welcome TO the
GIPPSLAND LAKES
Australia’s largest and most beautiful inland waterways, the Gippsland Lakes is a vast network of lakes, marshes and lagoons covering more than 600 square kilometres. This unique and tranquil system includes Lake King, Lake Victoria and Lake Wellington, and is fed by rivers such as the Mitchell, Tambo and Nicholson.
Separated from the ocean by the sweeping coastal dunes of Ninety Mile Beach, the lakes are a haven for native bird and marine life. Burrunan dolphins, a rare species found only in Victoria, can often be seen swimming near the shore, while pelicans, black swans and sea eagles frequent many locations throughout the region.
A geographical highlight of the area is the Mitchell River Silt Jetties, one of the longest of its kind in the world. This narrow landform stretches kilometres into Lake King, formed over thousands of years by the slow build-up of sediment. You can drive or walk along the jetty with the river on one side and the lake on the other, surrounded by peaceful scenery and excellent fishing spots. For a great photo opportunity, head to the Eagle Point Bluff Lookout, which offers panoramic views over the lakes and surrounding wetlands.
The Gippsland Lakes also contain several island wildlife havens. Rotamah Island, part of the Lakes National Park, is accessible only by boat and home to a wide range of birdlife,
kangaroos, wallabies and other native animals. It’s a favourite destination for nature walks and picnics in a secluded, peaceful setting.
Raymond Island, just off Paynesville, is famous for its resident koala population. A short car or pedestrian ferry runs regularly across the channel. Once on the island, visitors are encouraged to explore by bike or on foot along the Koala Trail to help preserve the natural environment and spot koalas in their treetop homes.
While the lakes are best seen from the water, whether by kayak, sailboat or cruise, they can also be enjoyed from the shore. Picturesque towns such as Lakes Entrance, Metung and Paynesville offer easy access, a variety of accommodation, and plenty of waterfront cafés, walking trails and family-friendly activities, making the Gippsland Lakes a memorable and accessible escape for all ages.
Main Beach at Lakes Entrance, Credit: Visit Victoria
Paynesville waterways, Credit: Visit Victoria Lakes Entrance, Credit: Visit Victoria
Lakes Entrance
DINING OUT
Lakes Entrance offers a diverse array of dining options, ranging from local seafood to international cuisine, including the quintessential fish and chips.
As a longstanding fishing town, Lakes Entrance plays a pivotal role in Victoria’s fishing industry. It is home to the largest fishing port in southeast Australia, with a fleet that supplies a significant portion of the state’s seafood. The town’s economy thrives on both fishing and tourism, with hundreds of tonnes of seafood transported throughout Victoria from its nearby waterways.
In recent years, the local seafood that was once primarily exported has inspired a growing culinary scene in Lakes Entrance. New cafes and restaurants have emerged, showcasing the region’s fresh produce and offering visitors a taste of the ocean’s bounty.
For seafood enthusiasts, there’s no better place to indulge in shellfish harvested just offshore in the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean. Whether you’re craving garlicinfused prawns or buttery scallops, the town’s eateries cater to all tastes and budgets.
One notable establishment is Off The Wharf, located on Bullock Island Road. This waterfront venue offers a ‘sea to table’ dining experience, allowing patrons to enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the very waters it was sourced from.
Other popular dining spots include Lakes Entrance RSL, Lakes Sports and Community Club, Froggy’s Bistro, Awesome Fish & Chips, and Chocky Sweet Box on The Esplanade, renowned for its delectable hot chocolate.
A short drive from the town centre leads to Wyanga Park Winery, established in 1970. This family-owned winery, situated between the Colquhoun Forest and the North Arm, offers casual wine tastings and hearty meals in a relaxed, rustic bush setting.
Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or a wine enthusiast, Lakes Entrance provides a culinary experience that celebrates its rich maritime heritage and local produce.
the
BUCHAN CAVES
Nestled in the foothills of the Snowy River Valley you will find Buchan Caves Reserve. Home to one of Victoria’s most spectacular natural wonders, this remarkable destination is a yearround favourite, offering something unique in every season.
The true stars of the reserve are Fairy Cave and Royal Cave, part of a breathtaking limestone cave system carved by underground rivers over millions of years. Inside, you’ll be awed by intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite-rimmed pools. Expert-led guided tours run daily from the Buchan Caves Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the geological history and cultural significance of the caves, as well as plan your time in the reserve.
Thanks to their consistent temperature of around 17°C, the caves provide a perfect retreat regardless of the weather, offering cool relief on hot summer days and welcome warmth in winter.
