For many people visiting Gippsland in summer means only one thing, time to hit the beaches! Gippsland is blessed with some great beaches and none are more popular than the 90 Mile Beach in Lakes Entrance.
Awesome things to do in Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is the capital of the 90 Mile Beach. Tourists flock in their droves to visit the Gippsland Lakes in the warmer months of the year to enjoy a piece of that beach to themselves. Its fine white sand, blue waters and sand dunes as far as the eye can see, make it the place to have a swim on a hot day
The Lakes Entrance caravan parks, hotels and motels fill up fast. Here we are going to look at 5 popular things to do in Lakes Entrance.
Things to do in Lakes Entrance – The Entrance Walk
Head across the footbridge towards the 90-Mile Beach and you will come across the sign for The Entrance Walk. A 5 kilometre, 2-hour return walk along either the beach, the foreshore, or through the sand dunes will take you to the entrance. The Entrance is where the waters of Bass Straight and The 90 Mile beach meet the Gippsland Lakes. You will often find wildlife swimming in the entrance such as seals and the local Burrunan Dolphins. You can also regularly see the dolphins at Bullock Island and Kalimna Jetty
Swimming at the Lakes Entrance Beaches
You will find lifesavers patrolling the beaches during the warmer months especially at the main surf beach over the footbridge and at Eastern Beach. You will often find a sandbar at the Lakes Entrance beaches and the water can be quite shallow as little as 20 meters or so out from the shore.
This is good but it can also mean there are strong waves that break close to shore that you will need to get through. Just be careful if you are not an experienced beach swimmer or just head straight to the beaches that are patrolled to be safe.
Lakes Entrance Main Beach and Eastern Beach are both patrolled by lifesavers in the summer months. Make sure you swim between the flags at Lakes Entrance Beach
You will find lots of people and families swimming at the beach so have fun and enjoy the waves. Make sure you slip, slop and slap on the sunscreen, hat and rash vest for sun protection.
Lakes Entrance also has an indoor aquatic centre if the ocean is not your thing. The aquatic centre sometimes has blow-up play equipment for the kids to have fun with.
Related: Are you planning a family holiday in Lakes. We have a great guide for you to read on the Best Things to do in Lakes Entrance with kids
Gippsland things to do – Mini Golf at Lakes Entrance
What else is there to do in Lakes Entrance with kids? Play a round of mini-golf! These days Lakes Entrance has quite a few options for mini-golf. At last count, there were 4 different mini golf courses to play. You will find 3 in the main street and the other course is located towards Eastern Beach.
This course also has the ever-popular pit trampolines that both kids and adults enjoy. Mini golf has been a mainstay of fun and family entertainment in Lakes Entrance for generations.
- Footbridge Mini Golf, Lolly Shop & IceCream Shack – 549 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
- Lakes Entrance Mini Golf & Dodgem Cars – 56 Roadknight St, Lakes Entrance
- Esplanade Mini Golf – 461 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Picnic or BBQ in Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance has many places to have a bbq or picnic. Here we have included 2 places in Lakes Entrance for a BBQ or a rest with a picnic.
North Arm BBQ Area
When you first enter Lakes Entrance just over the bridge on the North Arm you will find the latest BBQ area just off the roundabout.
This area on the waterside has undercover bbq’s and seating. The playground includes climbing frames, swings and even a basketball half-court. The electric BBQ’s are free.
North Arm in Lakes Entrance BBQ area tips
Public toilets at the playground bbq area are suitable for people with a disability and have parents changing facilities.
If you forget anything Aldi Lakes Entrance is straight over the road from the North Arm BBQ area
Eastern Beach BBQ Area
At Eastern Beach Lakes Entrance you will find 4 BBQ’s with picnic tables and play equipment. The BBQ’s are free and electric with some of the play equipment under shade sails. The Lakes Entrance beach is just 100 meters away with a walk over the sand dunes.
Eastern Beach BBQ Area top tips
Public toilets at the Eastern Beach Lakes Entrance bbq area are located adjacent to the area.
Don’t forget to bring the BBQ equipment!
Lakes Entrance fishing
Fishing in Lakes Entrance is very popular and Lakes Entrance fishing comes in 3 different forms. You can fish off the Lakes Entrance Beach, you can fish off the Lakes Entrance wharves and you can fish in the Gippsland Lakes by boat.
The easiest place to access the beach at Lakes Entrance for fishing is Eastern Beach car park number 2. In the middle of town and the North Arm, you will find over a dozen wharves or jetties to cast a line off. This is great if you are a newbie fisherman or have kids in tow.
