Things to do near Lakes Entrance

by Rebecca Wyld | Jul 10, 2020 | Gippsland Attractions, Town attractions

Visiting a bustling seaside town like Lakes Entrance in the summer can be a welcome relief from the norm of everyday life. People are everywhere, in full holiday mode and ready to enjoy themselves. Whether you are staying in a caravan park, an Air BnB or a hotel during this time there are times where you can crave for fewer people around you. Luckily there are so many amazing things to do near Lakes Entrance that can get you away from the holiday crowds.

It will depend on what you like but there are plenty of different things to do around Lakes Entrance. Whether you like getting away from the hustle and bustle of town, into nature, sampling a local beer or even seeing historical places you will be in for a treat whatever you chose.

Know before you go. Our top travel tips for vising Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a beautiful place and one where we have spent many a summer. Here are all of our top tips so you know before you go.

Where to stay in Lakes Entrance?

There are so many different types of accommodation in Lakes Entrance for every budget. From luxury to caravan camping spots there is definitely a perfect spot for your stay in Lakes Entrance.

• Luxury Accommodation – Located in the heart of Lakes Entrance, The Esplanade Resort & Spa features a large lagoon swimming pool, tennis court and day spa.
• Mid-range Accommodation – featuring a swimming pool, free WiFi and onsite parking. The centrally located Emmanuel Holiday Apartment offers accommodations in Lakes Entrance
• Budget Accommodation – The cabin accommodation is air-conditioned and features a seating area, TV and DVD. Echo Beach Tourist Park features an outdoor pool
• Caravan Parks – Big 4 Whiters Village has cottages, villas and caravan sites available. Enjoy the BBQ area, play tennis, and ping-pong, go for a swim or even play mini golf across the road.

The Air BnB alternative in Lakes Entrance

If you prefer a home away from home style accommodation then Air BnB is the best choice for you. There are so many options for singles, families and budget-friendly options as well. Check out the map below to find the perfect air BnB in Lakes Entrance.

Nature places to visit near Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a blessed town with thick Australian bush and the beach right on its doorstep. With the nature that surrounds it, you are able to go out and see the best that this part of Victoria, Gippsland, has to offer in one place.

Raymond Island – See Koala’s

Seeing a Koala in its natural habitat is a dream for many visitors to Australia and to be honest many Aussies as well. Going to a zoo or a conservation centre is against many people’s beliefs but if you are staying in Lakes Entrance a short day trip to Raymond Island will allow you to see them in their home.

Raymond Island is located around 200 meters from the town of Paynesville.

How far is Raymond Island from Lakes Entrance?

To gain access to Raymond Island you will have to go to the nearest town of Paynesville, Paynesville is approximately 1 hour or roughly 54 km’s from Lakes Entrance via the Princes Highway (A1) and Paynesville Rd (C604)

How do I get to Raymond Island from Paynesville?

You can park your car in Paynesville and take the ferry over to Raymond Island. Foot traffic is free on the ferry and Raymond Island is an easy walk.

Top tips for spotting Koala’s on Raymond Island:

• There is a notice board right where you disembark the ferry on Raymond Island. Take the time to read the information

• The walk is free but you can make a $2.00 donation for a little booklet about the Raymond Island Koala walk

• The walk is very family friendly. Strollers and prams can make it although there are some dirt patches up towards the back of the Island walk.

• Look up! Sometimes it can be hard to see the koalas snuggled high up in the trees.

• Look down…if you see a big amount of poo on the ground under a tree it’s a good sign there may be a koala in the tree above!

• Make sure you pack all that you need including snacks and drinks. There is no shop on Raymond Island

Related post: Take all the top tips for a visit to Raymond Island to see the koala’s in their natural habitat. It is an epic day out for everyone.

Cape Conran

Cape Conran National Park is a perfect place to visit if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Lakes Entrance for a day trip. Turning off at Orbost you follow the Snowy River to where it meets the sea. You will drive along the coast through the banksia with occasional ocean views till you get to Cape Conran.

It is a beautiful scenic drive from Lakes Entrance and well worth a trip to Cape Conran if you enjoy bird watching, fishing or some easy walks.