Spring brings a burst of life to the surrounding reserve as native animals become more active and the deciduous trees begin to show fresh new leaves. After rainfall, don’t miss Spring Creek Waterfall, or the chance to see water dripping through the cave ceilings and cascading gently down the limestone walls, a magical sight that adds to the caves’ already otherworldly atmosphere.
In summer, cool off in the refreshing stream-fed swimming pool near the picnic area, then enjoy a barbecue beneath the shady canopy of old trees. Autumn, too, is a highlight, when the valley floor transforms into a carpet of gold and crimson leaves.
For those who like to explore on foot, the reserve has a network of walking trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, lyrebirds, kookaburras, echidnas and even the shy Gippsland water dragon. Even if you don’t spot a lyrebird, you’re likely to hear their impressive mimicry echoing through the bush. Whether you’re marvelling at the underground formations, enjoying a peaceful picnic, or walking through tranquil forest, Buchan Caves Reserve is an unforgettable destination. Be sure to stop by the visitor centre to book your cave tour and get the most out of your visit.
Buchan Caves Reserve | Caves Road, Buchan | Ph: 5162 1900
Tours
(except
Day)
Buchan Caves Reserve, Credit: Visit Victoria
BAIRNSDALE
Bairnsdale is the commercial hub of East Gippsland and offers a variety of shopping, dining, entertainment and sporting facilities, plus galleries and historic buildings to explore.
For families, Howitt Park is a popular riverside spot by the Mitchell River Bridge on the Princes Highway. With an adventure playground, giant slide, flying fox and shaded picnic areas, it’s a great place to relax. The Deptford Picnic Area, 34 km north of town, is also ideal for a bushland picnic.
History buffs shouldn’t miss the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place at 37-53 Dalmahoy Street. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, the museum features a fascinating collection of Indigenous art and artefacts that share the stories of the Gunaikurnai people (entry fees apply).
The Twin Rivers Food & Wine Trail celebrates the region’s excellent produce. Sample wines at Nicholson River Winery, Sarsfield Winery and Lightfoot & Sons Wines, or pick up fresh fruit at Fruit Farm Johnsonville. Just 15 minutes from Bairnsdale, Bruthen is home to the Bullant Brewery (46 Main Street), where you can enjoy handcrafted beers in a relaxed country setting.
Wander historical Main Street to browse local shops and cafes. For more information stop by the Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre at 240 Main Street.
PAYNESVILLE,
Surrounded by the Gippsland Lakes, Paynesville offers a unique lakeside experience with a network of canals, harbours, inlets and straits winding through and around the town. It’s a boating paradise and the perfect base for exploring this tranquil region.
Raymond Island, just a two-minute ferry ride from Paynesville, is a haven for native wildlife, especially koalas. A 1.2 km Koala Trail near the ferry landing offers a gentle walk with excellent chances of spotting these iconic animals in the treetops. Visitors can also hire a bike to explore the island’s quiet roads, hidden beaches, and peaceful bushland. Don’t forget your bathers, the island’s calm beaches are perfect for a swim.
Paynesville is fringed by 400 square kilometres of sheltered water, ideal for boating. Hire a runabout or yacht, or take sailing lessons through the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club. McMillan Strait, between Paynesville and Raymond Island, offers calm waters and scenic views.
Nature lovers can follow the Paynesville to Eagle Point walking trail, which meanders through wetland habitats rich in birdlife. Nearby, the Mitchell River Silt Jetties, one of the world’s longest naturally formed silt jetties, extend into Lake King and are a must-see for photographers and sightseers.
The village itself is home to cafés, waterfront dining, and regular markets, making it a charming spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Gippsland Lakes region.
Raymond Island & Eagle Point
View of Paynesville from Raymond Island, Credit: Visit Victoria
Paynesville waterways, Credit: Visit Victoria
DAY TRIPS
ORBOST
59.3 km 43 min
Nestled along the banks of the Snowy River, where the plains meet the sea, Orbost is a charming town surrounded by natural beauty.
With rolling hills, fertile farmland, dramatic coastlines, and scenic mountain forests, Orbost offers a perfect escape into nature.
Hop on a bike and explore with Snowy River Cycling. Choose a self-guided journey along the East Gippsland Rail Trail or opt for a fully organised tour that includes accommodation, luggage transfers, and transport between the picturesque trail sections.
• East Gippsland Rail Trail
• Snowy River National Park
• Raymond Creek Falls Walk
mallacoota
202 km 2 hrs 24 min
Mallacoota is one of Victoria’s bestkept secrets.
