Marlo: Coastal town at the mouth of the Snowy River

Marlo lies at the mouth of the Snowy River, where it flows directly into the Southern Ocean. The landscape includes wild ocean beaches as well as the sheltered estuaries of the Snowy River. The river mouth and open coast shape the town in different ways. As you explore Marlo, you can experience this connection on the Snowy River Estuary Walk, which starts in the coastal town.

Walk through coastal vegetation

The Snowy River Estuary Walk is just over five kilometres long. The stated duration for one direction is one hour and 40 minutes. This time estimate applies specifically to one direction, not to the return trip. Check the latest route information before your visit so you can plan your time accordingly.

The walk passes through Banksia Woodland, coastal saltmarsh and critically endangered Littoral Rainforest. These three vegetation types provide a distinctive landscape setting for the walk: instead of focusing only on the coast, the route also passes through different forms of coastal vegetation. For those interested in landscape and nature, the appeal lies both in the walk itself and in the habitats it crosses.

The approach to town also makes the transition between river and coast clear. Over the final kilometres from Orbost to Marlo, the Snowy River widens into an estuary shaped by birdlife and marine life. This means the estuary is not only part of the town’s scenery, but also a striking landscape feature on the way to Marlo.

Cultural connections and history

The First Nations cultural connection to Marlo’s coast stretches back tens of thousands of years. This long-standing connection is an important part of the coastal landscape’s history. It adds a cultural perspective to Marlo as a nature destination, extending far beyond the town’s more recent history.

Another historic landmark is the Marlo Hotel. Established in 1886, it is one of the town’s earliest landmarks. Together with the long-standing cultural connections, this place shows that Marlo’s history spans several periods: from the First Nations connection to the coast to an early town landmark.

Activities on and around the water

You can fish in the Marlo estuary and from platforms along the Snowy River. Another way to experience the waterways is to dive from boats: visitors can dive for crayfish and abalone in Marlo’s waters. The boat ramp at Marlo Jetty is another specific point of reference for anyone interested in boating activities.

These offer a range of ways to enjoy the water: fishing is possible both in the estuary and from platforms along the river, while diving for crayfish and abalone is specifically done from boats. If you’re visiting Marlo for its waterways, you can distinguish between these activities by how they’re done and plan accordingly.

Marlo as a base for your stay

Marlo brings together the starting point for the walk, the coast, the river estuary and cultural landmarks. You can tailor your search for hotels in Marlo to the experiences that interest you most.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: North Melbourne, Harrietville, Ballarat, Betley, Raywood, Yarrawonga, Lethbridge, Skenes Creek.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.