Paynesville is one of the most popular towns on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria Australia. An expanding waterside destination attracts visitors from far and wide. People visit to enjoy the scenery, the Koalas and the stunning waterways of the Gippsland Lakes while relaxing in magnificent surroundings.
Paynesville has a bustling town centre with plenty of eateries and small shops to explore. Finding a treat to enjoy while you are visiting Paynesville is one of the best ways to experience some of the best Gippsland produce. Spending your days in Paynesville is easy and relaxing but what are some of the best things to do near Paynesville while you are visiting the Gippsland Lakes?
All the very best things to do near Paynesville
Paynesville is a great location, which means there are many things to do near Paynesville too. From wildlife to history, from shopping to National Parks, there is something for everyone to see near Paynesville. So, what are the best things to do near Paynesville?
Raymond Island Koala walk
Raymond Island in Gippsland, Australia is home to 300 koalas. These animals can easily be seen with their babies in the eucalyptus trees and are easily one of the best things to do near Paynesville for anyone visiting.
The walk is a 500-meter trail that starts at the Koala Management Centre (KMC) and ends at the old Raymond Island Pier. It takes about an hour to complete, with a few stops for viewing Koalas. Visitors can stop by any time of the day, with no restrictions on when they start or finish. You don’t have to worry about missing out on any of these koalas because they are all over Raymond Island!
Raymond Island is easily accessible from Paynesville by the free ferry for foot traffic.
Buchan Caves
Buchan Caves Reserve in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. These amazing caves deep underground are a natural phenomenon and have to be seen to be believed. The caves themselves are one of the top Gippsland tourist attractions. There is the Fairy Cave and the Royal Cave that visitors can explore, each with its own unique features and characteristics
A visit to the Buchan Caves will go down as one of the best things to do near Paynesville and make your trip to Gippsland unforgettable.
The Buchan Caves Reserve is also home to many species of plants and animals, including rare species like the platypus. It is not uncommon to see kangaroos during the day and have possums visit your campsite at night.
There are things to do for both visitors and tourists at this reserve. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bike, while tourists can stay in the campsites or the nearby Buchan motel.
Planning a camping trip to Gippsland? Here are the essentials you need to bring
Colquhoun Mtb Track
The Colquhoun MTB Park trail is suitable for riders of all skill levels. There are some hills, single track and double track areas on the Gippsland mountain bike park.
The trail is situated in the Colquhoun State Forest which is about 20 km west of Lakes Entrance. The trail can be accessed by driving to the forest’s entrance on the Lakes Entrance-South Gippsland Highway.
The trail starts by descending on a single track with a few switchbacks on the way down to Willow Springs Creek, which you will cross via a bridge on your left-hand side.
After crossing this bridge, there are two options – either continuing downhill to finish at the bottom of Willow Springs Creek or take a right hand turn up Double Track for about 1km before turning left into Single Track that will lead you back. If you love bike riding this is the best thing to do near Paynesville on your bike!
Related travels in Gippsland posts
- Things to do in Bairnsdale
- Our ultimate Lakes Entrance Beach Guide
- 5 excellent spots for free camping in Gippsland
Adventure Fun park
Adventure Fun Park Gippsland is a great place to go on weekends for families or friends looking for some fun.
Adventure Fun Park Gippsland is not just your average mini-golf course. It offers many other games and activities like archery, driving range and more. With an 18 hole mini golf course and a huge range of games and activities to participate in, the place is suitable for major parties or just for a couple of hours of fun with the family.
It’s located in Bairnsdale, which makes it easily accessible from Paynesville in around 15 minutes. Adventure Fun Park is an adventurous day out for families on holiday in Paynesville. Put this on your list of the best things to do near Paynesville!
Visit a winery near Paynesville
Lightfoot and Sons Winery has over 140 acres of vineyards situated in Gippsland, Australia. It has produced wines for over 65 years, that are widely popular in Australia as well as globally. There’s a tasting room where you can try the award-winning wines, Lightfoot produces under its brands Lightfoot & Sons and Myrtle Point.
For anyone who loves wine, visiting a Gippsland winery is one of the best things to do near Paynesville. It is also a brilliant way to sample the local produce, with plenty of wineries also pairing their wines with local Gippsland foods.
