Lakes Entrance
Itinerary written for a Couple
Known affectionately as Lakes by the locals, this welcoming holiday destination is full of seaside appeal. Renowned for our spectacular national parks, vast wilderness, and incredible waterways, Lakes is the perfect holiday destination either on or off the water.
Upon arrival into Lakes Entrance, visitors are greeted with spectacular ocean and lake views, perhaps a pod of dolphins fishing in the entrance, and a beautiful drive through town along the front lake.
Imagine being on the doorstep of amazing lakes, wild surf beaches as far as the eye can see and forest walks supported by an emerging team of cultural tour guides.
Come for the walking, kayaking, SUP adventures. Stay for the hospitality, wilderness, and splendid isolation.
Getting here
- Lakes Entrance is a leisurely 4hr/320km drive east of Melbourne along the A1.
- V-Line offers 2 trains daily with connection to coach from Bairnsdale. 4hrs 40min
Fun Facts
- Lakes Entrance was originally known as Cunninghame after a family of squatters who settled in the area.
- An artificial entrance was created in 1889 to allow permanent navigable entry to the lakes.
- Of geomorphological interest are Cunninghame Arm at Lakes Entrance which is a relic of a narrow channel that connected the Lakes to the ocean before the creation of the artificial entrance in 1889
- John Reeves explored the lakes in 1843 and settlers arrived and cattle runs were established soon after.
- Fishing, on a commercial basis, began in 1878.
- Our Burrunan dolphins are one of only two known resident populations in Victoria and were formally described and named inn 2011. There have only been four new dolphin species discovered since the late 1800’s!
- Population 6495 as of the 2021 census
Day 1
DISCOVER OUR TOWN
Travel through temperate rainforests, over beautiful high country plains or admire the spectacular view of the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes as you wind down the hill into the town of Lakes Entrance. On arrival, visit one of the many amazing cafes sitting along the waters of Cunningham Arm for a coffee and baked delight.
To stretch your legs after the morning drive, take a walk along the boardwalk through town; admire Australia’s largest fishing fleet floating peacefully on the water and learn about the history of our town through numerous signs and plaques. Be sure to stop and spend a minute of contemplation with the 6 WWI memorial chainsaw sculptures carved from the original memorial Cypress Trees planted in 1924. As you stroll along the waters edge, be sure to stop in at the Visitor Information Centre as you walk by, for some friendly advice on all the things to see and do in our area.
Lunch
The Central Hotel
After a loop of the town you are sure to have worked up an appetite. Choose from the Award winning Central Hotel menu and enjoy your choices while you sit outside looking over the water. We recommend trying one of their fresh off the boat sea food options!
Afternoon
To discover the town
Enjoy these hand picked options to fill your afternoon:
- Shopping; Some of our favorites include Bulmers Gifts, The Hub, The Surf Shack, Frolic Lifestyle by the sea You will be able to check off your gift list in no time!
- Take a walk along the recently upgraded Entrance Walk
A favorite stroll for locals and visitors alike
- Stop by Iceworks to view their current art exhibition and be wowed by some virtual reality art instillations.
Save time to stop by the Sea Shell Museum which is internationally acclaimed as one of the largest private collections of natural marine life ever displayed! Established in 1962, their collection includes over 90,000 world wide shells!
Dinner
Nicks Thai and Japanese Restaurant
Pick from the authentic Thai & Japanese menu and enjoy your choices at either the indoor or outdoor seating areas. Pad Thai is a local favourite.
Evening
Learn the art of pouring resin to create your own beach inspired chicory board at Saltwater Creative.
Take in a spectacular sunset over the Gippsland Lakes from Bullock Island. If you are lucky you may spot some of our resident dolphins, a seal or a sea eagle.
Accommodation
Sandbar Motel; our goal is to make you feel at home. We believe that it’s the little things that make a big difference. Our promise to you is that you will have a clean comfortable room with personalised touches to make you feel welcome and appreciated as our guest.
Day 2
LOCAL CULTURE AND FOOD
Breakfast
THE BUSH CAFÉ and Aboriginal Art Gallery
THE BUSH CAFÉ and Aboriginal Art Gallery
Drop in for a yarn and a feed at the Bush Café. Enjoy the quiet bush setting before wandering through the adjoining Aboriginal Art Gallery. Offering a wide range of artworks from many talented Aboriginal artists, it is a warm and engaging space that offers visitors an opportunity to feel the connection that Traditional Owners have to Country and culture.
