Photo: ShakyIsles / CC BY-SA 4.0
Stretching for 90 uninterrupted kilometres along Victoria’s remote east coast, Ninety Mile Beach is a wild, windswept expanse of golden sand that feels like the edge of the world. This is not a place for swimming (riptides are fierce) but for walking, beachcombing, four-wheel-driving, and soaking up the raw, untamed beauty of the Bass Strait coast. The nearby Gippsland Lakes provide a calm, sheltered counterpoint, making this a region of dramatic contrasts.
Highlights & What to See
- Ninety Mile Beach itself – Walk or drive along the endless shoreline, watching for seabirds, dolphins, and the occasional whale passing by. The beach is a designated vehicle route, so a 4WD is essential for exploring its length.
- Lakes Entrance – The bustling hub where the Gippsland Lakes meet the sea. Hire a boat, join a fishing charter, or stroll the footbridge over the entrance channel to watch boats navigate the narrow cut.
- Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – A protected stretch of dunes, heathland, and wetlands behind the beach. Look for wallabies, echidnas, and a dazzling array of birdlife on the walking trails.
- Seaspray – A small, laid-back town at the beach’s western end, with a great surf beach (safer for swimming) and a classic country pub. It’s the perfect base for a beachside picnic.
- Golden Beach – A quieter settlement with direct 4WD access to the beach, known for its fishing and proximity to the Gippsland Lakes.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan for at least two full days to appreciate the scale and variety of the region. Spend one day exploring the beach itself – drive a section, stop for walks, and have a picnic at Seaspray or Golden Beach. Dedicate the second day to the Gippsland Lakes: hire a kayak or take a cruise from Lakes Entrance, then explore the coastal park’s trails. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Sale or Bairnsdale can cover the highlights, but you’ll only scratch the surface.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wilsons Promontory National Park – Victoria’s southernmost point, about 2 hours’ drive west, with world-class hiking, granite peaks, and pristine beaches.
- Buchan Caves – A 90-minute drive north, these limestone caves offer guided tours through stunning underground chambers.
- Croajingolong National Park – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve east of the beach, with remote coastal wilderness, kayaking on the Mallacoota Inlet, and excellent birdwatching.
- Sale – A historic town on the way, with a charming main street, the Port of Sale precinct, and the Gippsland Art Gallery.
- Metung – A picturesque lakeside village with waterfront dining, boutique shops, and a relaxed holiday vibe – perfect for a lunch stop.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.