The Gippsland Lakes can be accessed with a fishing charter out of the town. The putt boats are also available to be hired in the North Arm that will get you out on the water.
Fishing in Lakes Entrance top tips:
It is a requirement that you have a fishing licence if you do plan on going for a fish. There are also strict catch measurements on certain fish and limits of how many you can take home with you.
The putt boats don’t require you to have a boat license, so it’s a great chance for families to go boating without buying a boat. You can order your fishing equipment before you arrive and pick it up at BCF in Bairnsdale on the way.
Lakes Entrance Accommodation
Lakes Entrance in summer is bursting with holidaymakers. Tourists and regular holidaymakers flock to the town to spend some time wandering and relaxing in the sun. Below we have two different types of accommodation for you to consider for your Lakes Entrance Accommodation.
The Air BnB alternative in Lakes Entrance
If you prefer a home away from home style accommodation, then Airbnb is the best choice for you. There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options as well. Search here to find the perfect Airbnb in Lakes Entrance.
Esplanade Spa and Resort:
The Esplanade Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. All rooms feature free wifi flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. Guests can enjoy a pool and a lounge and free parking is available.
The resort features a large lagoon pool, indoor heated pool and spa. Those staying can use the floodlit tennis courts, cook up in the outdoor BBQ areas, while the kids play in the children’s playground. For the ladies, you can spend some time in the Iluka Day Spa.
The Esplanade Waterfront Resort overlooks the water and is located 1.2 kilometres from Cunningham Arm Footbridge.
Bellevue on the Lakes
Overlooking the water on the esplanade, this waterfront resort hotel is a 10-minute walk from the footbridge.
The hotel rooms come with free Wi-Fi and TVs, plus mini bar fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities. Upgraded deluxe rooms have spa baths and Nespresso machines, suites have kitchenettes and sitting areas. The 2- and 3-bedroom family apartments feature kitchens and living rooms.
The resort has indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and a sauna. Fun can be had on the volleyball court and playground while those with a boat can access a private jetty.
Places to eat in Lakes Entrance Restaurants
If you are really having a relaxing holiday you may opt for a few nights where you eat out in Lakes Entrance rather than cook! Below we have a few suggestions of places to eat in Lakes Entrance that you might like to try.
The Lakes Entrance RSL
The RSL has a menu made up of both Chinese and Australian cuisine. The bistro seats 180 people, it is open 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner. You will find gaming machines as well as a TAB inside. Like most RSL clubs from time to time, you will find live entertainment happening.
Address of the Lakes Entrance RSL :
221 Esplanade, VIC 3909
Ferrymans Cafe
The Ferryman Cafe is a great Lakes Entrance restaurant for seafood, The Ferryman Cafe is a floating restaurant built on an old barge that is mored near the post office jetty on the Esplanade. The Ferrymen as mentioned is known for its modern Australian menu featuring delightful fresh local seafood.
Address for Ferrymans Cafe
Middle Boar Harbor, The, Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909
The Central Hotel
The Central Hotel bistro is all about local produce. Whether that be seafood, beef, wine, and more. The bistro looks out over the water in the main street, Serving meals for both dinner and lunch. The bistro menu and daily specials provide something for everyone including gluten-free and vegetarian. An extensive wine list featuring both national and international wines, and select beer on tap. The Central is well worth a stop for a bite to eat or a cold drink
Address for the Central Hotel
321 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909
Albert & Co
Albert & Co is the current darling of the Lakes Entrance food scene. This restaurant has been featured heavily by Visit Victoria, as one of East Gippsland’s best ambassadors for showcasing the regions local fresh foods. They pride themselves on the fact that their ingredients are the stand out in every dish whether it’s fresh local seafood or free-range eggs or local wines.
Address for Albert & Co
201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909
How to get to Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is located on the Princes Highway in East Gippsland. Travelling from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance via the highway you will cover a distance of 330 kilometres and take you around 3.5 hours to reach. There are many attractions to see when coming from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance, so plan ahead and take your time. Arriving from the opposite direction you will find Lakes Entrance 2.5 hours from the New South Wales border.
The public transport system (V/Line in rural Victoria) runs trains to Bairnsdale daily, where you can transfer to a bus that will take you to Lakes Entrance.
We hope this article from us here at Travels in Gippsland has you inspired to visit Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click through to our Gippsland Attractions page for more brilliant inspiration.
Some more travel inspiration for your trip to Gippsland
About the Author
Mark has grown up and lived in the Gippsland area all his life. Being born and raised in Gippsland he knows a thing or 2 about this amazing region. When Mark is not working he is out exploring the best of Gippsland with his wife and kids