Things to do in Lakes Entrance
This glorious holiday town is part beach, part lake and 100% stunning.
Lakes Entrance has been a favourite on the chart for decades, thanks to its beautiful beaches, airy maritime feel and access to a mighty lake system, popular for boating and fishing. There are so many things to do in Lakes Entrance, a waterside playground. It is particularly in the hearts and minds of families with plenty of activities for kids.
Lakes Entrance beaches
A short stroll across the footbridge over Cunninghame Arm and you’ll arrive at Lakes Entrance Main Beach. This marks the eastern end of Ninety Mile Beach, with golden sand as far as you can see. It’s a surf beach – so expect waves... but it is a good beach for swimming. The beach is patrolled across the summer, directly opposite the footbridge.
A little further to the east is Eastern Beach. You can drive across the lake and there is a car park close to the beach. Eastern Beach is also patrolled over summer and is considered a good swimming beach.
If you prefer a quieter beach, try Lake Tyers Beach, 10 minutes' drive further east.
Lakes Entrance cruises
Taking in the tranquil scenery of the Gippsland Lakes from a boat is a must-do while in Lakes Entrance. Take a sightseeing journey or eco-adventure with Lonsdale Eco Cruise, Peels cruises or Lakes Explorer.
Wyanga Park Winery Cruise makes its way up the scenic North Arm to one of the region’s oldest wineries where you can enjoy a tasting over a local cheeseboard then dine in the winery restaurant.
Boating & fishing on the Gippsland Lakes
Bring your own boat and explore the shimmering lake system of the Gippsland Lakes. Fed by a number of rivers, this huge expanse of water connects Lakes Entrance with a number of lakeside villages, including Metung and Paynesville.
Fishing is king in Lakes Entrance, with whiting, bream and luderick often the catch of the day. Lakes Entrance is famed for its prawns which run over the summer months and can often be purchased directly from the trawlers.
There are a number of fishing charter companies that will organise an off-shore (or lake) fishing adventure for you.
Bullock Island
Bullock Island has had a facelift and is a lovely spot to head for a stroll. There are grassy spaces ripe for a game of cricket, picnic spots and a jetty to fish from. It’s also the home of locally sourced seafood, because here you’ll find the fishermen’s coop, Off the Wharf, where you can buy the freshest seafood plucked from the shores around you. A new accessible ramp and viewing platform will provide visitors with a chance to see seafood being unloaded and processed up close.
Enjoy a plate of freshly caught fish at The Fish & Chippery. The lovely airy restaurant overlooks the gentle waters of the lake.
The Entrance Walk
This is an iconic Lakes Entrance loop walk (4.6km), stretching between the footbridge and The Entrance, halfway by lake and halfway by open ocean. At The Entrance, take in the opening to the mighty lakes system and maybe watch a fishing boat crossing the bar. Seals can often found lazing on the rocks, and pelicans bobbing on the water.
Lakes Entrance summer carnival
Running from late December until the end of the Victorian school holidays, the carnival brings a festival-feel to the seaside town. Located on the foreshore, the carnival opens up every evening with family-friendly rides and games, including ferris wheel, dodgem cars and a sideshow.
Lakes Entrance Helicopters
Catch a different view of the Gippsland Lakes as you soar above the glistening waterways and across the turquoise coastline. Scenic flights take you along immense Ninety Mile Beach, over the longest silt jetties in the world and past secluded islands in the giant lake system. You can also pair your helicopter ride with experiences like fine dining restaurants, country pubs or stand up paddleboarding.
Lakes Entrance Aqua Park
Lakes Entrance Aqua Park is about as much fun as you can have on the water. This giant inflatable obstacle course has features to climb over, balance along, slide down and jump off. The 50-minute sessions run every hour over the warmer months.
Paddle bikes and paddle boats are also available for hire.
Venture Out
Pick a cycling or paddleboarding adventure with the experts who have already done the heavy lifting to plan a few hours of action.
Lakes Entrance Segway
Mount your very own trusty steed – a state-of-the-art segway - to explore lovely Lakes Entrance in the most unique and fun way. The off-road tyres allow a smooth ride on the golden sands of the local beaches.
These small group tours run for 90 minutes. Over 12 years old only.
Lakes Entrance massage & sauna
This much action and adventure deserves a bit of down time. You can find relaxation bliss at a number of beauty and massage places. Head to Koho Sauna to book in a 30 minute session in a floating sauna, with a deck directly over the water of the Gippsland Lakes, intended for swimming between your sauna bursts for hot/cold therapy.
Kalimna Lookout
Off the Princes Highway (A1) on the hill above town, pull off onto Hotel Rd, Kalimna. This is the first view you see of the water as you arrive into Lakes Entrance, offering the holy trinity of Lakes Entrance views: beach, lake and The Entrance.
There’s a car park and viewing platform.
Nyerimilang Heritage Park
Nyerimilang Heritage Park offers a scenic blend of history and nature with panoramic views of the Gippsland Lakes. Visitors can explore historic homesteads, enjoy picnics amidst native flora, and weave through walking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty and wildlife. The park’s tranquil setting and cultural significance make it an ideal spot for family outings and picnics.
Griffiths Seashell Museum
This quirky museum is easy to spot with its giant octopus perched on the rooftop along this Esplanade location. The small museum houses a worldwide collection of shells and marine specimens with a large gift shop.
Camping in Lakes Entrance
Camping in Lakes Entrance is a rite of passage. There are loads of caravan parks and campgrounds to support the popularity of camping. Many are lined along the edge of the lakes offering a tranquil retreat with good access to the beach, shops and facilities.
Easy day trips from Lakes Entrance
Buchan Caves
Beneath the unsuspecting forest floor of a scenic valley lies an enchanting system of limestone formations known as the Buchan Caves.
Bruthen
Tucked into the foothills of the high country where the dense forest opens out into a lush, green valley you’ll find this charming village.
Cape Conran
Explore the wide sandy beaches flanked by rocky outcrops and impossibly blue waters, where nectar-feeding birds flit lightly through the banksia woodlands.
Den of Nargun Loop Walk
5km, 1.5 hrs | Mitchell River National Park | Discover the Den of Nargun, steeped in Gunaikurnai legend. A rare jewel of Gippsland that offers so much more…
Raymond Island
Forest-clad paradise teems with koalas and wildlife, with nature-filled adventures waiting to be explored by bike or on foot.
East Gippsland Rail Trail
96km | Bairnsdale - Newmerella | Cycle through frolicking hills and whispering forest, taking in grand old trestle bridges.The trail navigates through bucolic…
Metung Hot Springs
Escape to Metung Hot Springs for geothermal bathing, wellness experiences and spectacular views over the Gippsland Lakes.
Basin Creek Falls Walk
2.6km, 1 hr | Snowy River National Park | This out-and-back walk follows a steep track to the base of Basin Creek Falls, where you’ll find a stream of water…
McKenzie River Rainforest Walk
1km, 45 mins | Bemm River Scenic Reserve | Explore rainforest and eucalypt forests, with swing bridges crossing the majestic valley with canopy-top views. For…