Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0
Metung is a serene fishing village on the Gippsland Lakes, offering a quintessential taste of coastal Victoria. With its calm waters, jetties, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect escape for those seeking water-based activities and fresh seafood. The village exudes a quiet charm, with a handful of excellent cafés and restaurants overlooking the water.
Highlights & What to See
- Gippsland Lakes: Explore Australia’s largest navigable inland lake system by kayak, boat, or stand-up paddleboard. The tranquil waters are ideal for birdwatching and fishing.
- Metung Wharf: A picturesque spot to watch fishing boats come in, grab a coffee from the kiosk, and soak up the views. It’s also the departure point for lake cruises.
- Bancroft Bay: A calm, protected bay perfect for swimming or a gentle paddle. The surrounding parklands are great for a picnic.
- Metung Village: Stroll the main street lined with boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss the Metung Hotel for a classic pub meal with water views.
- Lakes Entrance: A short drive away, this bustling town offers the Ninety Mile Beach, ocean fishing, and the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes.
Suggested Time to Spend
Metung is best enjoyed over a leisurely two to three days. Spend your first day exploring the village and wharf, then hire a boat or kayak for a full day on the lakes. A third day allows for a side trip to Lakes Entrance or a longer paddle to remote sandbars. The pace here is slow – embrace it.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Lakes Entrance: 20 minutes’ drive – for ocean beaches, the surf club, and the lively foreshore.
- Paynesville: 25 minutes – another lake town with a ferry to Raymond Island, famous for its koala population.
- Bairnsdale: 30 minutes – the regional hub with heritage buildings, markets, and the Mitchell River.
- Nyerimilang Heritage Park: 15 minutes – a historic homestead with walking trails and panoramic lake views.
- East Gippsland Rail Trail: Cycle or walk sections of this 100km trail through forest and farmland.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Lakes Entrance — fir0002 flagstaffotos [at] gmail.com Canon 20D + Canon 17-40mm f/4 L / GFDL 1.2
- Paynesville — Brycewhite / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bairnsdale — CC BY-SA 3.0
- East Gippsland Rail Trail — jjron / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Gippsland Lakes — fir0002 flagstaffotos [at] gmail.com Canon 20D + Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L / GFDL 1.2