Gippsland Lakes

Stretching along Victoria's east coast, the Gippsland Lakes form Australia's largest inland network of waterways, a shimmering mosaic of lagoons, lakes, and winding channels separated from the Bass Strait by the Ninety Mile Beach. This is a place where you can kayak through silent paperbark forests, spot pelicans and black swans, and watch the sunset paint the water in hues of apricot and lavender. The lakes are a paradise for boaters, birdwatchers, and anyone craving a slow, waterborne escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Paynesville & Raymond Island: Hire a kayak or take the free ferry to Raymond Island, famous for its resident koala population – keep an eye on the treetops as you walk the Koala Trail.
• Metung: A charming fishing village with a lively waterfront, perfect for a seafood lunch or a sunset cruise. The Bancroft Esplanade offers great views and cafés.
• Lakes Entrance: The bustling hub where the lakes meet the ocean. Stroll the footbridge over the entrance channel, visit the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum, and join a dolphin-spotting cruise.
• The Mitchell River Silt Jetties: Unique finger-like sand and silt formations that extend into the lake – a surreal landscape best explored by boat or kayak.
• Ninety Mile Beach: Wild, unpatrolled ocean beach ideal for long walks, fishing, and watching the waves roll in from the Southern Ocean.
• Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail: A 27-kilometre shared path between Lakes Entrance and Metung, offering excellent cycling and walking with lake views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least 2 to 3 days to truly soak in the Gippsland Lakes. Spend day one exploring the eastern side: arrive in Lakes Entrance, explore the town and entrance channel, and take a sunset cruise. On day two, head west: kayak from Paynesville to Raymond Island for koala spotting, then lunch in Metung. If you have a third day, venture onto the Mitchell River silt jetties or simply relax on Ninety Mile Beach. With more time, add a day for sailing or fishing – the lakes are a boater's dream.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sale: A historic town on the Thomson River, gateway to the lakes with a lovely botanical garden and the Port of Sale precinct.
• Bairnsdale: The main service centre for the region, with a fine regional art gallery and the heritage-listed St Mary's Church.
• Croajingolong National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with pristine beaches, coastal wilderness, and excellent bushwalking – about an hour east of Lakes Entrance.
• Phillip Island: Famous for its penguin parade and dramatic coastal scenery, a 3-hour drive west – great for a day trip or overnight stop.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park: Victoria's southernmost point with stunning hikes, granite mountains, and wild beaches – 2.5 hours south-west.

Please check official sources for current details.