How far is Cape Conran from Lakes Entrance?

A day trip to Cape Conran from Lakes Entrance will take you approximately 1 h 5 minutes or roughly 90 km via the Princes Highway (A1) and the C107

Buchan Caves

The Buchan Caves are an absolute gem that have to be seen to be believed. The near 400 million-year-old limestone formations were carved out by an underground river. Now you can tour the Fairy Cave or the Royal Cave to see the stalactite and stalagmite pillars that were discovered by Frank Moon back in 1907.

How far is Buchan Caves from Lakes Entrance?

You will find the Buchan Caves approximately 45 min or roughly 57 km via the Princes Hwy (A1) and the Bruthen-Buchan Rd (C608)

When are the tours of Buchan Caves?

You can only see the Buchan Caves on a guided tour. Tickets to Buchan caves can be purchased 24 hours in advance of when you would like to visit Buchan Caves.

Tours of the Buchan Caves run daily except for Christmas Day and take approximately 2 hours.

Cave tour times:

• Royal Cave: start of September school holidays until 30 April – 10.00 am, 1.00 pm and 3.30 pm

• Fairy Cave: start of September school holidays until 30 April – 11.00 am and 3.00 pm

• Royal Cave: 1 May until the start of September school holidays – 11.00 am and 3.00 pm

• Fairy Cave: 1 May until the start of September school holidays – 1.00 pm

In peak times tours of Buchan Caves will run every 30 minutes. If you are time-poor and do not have time to tour both of the caves it is recommended that you visit the Royal Cave but only for the ease of access. The Royal Cave requires less bending and it has fewer stairs than the Fairy Cave.

How much is a tour of Buchan Caves?

If you plan to visit Buchan Caves you need to plan in advance and with this guide to prices at Buchan Caves, it may help you decided what tour you would like to do when you are there.

A family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children between the ages of 5 – 16 years. A senior ticket is only available to relevant concession card holders.

Walk from Lakes Entrance to Lake Tyers

Many people love getting out and about while they are on holiday in Lakes Entrance. If you would like to walk along the beach, an easy walk from Lakes Entrance to Lake Tyers this is perfect for you.

It can take up to 2 hours to walk but at the end is the Water wheel Tavern at Lake Tyers. Here you can sit in the sun on the deck and have a drink or something to eat. If you leave Lakes Entrance for Lake Tyers mid-morning you can get there for lunch.

If you have a meal there you can use the courtesy bus to hitch a ride back to Lakes Entrance. You can call the Water Wheel Tavern on  (03) 5156 5855 to book a table and to check if the courtesy bus is available.

Gippsland is a huge place! There are so many things to do in Gippsland and some of the best things to do are FREE! Check out our best guide on free things to do in Gippsland

Historic places and towns near Lakes Entrance

There are so many historic places to visit near Lakes Entrance from Aboriginal sites or colonial towns built on farming and stock that you will be able to see a wide range of things.

Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place

A visit to the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place is a brilliant way to learn about the Traditional Owners of the Gippsland region the Gunaikurnai people.

The Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place is a small museum located in the town of Bairnsdale. The name Krowathunkooloong comes from one of the 5 clans of the Gunaikurnai people. The Krowathunkooloong clan came from an area near a local town called Orbost.

This museum aims to keep the traditions of the local Aboriginal people the Gunaikurnai preserved and for future generations. At Krowathunkooloong you can see how bark huts were made, see traditional tools, fighting weapons and many artworks done by locals artists. At Krowathunkooloong you are able to do a self-guided tour of the facility or you can join a group led tour.

Krowathunkooloong is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5pm.

How far is Bairnsdale from Lakes Entrance?

If you drove from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance you would have driven through Bairnsdale. It is about a 35-minute drive back along the Princes Highway towards Melbourne.
 

Orbost

Orbost is a beautiful old town where the mighty Snowy River crosses the Princes Highway. You can visit this town to see the old buildings in town. Once a bustling Gold town it is now home to many farming communities both in beef and dairy cattle. Being one of the last main towns in days gone by before entering the Victorian High Country the history of this town is for all to discover in the Old Hut in Town.

