1. Sunset Cove – Paynesville
A barbecue, a safe swim on a sandy inlet, a shaded walk by the beach and a play on a state-of-the-art playground in East Gippsland is what you can expect if you take the time to find Sunset Cove in Paynesville. It’s a hot spot for locals who love nature and enjoy being out in it with their families. See yachts sail past and pelicans nearby while you soak it all in.
2. Den of Nargun
In the Mitchell River National Park you can find a scenic and culturally significant walk that starts and ends at a beautiful little picnic spot.
The walk itself includes the Bluff lookout, which can only be described as breathtaking.
It’s also part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, which explores Gunaikurnai Aboriginal history and culture.
A Nargun, according to Gunaikurnai tribal legends, is a fierce half-human, half-stone creature that lived in the Den of Nargun, a cave under a rock overhang behind a small waterfall.
3. Fishing
Good fishing spots are not hard to come by in East Gippsland, but here are a few to try out for yourself:
Mitchell River – The Grassy Banks and The Cut for bream.
Tambo River – Best spot for bream are from The Cliffs.
Nicholson – Thumb Point for bream.
Metung – From Nungurner Jetty to Shaving Point for whiting.
Lakes Entrance – The town jetties have some mullet about, worth checking out Bullock Island.
Mallacoota – There are plenty of fishing spots to wet a line with a wide range of fish, such as yellowfin, bream, tailor and gummies.
4. Raymond Island Ferry/Koala
Ride the ferry over to Raymond Island and then walk the trails and visit the local inhabitants – koalas enjoy the trees and visitors. You can have a picnic and spend a few hours strolling the attractive streets and pre-beaten trails.
Make sure you take water and food if you plan to spend time over there as there are no shops. Pack your backpack and enjoy East Gippsland wildlife.
5. Segway adventures
Glide across 90 Mile Beach on a state-of-the-art Segway machine, or ride along the stunning Lakes Entrance foreshore.
Explore Cunninghame Arm, Lakes Entrances’ Eastern Beach and Main Beach, all while flying along clear vanilla sand.
You’ll learn the basic functions of the Segway within minutes, with the operation so intuitive that riders tend to feel completely comfortable within a short period.
For more information, visit the Lakes Entrance Segway Adventures website.
6. Buchan
Buchan isn’t just known for its magnificent caves, and there’s still plenty to explore in this small country town.
If you’re after something for lunch, head to the Buch Caves Hotel, which offers a delicious summer and winter menu.
You should also check out the Buchan General Store, Buchan Valley Roadhouse and the Willow Cafe.
7. Yeerung River
People will tell you Cape Conran is beautiful but if you’re heading that way, be sure to take a detour to the Yeerung. The beautiful red river is an amazing sandy swimming hole that sits alongside the beach. If waves are your thing you can have the best of both worlds and the cliff that borders around the Yeerung is a beautiful backdrop to your swim. Hearing the sea waves behind you adds to the magical atmosphere.
8. Bairnsdale to Orbost on the rail trail
The rail trail itself is worth a few days’ adventure, however, our hot tip is the beautiful scenery and interesting bridges and nature between Bairnsdale and Orbost. The ride itself stretches 100km. Bairnsdale and Orbost both are worth spending time looking around. The trail is family-friendly so pack the car and put the bikes on the back and give Bairnsdale to Orbost a spin.
9. All things kids day out
Fancy staying home and reading a book and enjoying some peace and quiet? Drop the kids off at one of East Gippsland’s many entertainment venues. Adventure Park just out of Bairnsdale on the way to Lakes Entrance has plenty to do for the family. Do the mini golf tour in Lakes Entrance and hit one of the four great mini golf spots or settle in for a movie at Bairnsdale’s fabulous Sun Cinema.
10. Nyerimilang Heritage Park
Metung itself is worth visiting, but while you’re there don’t miss visiting this beautiful heritage park set among semi-formal gardens on a clifftop above the beautiful Gippsland Lakes. Perfect picnic spots are surrounded by garden and scenic walks that let you wander along bush and farm tracks, past Kurrajong trees, wetland areas and through the East Gippsland Indigenous Plant Garden.
11. Lakes Entrance Boat Cruise
You would think there’s not a lot more to see in Lakes Entrance that can’t be seen from the lookout, but seeing Lakes Entrance and surrounds from a boat adds a whole lot to the magic. See the seals basking in the sun, or the local dolphins, wave to fishing families and take in every little cove and inlet’s beauty. Some cruises have options to stop in Metung, which can add something special to the trip.
12. Bruthen
Locals know the charm of Bruthen, but it hasn’t quite made it to East Gippsland ‘hot spot’ town status. If you’re a tourist and want to see quaint beauty and riverside peace, check out this little town for yourself. Excellent eating establishments, amazing vintage shopping and walking trails and swimming holes in abundance, Bruthen really is your one stop holiday destination spot.
