Lakes Entrance
Population 4,600
Lakes Entrance is at the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, Australia's largest
inland water system. It is 360km (224 miles) east of Melbourne, 840km (522
miles) south of Sydney and 429km (267 miles) south-west of Canberra.
Climate
Lakes Entrance has a temperate climate. The average maximum Êtemperature
in summer is 33C (91F), in winter 21C (70F). There is some rain in July
and August, and occasional overnight showers in summer.
Characteristics
The largest town on Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance is a popular holiday
destination. It has a spectacular hinterland with mountains (snow in
winter), rivers and forests. Wildlife in the area includes dolphins and
water birds, kangaroos, wombats, koalas and bush birds.
How to Get There By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, provides interstate connections.
By Rail
V/Line, 13 6196, offer a road and rail combination to Lakes Entrance.
By Road
Access is via Princes Highway from Melbourne and Sydney, and the Cann Valley
Highway from Canberra.
By Air
Flying is not the preferred method of access to this area, but regional
connections can be made throughout the district and the Visitor Information
Centre will be able to advise on the timetables and routes that suit your
itinerary.
Visitor Information
The Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre is on the corner of Marine
Parade and The Esplanade, (03) 5155 1966. They are hopen 9am-5pm daily.
Contact them over the internet at lakes@lakes andwilderness.com.au or
simply explore the web page at www.
lakesandwilderness.com.au
Accommodation
As mentioned, Lakes Entrance is a popular holiday spot, so there is plenty
of accommodation from which to choose, in fact over 60 places in the
town. The Information Centre has a complete list, but here are a few
examples with prices for a double room per night, which should be used
as a guide only. The telephone area code is 03.
Banjo Paterson Motor Inn, 131 Esplanade, 5155 2933. 22 units, licensed
restaurant, heated swimming pool, barbecue - $115-190.
Abel Tasman Motor Lodge, 643 Esplanade, 5155 1655. 11 units, heated swimming
pool, barbecue - $70-165.
Golden Beach Motor Inn, 607 Esplanade, 5155 1666. 29 units, swimming pool,
unlicensed restaurant - $55-100.
Lakes Central Hotel, 321-333 Esplanade, 5155 1977. 16 units, licensed bistro,
swimming pool, spa, barbecue - $55-95.
Albatross Motel, 661 Esplanade, 5155 1779. 8 units, heated swimming pool,
barbecue - $50-135.
Lakeside Motel, 164 Marine Parade, 5155 1811. 27 units - $45-90.
The Esplanade Motel, 251 Esplanade, 5155 1933. 40 units, car wash, heated
swimming pool, spa, barbecue - $40-125.
Lakes Seaview Motel, 12 New Street, 5155 1318. 11 units, barbecue - $40-80.
Caravan Parks
Silver Sands Tourist Park, 33 Myer Street, 5155 2343. (No pets allowed)
37 sites, spa, pool, barbecue - powered sites $18-30 for two, on-site vans
$30-80 for two.
Riviera Country Caravan Park, 29 Palmers Road, 5155 1236. (No pets allowed)
62 sites, barbecue - powered sites $17-26 for two, on-site vans $35-70
for two, cabins $40-90 for two.
Echo Beach Caravan Park, 33 Roadknight Street, 5155 2238. (Pets allowed
under control) 25 sites - powered sites $18-32 for two, cabins $45-110
for two.
Lakes Haven Caravan Park & Flats, 3 Jemmeson Street, 5155 2254. (No
pets allowed) 17 sites, barbecue - powered sites $17-28 for two, cabins
$40-85 for two, holiday flats $45-105 for two, on-site vans $30-65 for
two.
Lakes Entrance Tourist Park, 127 Princes Highway, 5155 1159. (Pets by arrangement)
100 sites, barbecue, heated pool - powered sites $18-30 for two, cabins
$35-95 for two.
There is a Youth Hostel, Riviera Backpackers,
in 5 Clarkes Road, Lakes Entrance, 5155 2444. It has 19 rooms at $15 per
person twin share.
Eating Out
There is the usual range of takeaway outlets, and most hotels serve counter
meals. Local seafood is often the specialty on the menu. Some of the
motels have restaurants, but here are the addresses and phone numbers
of other restaurants you might like to patronise.
For a special dining experience try Nautilus Floating Dockside, Western
Boat Harbour, The Esplanade, 5155 1400. It is licensed, has a seafood specialty,
and boasts an outstanding waterside location with views. This award-winning
restaurant is open Mon-Sat from 6pm for dinner.
Egidio's Wood Oven, 573 The Esplanade, 5155 1411. Licensed, Italian menu.
Ocean Dragon, 601 The Esplanade, 5155 1349. Chinese cuisine.
Tres Amigos, 521 The Esplanade, 5155 2215. Authentic Mexican flavours.
Shang Hai Garden, 215 The Esplanade, 5155 2602.
Skippers, 481 The Esplanade, Ê5155 3551.
The Scallop Pot, 221 The Esplanade, 5155 1555.
Miriams, Shop 2, Level 1, 3 Bulmer Street, 5155 3999.