The Slab Hut is where the Orbost Tourist information office is located. Here you can see what a cattleman’s hut looked like. The Slab Hut was bought into town and reassembled so it was not left to the elements. It is a great way to see what time was like and how hard the conditions could be in the Snowy River country. You can also visit the Orbost Exhibition Center that homes artworks by locals or venture into the Snowy River National Park.

How far is Orbost from Lakes Entrance?

The trip to Orbost from Lakes Entrance will take you approximately 43 minutes and it is roughly 60 km’s from Lakes Entrance via the Princes Highway (A1)

Stony Creek Trestle Bridge

The Stony creek trestle bridge is a reminder of times gone by. Still standing strong and beautiful in the thick Aussie bush this amazing marvel has stood the test of time. The Stony Creek Trestle bridge was built in 1916 and is 20 meters high. At 219 meters long it was essential in the rail line that ran from Orbost all the way to Melbourne to keep Gippsland connected to the State Capital.

How far is Stony Creek Trestle Bridge from Lakes Entrance?

You will find the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge approximately 17 minutes or roughly 21 km’s from Lakes Entrance via Princes Highway (A1)

Facilities at the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge

• There are a few walking tracks to suit all abilites near the bridge

• There are drop toilets at the site

• There are free electric BBQ’s for you to use in shaded areas

*Unfortunately due to the age of the bridge you are unable to walk on the bridge.

Set in the beautiful Aussie bush in the Colquhoun State Forest you can visit the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge just for a short stay or you can take advantage of the walks in the area. It is a great place to have a bbq lunch with the bridge the backdrop for your picnic.

Discover more: Visit the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge to see a mighty relic of the past.

Nyerimilang Heritage Park

The historic Nyerimilang Homestead is a beautiful heritage home nestled in bushland with perfect views over the Gippsland Lakes. Here you will step back in time to discover what it was like to live in the 1800s in East Gippsland.

The Heritage Park features the homestead, old farming buildings and old farm machinery. There are also some bush walks located there and plenty of places to picnic.

How far is the Nyerimilang Heritage Park from Lakes Entrance?

You will find the Nyerimilang Heritage park approximately 17 minutes or roughly 15 km’s from Lakes Entrance along the Princes Highway (A1)

Foodie lovers places to visit around Lakes Entrance

There are so many places to eat near Lakes Entrance that will have your head swimming and your boot full with your loot to take home with you. The area is a foodie lovers delight with many places using as much local produce as they can. In the summer many will have a big verandah for you to sit on and sun yourself enjoying the amazing food and drinks. In the winter you can stay indoors with a big log fire to keep you extra warm.

Bullant Brewery, Bruthen

Located on the Great Alpine Road in Bruthen the Bullant Brewery offers onsite brewed beer and food that is perfectly matched to it. Pick the perfect day to have a brew on the amazing deck in the summer or a brew by the fire in the winter. You can also see the big copper vats through the front windows of the restaurant.

How far is Bullant Brewery from Lakes Entrance?

The Bullant Brewery is approximately 27 minutes or roughly 26 km via the Lakes Colquhoun Rd and Bruthen-Nowa Nowa Rd (C620)

*We have visited the Bullant Brewery a couple of times now and love a visit in the summer. You can wander the small main street in Bruthen before you leave or take a quick walk on the Rail Trail after your visit to the Bullant Brewery. Also drop into the bakery for one of the best neenish tarts!

Wyanga Park Winery and Henry’s Cafe

If wine is your thing then head straight to Wyanga Park Winery. Here you will find a family-run winery where they produce varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir from their own grapes.

The cafe is open daily from 10.00 am until 3.30 light meals and coffee and lunch is served from 12.00 until 2. Wine tastings are from 9.00 am until 5 pm.

How far is Wyanga Park Winery from Lakes Entrance?

The Wyanga Park Winery is located approximately 7 min (5.7 km) via Colquhoun Rd and Baades Rd from Lakes Entrance.

If you are making Lakes Entrance your holiday base then these things to do near Lakes Entrance will help you see more of the area.

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. “I think I know a thing or 2 about Gippsland”. When Mark is not working he is out exploring the best of Gippsland with his wife and kids