Girl standing on Paynesville jetty at sunset

Discover Paynesville

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Set on the shores of the hypnotising Gippsland Lakes, the town boasts unrivalled access to the spectacular water playground.

Paynesville’s system of azure-hued canals and inlets means more waterfront accommodation, eateries and facilities than you can poke a stick at. It’s this signature waterfront touch that makes Paynesville a favourite holiday destination for lovers of boating and fishing.

Sardine Dining Paynesville head chef Mark Briggs posing with yacht
Captains Cove Resort waterside accommodation in Paynesville
Pier 70 cafe Paynesville waiter taking order from diners at a table outside
Raymond Island aerial view of the island with boats on the water

Things to do in Paynesville

Koala Trail girl pointing at koala on walk around Raymond Island

Get in touch with your energetic side, and spend days paddling around the lake’s edge, or enjoy a bushwalk. Take the Paynesville Sunset Cove Walking Track for a gentle walk, winding its way around the coast with show-stopping views across the water (3kms return).

Opposite the foreshore you can see Raymond Island, home to a large koala population, walks and cycling tracks. The five minute ferry to Raymond Island departs Paynesville regularly and is free for pedestrians or those arriving by bike. Spot koalas on the 1.2km loop Raymond Island Koala Trail.

Along the foreshore, the Paynesville Farmers & Makers Market (third Saturday of each month) features a range of delectable local produce and goods.

Paynesville restaurants & cafes

Former Vue de Monde head chef, Mark Briggs, builds the menu of his destination restaurant, SARDINE dining, from the fishermen’s catch each morning, drawing in the freshest local produce to celebrate East Gippsland on a plate. The team have expanded to throw open the doors to Sardine CANTINA, a stylish wine bar specialising in fine cheese and charcuterie from very near, and very, very far.

If you’re chasing waterfront views, look no further than Pier 70, where the prime location is supported by a classy selection of mains starring local seafood and lovingly prepared meat dishes.

Meanwhile, Three double8zero is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with fantastic pizza and an extensive modern-Australian menu that shows off the best local ingredients.

Art-lovers should check out Paintsville Café for an eclectic mix of authentic Vietnamese dishes, art classes and events.

Sardine Dining Paynesville close up of meal on tray

Boating & fishing

The hit list of places to explore from Paynesville include Bunga Arm, Sperm Whale Head, Ocean Grange, Barrier Landing and Duck Arm, most of which are only accessible by boat.

Paynesville Beach two men fishing on the beach in the sun

Tours & cruises

H20 Tours & Adventures is running cruises around the Paynesville canals, Raymond Island, Ninety Mile Beach, and the Gippsland Lakes, as well operating a water taxi.

Charter a boat for the day from Bulls Cruisers and design your own cruise around the Gippsland Lakes (no licence required). Sail Safari offers Sailing Charters from a full 'learning to sail' adventure to a more relaxed canal cruise around the Paynesville estate

If you're heading over to Raymond Island, the best and most fashionable way to get around is by the iconic red-and-white striped surrey bikes, which can be hired from Ride the Koalas.

H2o Tours Paynesville Cruise Tours and Water Taxi

Explore Paynesville's surrounds

Rocks on beach at Cape Conran near Marlo

East Gippsland Beaches

From Ninety Mile Beach through to the deep wilderness of Croajingolong National Park, this is an epic breadth of pristine coastline.
Raymond Island families in 4 wheel carts

Raymond Island

Forest-clad paradise teems with koalas and wildlife, with nature-filled adventures waiting to be explored by bike or on foot.
Raymond Island Koala trail people on quad bikes hero image

Raymond Island Koala Trail

1.2km, 40 mins | Raymond Island | Stroll beneath towering gums and spot koalas dozing in the treetops, beginning just steps from the ferry. This gentle trail…
Boating throwing a bag into the boat over the river

Gippsland Lakes

Gippsland’s iconic waterfront is famed for dreamy sunsets, stunning scenery and unforgettable boating and fishing adventures.
Aerial View of Ninety Mile Beach Gippsland Lakes

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

A series of coastal lagoons and the meeting place of seven major rivers, ideal for boating, fishing, lake swimming or canoeing.
Couple drinking wine on the grass at sunset at Lightfoot Wines

East Gippsland Drink Trail

Earn your cleansing ale with on-the-water pursuits, alpine country hiking, camping and fishing.
Loch Sport beach parent and child walking toward sea with fisherman

Ninety Mile Beach

Visit the wondrous uninterrupted stretch of untouched beach. There is golden sand as far as the eye can see, perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing. Perhaps…
Couple Walking Their Dog Along the Paynesville Pier

Dinni Birraark Walk/ Paynesville Sunset Cove Walk

6.5km, 3 hrs 15 mins | Paynesville - Eagle Point | Perfect for the whole family, this easy flat track has plenty of shade even on a hot day. If you’re in the…
Metung Hot Springs women soaking in barrels looking out over the water

Metung

Fishing-primed and sailing-perfect, the waterfront village is pretty as a picture at the edge of the Gippsland Lakes.

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