Cafe Pelicano, 171 The Esplanade, 5155 2166.
Pinocchio Inn, 569 The Esplanade, 5155 2565.
McDonalds is at 359 The Esplanade. Although there are no KFC or Pizza Hut
branches here, you will find an abundance of alternative fast food outlets
along The Esplanade.
Points of Interest
The artificial entrance of the lakes to the ocean was completed in 1889,
and there are still visible signs of the equipment used to bring logs
and rocks from inland for the construction. A short walk across the footbridge
brings you to the Entrance and Bass Strait, with Ninety Mile Beach stretching
away into the distance. A section of the beach is patrolled by the Surf
Lifesaving Club during the holidays.
Nyerimilang Park on Lake King, Kalimna West Road, Nungurner, overlooks
Rigby, Fraser and Flannagan Islands. It has bullock driving demonstrations
and field days, and there are bushwalks, as well as barbecue and picnic
facilities, 5156 3253. Nyerimilang is Aboriginal for Chain of Lakes.
Kinkuna Country Fun Park & Zoo, Princes Highway, 5155 3000 has waterslides,
a toboggan ride with electronic timing, kiosk, sou-venirs, crafts and games
room. It is hopen daily from 10am (weather permitting) and the entry fee
includes barbecues, toddlers' pool, the jumping castle and wildlife area.
The lions are hand-fed (not fed hands) at about 1pm on most days. Entry
is $4.50 adults, $4 children and toddlers under three are free.
Griffiths' Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display, 125 Esplanade, 5155 1538,
also has a gift shop and a model railway display. Over 90,000 shells from
around the world are featured, and there is also a model railway room for
locomotive enthusists. The complex is open daily.
The Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Art & Crafts, 239 The Esplanade, 5155
3302, has genuine Aboriginal artifacts on display and for sale. Open 9am-5pm
daily.
Festivals
Here are a few of the major events in the East Gippsland area:
January - the Metung Regatta, and the New Year's Eve fireworks at Lakes
Entrance.
February - the Canni Creek Races near Buchan, the Cattlemen's Cup (every
year in the high country, once every four years at Omeo).
March - the Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race and the Bairnsdale Festival.
Easter - Rodeos at Omeo and Buchan, the Kinkuna Festival and Blessing of
the Fleet at Lakes Entrance.
June - the Wildtrek at Dinner Plain.
November - the Flat Water Classic (windsurfing) at Paynesville.
Facilities
Boat cruises from Lakes Entrance, Metung, Lake Tyers, Paynesville. Sail
and motor boat hire, daily or longer term, from Lakes Entrance, Metung,
Paynesville, Lake Tyers, Johnstonville. Fishing from jetties, shoreline,
from hired boats, or on organised fishing trips. Swimming in lakes and
sea. Viewing the hot pools at Metung. Rafting and canoeing on rivers.
Horse-riding - full day and extended trail rides. 4WD tours, bushwalking,
tennis, lawn bowls, golf.
The Visitor Information Centre has all the information on times and locations,
(03) 5155 1966.
Outlying Attractions Mallacoota
Reached via Genoa on the NSW/Vic border, Mallacoota is surrounded by the
Croajinolong National Park. Mallacoota is situated in one of Victoria's
most remote and peaceful lakeland settings. There are many walking tracks
through the Croajinolong National Park, which has prolific birdlife.
If you wish to explore the natural wonders here, contact the Park Office,
Genoa Road, Mallacoota, (03) 5158 0263 or the Information Centre in nearby
Cann River, (03) 5158 6351.
Orbost
Orbost is the railhead for East Gippsland, and is situated on the Snowy
River 16km from the coast. It is the gateway to Marlo where the Snowy
meets the Brodribb River and where a sandbar allows the rivers to reach
the sea. Scenic drives and walks are the main attraction of this stunning
region. Cape Conran, reached via Marlo, has camping, picnic and walking
facilities.
For ideas on the best places and routes to explore, the Snowy River Visitor
Centre in Lochiel Street can be contacted on (03) 5154 2424 or emailed
at orbost@ lakesandwilderness.com.au
Omeo
Omeo is on the way to the snowfields at Mt Hotham, about one-and-a-half
hours drive from Bairnsdale. The town's history lies in timber, gold
and cattle, and the town is like the backdrop for a movie set in the
1880s. Omeo is an ideal place to stop for a meal and to hire skis and
chains during winter, and even close enough to stay in the town and visit
the snow of Alpine National Park daily. Many people visit Omeo for trout
fishing, bushwalking and canoeing.
Buchan
In the foothills of Snowy River Country, 56km (35 miles) from Lakes Entrance,
lies the town of Buchan which is probably best known for its limestone
caves. The limestone caves were discovered in 1907, and the reserve surrounding
them has picnic facilities, barbecues, and lots of kangaroos. There is
also a swimming pool fed by an extremely cool underground stream.
The rangers conduct tours through the caves during the day. The Visitor
Centre in Lakes Entrance produces a very good pamphlet detailing activities
and attractions in the area, including a comprehensive driving map, 5155
1966.