Lunch
cruise to Wyanga Park Winery
Wyanga Park Winery The lunch cruise departs from the Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance at 11am and returns at 3pm. You will enjoy a leisurely cruise past the entrance, along the North Arm to Wyanga Park Winery. On arrival at the winery you will choose a sumptuous lunch from our restaurant menu, enjoy freshly baked bread and local cheese board, and a full wine tasting served by your own personal host. Our favorite is the 2020 Cabernet!
Dinner
Sodafish
Floating at the middle boat harbor you will find Sodafish, a fantastic restaurant that showcases the freshest, seasonal catch from the Lakes Entrance fishing fleet. Executive chef and owner Nick Mahlook has put together a menu that is all about supporting his local community but also showcasing what this amazing region has to offer. Think Nostalgic charm meets modern classics. They may even throw another octopus on the barbie for you!
Evening
Stroll back to your nearby accommodation, perhaps stop for a drink along the way at The Servo.
Drive to one of our lookout areas to watch Sunset over the Gippsland Lakes, a sight that you can never get sick of.
Accommodation
Beachcomber Holiday Units is an award winning owner operated boutique accommodation ideally located in the centre of Lakes Entrance. Beachcomber provides outstanding personalised customer service to ensure that you enjoy your stay in their clean and comfortable units.
Day 3
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Up early for a once in a lifetime experience; Watch the sun rise from the skies above the Gippsland Lakes on a 15min Helicopter ride with Lakes Entrance Helicopters. This is your chance to really experience the grandeur of the largest inland water ways in the southern hemisphere, see the famous entrance from above and grab your very own postcard perfect pic from the skies.
Breakfast
Funky Monkey
Come and enjoy great food & exceptional coffee in a relaxed atmosphere at Funky Monkey. Focusing on freshness & quality, you are sure to tempted by the large selection of house made cakes, sweets & pastries.
Morning
Lunch
Fish and Chips
A trip to seafood paradise would not be complete without a lunch of fresh fish and chips! We recommend award winning Wild catch. The only fish and chip shop in town with their own trawler, you are sure to have the freshest catch of the day!
Afternoon
A Scenic Cruise with Lonsdale ECO Cruises is sure to be a highlight of your time in Lakes Entrance.
Travel along the stunning Gippsland Lakes keeping an eye out for dolphins, seals, kangaroos and birds.
Leaving from Cunningham Quay in Lakes Entrance this 3hr cruise will take you through to Lake King, taking in Baxter, Flannigan, Fraser and Rigby islands along the way.
Dinner
The Waterwheel Beach Tavern
The Waterwheel Beach Tavern is set on the waters edge at Lakes Tyres, the Tav as it’s fondly known by locals, overlooks the Ninety Mile Beach. Offering a diverse range of delicious meals, and a variety of thirst quenching beers, ciders, spirits and wines, a tranquil ocean view and an expansive deck, this little haven is not to be missed.
After dinner, enjoy a stroll along the ocean beach and into the sun set with the sound of waves guiding your way.
Accommodation
8 Acres
Day 4
STORIES TO BE TOLD
Breakfast
Albert and Co
Albert & Co are one of East Gippslands ambassadors at showcasing the regions fabulous and thriving local produce. Whether it’s the fresh local seafood straight off the boats, (to farm free) free range eggs – all ingredients stand out in each dish!
This morning you have time to explore a little more before head for home. As you can see 3 nights was barely enough time to fit in everything Lakes Entrance has to offer, let alone some of the small towns around us. We recommend a trip to Buchan to see the famous Buchan Caves. On the way you could stop for some pictures at the Trestle Bridge or enjoy a short Rainforest walk.
Wow, what a truly unforgettable experience the last 4 days have been! As you scroll through all of your amazing photos, make sure to pick a few to post online to show everyone some of the amazing and unique experiences you had during your time in #lakesentrance
Trip Highlights
- Scenic helicopter ride over the largest inland waterway in the southern hemisphere.
- The chance to see the resident Burrunan Dolphins
- Incredible sun sets
- The best fresh seafood meals on offer
- Seeing the hidden gems of Lakes like a local
- Explore local galleries
Segway adventure along the famous 90 mile beach - Personal wine tasting experience at a local winery
