Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a relaxed coastal town on Victoria’s Gippsland Lakes, where the vast inland waterways meet the ocean. It’s a haven for water lovers, with calm lagoons perfect for kayaking, fishing, and boating. The town itself is unpretentious, with a working fishing fleet, seafood co-ops, and a long sandy beach at Ninety Mile Beach. It’s a great stop for self-drivers exploring the coast between Sydney and Melbourne.

Highlights & What to See

• Gippsland Lakes Cruise – Explore the interconnected lakes and channels on a scenic cruise, spotting birdlife and historic jetties.
• Ninety Mile Beach – This wild, endless stretch of sand is perfect for long walks, beach fishing, and watching the surf.
• Lakes Entrance Fishermen’s Co-op – Grab a takeaway of fresh local fish and chips, or buy live crayfish and prawns straight from the boat.
• Bushrangers Bay – A short walk leads to a stunning lookout over the bay and the entrance channel.
• Griffiths Point & the Sandbar – Watch boats navigate the narrow channel between the lakes and the ocean, a fascinating sight at any tide.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one full day here, arriving in the morning and leaving the next day after a relaxed breakfast. If you’re into fishing or kayaking, consider two days to explore the lakes more thoroughly. The town is compact, so you can see the main sights in an afternoon, but the real draw is getting out on the water.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Metung – A charming waterfront village with a yacht club and great dining, just 20 minutes’ drive.
• Paynesville – Another lovely lakeside town with a ferry to Raymond Island, known for its koala population.
• Buchan Caves – Impressive limestone caves about an hour’s drive north, with guided tours through stunning formations.
• Croajingolong National Park – A wilderness of beaches, dunes, and coastal heath, ideal for bushwalking and camping, about 1.5 hours east.
• Sale – A historic town with a fascinating port and the Gippsland Centre for Art and History, 40 minutes west.

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