Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0
Metung is a serene coastal village on the shores of Bancroft Bay, within the Gippsland Lakes system. It offers a quintessential Australian water-escape with calm, fish-filled waters, a relaxed village vibe, and easy access to the wilder Ninety Mile Beach. This is a place for kayaking, sailing, and long seafood lunches on a deck overlooking the water.
Highlights & What to See
- Metung Wharf & Hot Bread Shop: Grab a coffee and a pie from the legendary bakery, then watch the boats bob at the historic wharf. It's a local ritual.
- Bancroft Bay: Perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or a gentle swim. The water is often glassy and warm in summer.
- Metung Galley Café &>; Restaurant: Sit on the deck with a plate of local Gippsland mussels or freshly caught flathead. The sunset views are sublime.
- Walk to Shaving Point: A short coastal walk offers panoramic views over the lakes and out to the ocean. Keep an eye out for pelicans and black swans.
- Lakes Entrance (15 min drive): The bustling hub for lake cruises, the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum, and the ocean beach at Ninety Mile Beach.
Suggested Time to Spend
Metung is best as a relaxed stopover of one or two nights. Arrive by midday to enjoy a leisurely lunch, paddle the bay, and walk to Shaving Point for sunset. Next day, explore Lakes Entrance or take a cruise on the Gippsland Lakes. If you're self-driving the Great Ocean Road or heading between Sydney and Melbourne, it's a perfect detour to slow down and breathe.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Lakes Entrance: The main town for lake cruises, the entrance to the ocean, and the lively foreshore.
- Paynesville: A waterfront village with a ferry to Raymond Island, famous for its koala population.
- Bairnsdale: The regional hub with heritage buildings, the Gippsland Art Gallery, and the beautiful Mitchell River.
- Ninety Mile Beach: Wild, unpatrolled surf beach stretching for miles. Great for a walk or a drive on the sand (4WD recommended).
- Croajingolong National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with pristine beaches, coastal wilderness, and excellent bushwalking.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.