Mallacoota Airport) YMCO (XMC) consisting of a gravel runway for light planes and an asphalt runway for commercial planes flying from Melbourne. It is a popular holiday spot for boating, fishing, walking the wilderness coast, swimming, birdwatching, and surfing. The Mallacoota Arts Council runs events throughout each year. Mallacoota Inlet is one of the main villages along the wilderness coastal walk from New South Wales to Victoria, and Gipsy Point is located at the head of the inlet. History Prehistory the area was part of the territory of the Bidawal people. Shore-based whaling may have taken place in the area in 1841 under the direction of Captain John Stevenson. Settlers started to arrive in the 1830s. A small timber lighthouse was installed on nearby Gabo Island in 1854, and the existing granite lighthouse was completed in 1862. By the 1880s commercial fishing was well established, with some catch being shipped south to Melbourne. At the same time the first tourists started to arrive. Gold was discovered in 1894, after which the Spotted Dog Mine operated for three years. Mallacoota Post Office opened on 7 May 1894 and Mallacoota West in 1901. In 1928 Mallacoota West was renamed Mallacoota, and Mallacoota became Mallacoota East (closing in 1940). A satellite airfield was constructed during World War II for the purpose of coastal defence. During the 20th century the logging, farming and fishing industries in the area declined, and the tourism and abalone industries grew. The town's largest employer, the abalone co-operative, was formed in 1967. In December 2019, fires in the East Gippsland region had a "significant impact" on Mallacoota and the nearby town of Genoa. Geography Mallacoota is one of the most isolated towns in the state of Victoria, off the Princes Highway and and six hours from Melbourne. It is and seven hours from Sydney, New South Wales. It is halfway between Melbourne and Sydney when travelling via Princes Highway, though that is a long route between Australia's two main cities. It is known for its wild flowers, abalone