destination – Gippsland

GIPPSLAND
The many delights of Lakes Entrance

A late afternoon walk along the water’s edge in Lakes Entrance is a truly scenic experience.

Not only do you have the reflection of the setting sun on the town’s many boats moored in the harbour, there’s the joy of walking along a near deserted beach. A mystical salty sea spray blanketing the coast in the distance adds to the serene picture.

>> Destination Gippsland, Weekends For Two

Then there are the numerous birds including the always comical pelicans and majestic black swans.

Follow such a walk with a great seafood meal and you’ll understand why Lakes Entrance has been attracting visitors for well over 100 years.

As the name suggests Lakes Entrance is where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. The Gippsland Lakes system is Australia’s biggest and most beautiful expanse of inland waterways with over 400 square kilometres of lakes, rivers, lagoons and islands to explore.

Lakes Entrance also offers really easy access to the Ninety Mile Beach (also aptly named as it offers 90 miles of wonderful sandy beach).
All you need do is walk across a footbridge and you’re on the beach.

One of the best places to fully appreciate Lakes Entrance’s stunning location is from the lookout at Kalimna Hill. On a clear day you’ll see some 60 kilometres of inland lakes, the entrance to the ocean, Ninety Mile Beach and Bass Strait.

Given all this water it’s no surprise to discover Lakes Entrance is an angler’s delight. There’s no shortage of operators on hand to help you catch your own fish. However if you prefer to let others do the work there’s also a Fishing Co-operative which sells the freshest fish imaginable.

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the lakes region is to join a cruise. You’ll find several on offer which also provide interesting information about the lakes system.

Lakes Entrance is also a great base from which to explore many of East Gippsland’s other attractions.

These include the 1892 built Nyerimilang Homestead and Park which is renowned for its gardens and birdlife. The homestead’s semi-formal gardens and lawns and walking tracks attract many species of birds including honeyeaters, waterbirds and birds of prey. Magnificent views across Reeve Channel and the lakes beyond are another highlight.

Great views are also on offer on the drive from Lakes Entrance to Metung.

The waterside village of Metung is regarded as one of Victoria’s most picturesque villages. Sitting on Bancroft Bay, it’s renowned for its village green and hotel overlooking the water. Another great way to experience Metung is by joining one of the commercial cruises which operate between the town and Lakes Entrance.

Paynesville is another pretty village. It’s surrounded by the Gippsland Lakes on three sides. Its canals and inlets offer plentiful sheltered moorings for yachts and cruisers. Anglers, windsurfers, jet skiers and water skiers also flock to the town to take to the water.

Lake Tyers is also renowned for its beauty as it’s bordered by ocean, state forest and a river that meanders inland to Nowa Nowa.

Wildlife and scenery are the highlights of a trip to Lake Tyers State Park. Lyrebirds, black-faced flycatchers, brown warblers, wonga pigeons, the rufous fantail, echidnas, goannas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos are all known to live in the park.

A little further afield you’ll find Croajingolong National Park, a most remarkable area, thanks to its diverse ecosystems and incredible natural beauty comprising of coast, riverlands and hinterland. Indeed the area is so special it’s now a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.