Nowa Nowa
Situated approximately 24km (15 miles) from Lakes Entrance, Nowa Nowa is
predominately a timber milling town. Numerous forest drives off the Princes
Highway lead to delightful barbecue spots. Close by are the trestle bridge
and the Mundic Creek waterfall at Cosstick Weir. The arm from Lake Tyers
extends to the town, offering good fishing.
Bairnsdale
Bairnsdale, just over 30km west of Lakes Entrance, was the port for its
pastoral hinterland in the days before road transport. Now it supports
a number of secondary industries.
St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 5152 2942, built in 1913 and extended
in 1937, has unique murals by Frank Floreani, an incredible painted ceiling
and other works of art.
The Court House, built in 1893 and classified by the National Trust, has
delightful architecture, but it can only be viewed from the street.
The Historical Museum, Macarthur Street, has some interesting memorabilia
on display, 5152 6363. It is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 1-5pm.
The Tourist Information Centre is at 240 Main Street, (03) 5152 3444, and
they have brochures and details of all attractions. You can email them
at bairnsdale@ lakesandwilderness.com.au
Eagle Point
Eagle Point is only 15 kilometres, following the coastline south then east,
from Bairnsdale. The well known Mitchell River silt jetties are found
at Eagle Point. Eagle Point is also known for its fishing, both in Lake
King and the Mitchell River.
Paynesville
Known as the boating capital of the Gippsland Lakes, Paynesville is 18km
(11 miles) south-east of Bairnsdale, with a well-marked turn off the
Princes Highway. McMillan Strait, Newlands Arm and canals provide sheltered
moorings for many pleasure and commercial fishing boats. From Paynesville
there are many places to go by boat - the Lakes National Park, with its
picnic grounds and kangaroos, the beautiful Duck Arm, and three of Victoria's
best bream rivers: Mitchell, Nicholson and Tambo. There is also a ferry
that runs from Paynesville to Raymond Island, which is inhabited by kangaroos,
koalas and water and bush birds.
Stratford
Stratford is a town located on the Avon River 17km north of Sale. A Shakespearean
Festival is held here in April every year. For more details, (03) 5145
6133, email dmccubb@netspace.net.au or visit the website at home.
bicnet.au\shakes
Gippsland
In general terms, the Gippsland area stretches from the east of Bairnsdale
to Phillip Island, and north of Morwell and Traralgon down to Wilsons
Promontory and Ninety Mile Beach on the southern coast, taking in just
about everything in between. It covers the beautiful landscapes of fertile
countryside and is full of various natural wonders from mountains and
forests to rivers and beaches.
The best way to explore the Gippsland is by driving through it at a leisurely
pace and absorbing its scenic qualities.
The Visitor Centres can provide you with a range of material comprising
the eight uniquely-themed drives listed below.
1. Gippsland Heritage Track - museums, historic buildings, shipwrecks,
gold mines, antique shops and more.
2. Walhalla and Mountain Rivers Trail - Long Tunnel Extended Mine, Walhalla
Cemetery, Stringers Creek Gorge, Walhalla Goldfields Railway.
3. Wildlife Coast Nature Track - Victoria's south coast including Phillip
Island, National Parks, Ninety Mile Beach, walking trails, Wilsons Promontory.
4. The Grand Ridge Road - Strzelecki Ranges, rainforest and bushwakling
areas.
5. The High Country Adventure - a journey through mountainous peaks providing
breathaking views of rugged valleys below.
6. The Country Road - Great Dividing Range Hinterland, rural country, charming
pubs, Alpine National Park.
7. Gourmet Traveller Track - sampling seafood, meat products, dairy selections,
fresh vegetables and fine wines cultivated in the prosperous Gippsland
soil.
8. Power Track - traces the history of coal mining in the region and takes
you past the massive power generation facilities of the LaTrobe Valley.
Plenty of touring material is produced covering the Gippsland region. There
are detailed maps, driving routes, accommodation listings and current news
and events. Two information outlets are:
Gippsland Country Tourism Information Centre, Shop 1, Southside Central,
Princes Highway, Traralgon, 5174 3199 or 1800 621 409 (toll free).
South Gippsland Visitor Information Centre, cnr South Gippsland Highway & Silkstone
Road, Korum-burra, 5655 2233 or 1800 630 704 (toll free).
For online information visit www.gippslandtourism.com.au or
email information@gippsland tourism.com.au
Sale
Situated on the Melbourne side of Lakes Entrance, Sale is the operations
centre for the nearby Bass Strait oil fields of Esso-BHP. There is also
a large RAAF training base located here.
Cullinen Park, off Foster Street, is the site of the historic Port of Sale
where, in days of yore, steamers tied up after their long trip from Melbourne.
From Sale there are roads leading to the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach.
Apart from the historical interest of the town centre, including the Gippsland
Art Gallery (68 Foster Street, 5142 3372) and the Historical Museum (Foster
Street, 5144 5994), Sale is surrounded by attractive natural areas which
include a Wildlife Refuge and the David Morass State Game Reserve.
The Central Gippsland Visitor Information Centre can be found in 8 Foster
Street, (03) 5144 1108. Email them at toursale@i-o.net.au