This relaxed and largely undeveloped coastal village is the perfect place to unwind by the beach, nestled on the edge of the stunning Croajingolong National Park - one of Australia’s most beautiful and biodiverse natural areas. As a commercial fishing hub, Mallacoota attracts anglers, recreational fishers, boaters, and abalone divers from near and far.
Located at the far eastern edge of Victoria, Mallacoota is just before the border with New South Wales. For those travelling along the Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive, it’s an ideal stop to relax, explore pristine beaches, camp under the stars, or use as a base for discovering nearby national parks and scenic hikes.
• Gabo Island
• Croajingolong National Park
SALE
105 km 1 hr 22 min
A vibrant port town with a rich cultural atmosphere.
Imagine strolling along bollardlined boardwalks, enjoying lakeside cafes, and immersing yourself in a dynamic arts scene, all surrounded by stunning heritage architecture. Sale, a waterside gem, is home to an extensive network of captivating lakes and rivers and is just a short distance from the world-famous Ninety Mile Beach.
For many visitors, Sale is the perfect gateway to the region’s crown jewel - the Gippsland Lakes, a breathtaking natural wonder. Known for exceptional fishing and boating, Sale is a haven for water adventures.
• Port of Sale
• Swing Bridge
• Gippsland Art Gallery
loch sport
164 km 2 hrs 2 min
Nestled along the breathtaking Ninety Mile Beach, Loch Sport is a charming coastal town situated between the tranquil Lake Victoria and the scenic Bass Strait. Known for its laidback atmosphere, this idyllic spot is perfect for camping, swimming, fishing, and enjoying all things beach-related. During the summer months, Loch Sport becomes a popular getaway destination, offering a range of accommodation options for visitors to enjoy.
• Ninety Mile Beach
• Lake Victoria
*Distances and travel times calculated from departing Lakes Entrance.
Orbost, Credit: Tourism Australia
Lake Guthridge, Sale, Credit: Visit Victoria
Mallacoota Beach, Credit: Visit Victoria
Ninety Mile Beach , Credit: Visit Victoria
EVENTS
february
Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival, Bruthen
Paynesville Music Festival, Paynesville
Hobie Kayak Fishing Series 13, Bemm River
march
Hobie Kayak Fishing Series 13, Bemm River
Bairnsdale Cup
East Gippsland Convoy for Kids, Lakes Entrance
Australian Adventure Festival Multi-Sport Event
april
Metung Lions Seafood Festival, Metung
East Gippsland Field Days, Bairnsdale
Great East Rail Trail Ride
Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club Easter Regatta
Mount Nowa Nowa Challenge Fun Run, Nowa Nowa
Colour Ya World Fun Run, Bairnsdale
may
Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge, Gipsland Lakes
Lakes Entrance Epic Mountain Bike & Trail Running Event, Lakes Entrancea
South East NOW Exhibition, Bairnsdale
Medieval Winter Fire Festival, Bruthen
Mother’s Day Classic, Bairnsdale
Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally
Lindenow Arts Inc Exhibition
june
East Gippsland Winter Festival
July
East Gippsland Winter Festival
Fire & Ice, Metung
Lakes, Lights & Lantern Parade, Lakes Entrance
Twin Rivers Beam Classic
August
EROAD Aust Rally Championship
September
Snowy River Sprint, Lakes Entrance & Buchan
Explore Gippsland Adventure Race
october
Colour Ya World Run/Walk, Buchan
Rocktober Festival, Lakes Entrance
Great East Rail Trail Ride
Australian Adventure Festival, Lakes Entrance
Hobie Kayak Fishing Series 13, Bemm River
november
Omeo High Country Caravan & RV Muster
Omeo & District Show, Omeo
Alpine Rally of East Gippsland, Lakes Entrance
Metung Fun Run, Metung
Bairnsdale Show, Bairnsdale
SuperTrail Series East Gippsland
december
New Year’s Eve Festival, Lakes Entrance Foreshore
New Year’s Eve Festival & Fireworks, Lakes Entrance
Christmas Carol Festival, Bairnsdale
WEEKLY EVENT
Parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5km community event.
Every Saturday at 8.00am
Come along and join in whatever your pace.
Please register before you first come along.
www.parkrun.com.au/bairnsdale
www.parkrun.com.au/lakesentrance
Memorial Park (Lakes Entrance Rotunda)
Bairnsdale Parkrun - Mitchell Port Road
For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to visiteastgippsland.com.au
Early morning around Lakes Entrance, Credit: Visit Victoria