The Australian Defence Force has managed to reach Mallacoota over land but the winding two-lane road to the isolated township could be blocked to civilian traffic for up to another month.

Hundreds of soldiers are involved in the slow and dangerous work of clearing fallen and badly burnt trees along the badly damaged Princes Highway – the major thoroughfare between East Gippsland and the NSW South Coast – as well as the only road out of Mallacoota.

Australian Defence Force troops and members of Forest Fire Management Victoria clear felled trees on the Princes Highway just outside Genoa. Credit:Private Luke Jones/7RAR 1 Brigade/ADF

While army convoys are bringing in supplies, the risk of falling trees and fire mean the road remains too dangerous for any residents, volunteers or remaining holidaymakers to drive out of the town yet.

Cooler weather forecast for this week will allow additional resources to be diverted towards road clearing, with a focus on reopening the road to the two isolated communities of Club Terrace and Combienbar.