Authorities have warned locals and holidaygoers in Mallacoota they are vulnerable with a cool change and strong winds likely to fan a nearby out-of-control bushfire towards the tiny and isolated East Gippsland town.

An emergency community meeting was held in the sleepy coastal town, which is surrounded by the wilderness of the Croajingolong National Park, early on Monday hours after more than 100 firefighters arrived overnight.

"The concern is a big fire could be coming, but it will be coming in the middle of the night," Darryl Burns, ranger in charge of fire and emergency operations in East Gippsland, told residents at the meeting.

"That wind change will drive the fire towards us. It will be a long day and a long night."