Go on a fishing charter boat
Fishing on the Gippsland coast has been a popular activity for locals and visitors alike for many years. Far Out Fishing Charters based in Lakes Entrance offer to take you out to some of the best locations on the Gippsland Coast.
A charter is also a great way to experience some of Gippslands coastal scenery, from a 90-mile beach to dolphins and whales swimming in Gippsland coastal waters.
Fishing in Lakes Entrance is a great experience. A charter boat will take you out to the open water to fish for snapper, gummy sharks and other fish. It is suitable for all levels of fishing experience, from beginners to advanced fishermen. Fishing is one of the best things to do near Paynesville.
Fishing in Gipplsand is fantastic: Check out this post on fishing in Lake Wellington
Go to a farmers market in East Gippsland
Farmers markets are a good way for people to buy fresh produce at the right time of year. You can also meet the farmers and ask about how they grow their produce. Farmers Markets in East Gippsland are held on a weekend in towns like Metung, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance monthly and you will find one near Paynesville.
You will find a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, including apples, berries, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce and freshly baked bread or cakes. The Lakes Entrance and Metung farmer’s markets are held in a scenic location by the water’s edge. Wandering the farmer’s markets are one of the best things to do near Paynesville.
Accommodation in Paynesville
You will find every type of accommodation in Paynesville for every taste. From boutique to budget there is something for everyone. We have the following recommendations for apartments with Airbnb, and hotels for couples and families.
Apartments in Paynesville
Staying in apartments is highly popular these days. An apartment stay means you will have more facilities like home at your fingertips. Most apartments have washing and cooking facilities to make your stay easier and more economical. Below you will find a map with all the Airbnb’s available to rent in Paynesville.
Accommodation for couples in Paynesville
There are some beautiful places in Paynesville for you to stay in.
Captains Cove Waterfront Apartments
The Captains Cove Waterfront Apartments are set on the banks of the Gippsland Lakes. The apartments feature a vast array of facilities available for their guests.
Each apartment features a balcony or patio, a dining area and a sitting area. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave, espresso maker and a hob.
Outdoor facilities include a tennis court and an indoor swimming pool. The close access to the water allows for kayaking, fishing and boating.
Family accommodation in Paynesville
There is some great family accommodation in Paynesville that will have you never wanting to leave! Available for every budget you will definitely find the perfect spot to spend your time here.
Mariners Cove Motel and Apartments
The Mariners Cove Motel and Apartments are right in the centre of Paynesville located within a 100-meter walk from the main shopping street and the ferry to Raymond Island.
Each room features a balcony or patio with some looking out over the waters towards Raymond Island. All rooms have TVs and coffee/tea makers, fridges, hairdryers and irons/ironing boards.
Free WiFi in public areas, barbecues and dry cleaning/laundry services. are available. Breakfast and free parking are available. Rooms can fit from 2 to 6 people which caters for all types of families.
Budget accommodation in Paynesville
The budget accommodation in Paynesville is amazing and can cater to all that want to visit Paynesville on a budget. As we have said before you don’t always have to spend a huge amount of money to have an amazing holiday in Gippsland.
Paynesville Holiday Park
The Holiday Park is only a short walk to the waterfront esplanade village, where you can find a selection of cafes, supermarkets, restaurants and retail outlets.
The Holiday Caravan park in Paynesville accommodation options includes cabins, villas, caravan and camping sites. If you have your own van, there are ensuite sites available for you.
Park facilities include a large camp kitchen, outside BBQ rotunda and games room. If you are visiting in the warmer months you can access the solar-heated swimming pool, children’s splash pool, spa (Summer months only) and a playground with an inflatable jumping pillow.
For more information and bookings click here
Where is Paynesville?
The township of Paynesville is located 293 kilometres east of Melbourne.
How to get to Paynesville
Follow the signs to Paynesville on the Princes Highway on the east side of Bairnsdale. The distance from Bairnsdale to Paynesville is 16 kilometres.
We hope this article from us here at Travels in Gippsland has you inspired to visit Paynesville and see all of what this gorgeous little village has to offer. Finding the best things to do near Paynesville is now easy.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click through to our visit East Gippsland page for more brilliant inspiration.