8 Best Cruises in Lakes Entrance
Without a doubt the best way to experience the magic of the Gippsland Lakes is by boat. With a trusted local at the helm, you can be sure you’ll see the best spots and make the most of your limited time.
If animal sightings are your main priority, you cannot go past a trip with Peels or Lonsdale Eco Cruises. From dolphins to seals and seabirds galore, you’ll have more photos after your couple of hours on the water than you’ll know what to do with.
For those who want a more tailored experience we have a few operators who can knock together a custom itinerary with water taxi services to small islands, otherwise inaccessible to those without their own boat.
If you’re not such which option suits you best, take a look at the below Lakes Entrances Cruises to find your perfect match.
30km Lonsdale Eco Cruise
This is a great all-in-one cruise encompassing Lakes Entrance through to Lake King. It departs daily (except Wednesdays) at 1pm from Cunningham Quay on the Esplanade. After a brief visit to the Entrance for a chance to spot the fur seals and Burranan Dolphins, you’ll continue towards Metung Village.
Along the way you’ll pass Rigby and Flannagan Islands with the chance to spot kangaroos and goats. After Metung you’ll pass through Lake King returning via Chinaman’s Creek, Box’s Creek, and Nungurner Jetty.
A well-loved highlight of this cruise is the inclusion of free tea and coffee accompanied by freshly baked scones on board with jam and cream – yum!
After around three hours of cruising with informative commentary throughout, you’ll arrive back in Lakes Entrance at Cunningham Quay.
Adults: $75
Pensioners: $70
Children (1-16): $45
Infants under 1: Free
To book your cruise, give Lonsdale Eco Cruises a call on 0413 666 638 (no texts please!)
Metung Luncheon Cruise
Departing at 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Post Office Jetty on the Lakes Entrance esplanade, the Metung Luncheon Cruise is the perfect way to spend a day enjoying the best of the Gippsland Lakes.
With 30km of cruising through the Reeves Channel, Bancroft Bay, and Lake King you don’t miss out on any of the highlights before stopping for lunch at the well-loved Metung Hotel. Nestled beside the village green, the hotel has stunning views over Bancroft Bay and plenty of delicious menu options.
You’ll have time for a quick stroll through town before reboarding the boat for your Peels cruise back to Lakes Entrance. Depending on bookings you may travel on the Stormbird (capacity 47 passengers) or the Seabird (capacity 100 passengers) with detailed commentary provided by the crew throughout.
Adults: $85
Children (6-15): $30
Children under 6: Free
To book your cruise, either call Peels Cruises on 02 5155 1246 or 0409 946 292, email on: info@peelscruises.com.au, or book in person at the ticket office on Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance.
70km Peels Sightseeing Cruise
If you’re looking to cover a lot of kilometres, then this is the cruise for you. Despite being only 2.5 hours in length, it’s the longest cruise on offer in the Gippsland Lakes. It departs from Post Office Jetty on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2pm, returning to Lakes Entrance by 4.30pm.
You’ll be be onboard Peels Cruises prized Thunderbird vessel, with a max capacity of 190 passengers. Full commentary from the knowledgeable crew is provided throughout.
The route takes you through Reeves Channel, Bancroft Bay, Metung, Lake King, housing canals around Paynesville, Raymond Island, Lake Victoria, and a pass-by of the entrance to Bass Strait.
Adults: $65
Seniors: $58
Kids (6-15): $32.50
Under 6: Free
To book your cruise, either call Peels Cruises on 02 5155 1246 or 0409 946 292, email on: info@peelscruises.com.au, or book in person at the ticket office on Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance.
30km Peels Scenic Cruise
Departing from Post Office Jetty on Friday and Sunday at 11.45am, this cruise takes you on a 30km journey with full commentary about the sights and significance of the region along the way.
Aboard the Thunderbird vessel (capacity 190 passengers), you’ll cruise through Reeves Channel, Bancroft Bay, the shores of Metung, Lake King, and a quick peek passing the entrance to Bass Strait.
It’s a great option if you’re short on time as this cruise arrives back in Lakes Entrance by 1pm. This shorter length is great for kids and families, plus the Thunderbird is pram and wheelchair friendly.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and a range of biscuits and confectionary are also available for purchase on board.
Adults: $45
Seniors: $40
Kids (6-15): $22.50
Under 6: Free
To book your cruise, either call Peels Cruises on 02 5155 1246 or 0409 946 292, email on: info@peelscruises.com.au, or book in person at the ticket office on Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance.
Wyanga Park Lunch & Wine Tasting Cruise
Operated by Peels Cruises, the Wyanga Park Winery Cruise departs from Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am, returning by 3pm.
You will enjoy a leisurely cruise past the entrance to Bass Strait before proceeding along the North Arm to Wyanga Park Winery.
On arrival you can choose your preferred meal and glass of wine from the restaurant menu, including a local cheese board and full wine tasting facilitated by your host.
Adults: $120
Kids (6-17): $45
Under 6: Free
To book visit the Wyanga Park Winery website.
For a more personalized experience at custom times, head out with Skipper Pete on a one-hour educational ocean entrance tour with up to 3 passengers. You’ll cruise around the harbour, commercial port, and waterways including the ocean entrance.
Skipper Pete will answer all your questions and provide information about our local population of fur seals, pelicans, marine life, birdlife, local history, and geography.
This cruise option is ideal if your schedule doesn’t accommodate the fixed times of the bigger tour operators, or if you’d prefer to experience the Gippsland Lakes with your own group. Â
Price: $60 per tour ($20-$30 per person).
For Lakes Entrances Wildlife Tour bookings please contact Skipper Pete on 0458 511 438.
Lakes Explorer Rigby Island Tour
The Rigby Island Tour includes everything you can expect from the Wildlife Boat Tour but is double the length – two hours! Once again, numbers are capped at 3 passengers (4 including Skipper Pete).
You’ll explore further into the Gippsland Lakes and there’s an opportunity to enjoy a guided walk in a remote location to add to the adventure of the trip.
Skipper Pete brings the area to life with engaging storytelling and local knowledge. For a personalized experience you’ll never forget, this Rigby Island Tour will let you see a side of the Gippsland Lakes few tourists and locals ever experience. Â
Price: $100 per tour ($34 or $50 per person).
For bookings please contact Skipper Pete on 0458 511 438.
Lakes Entrance Fishing Charters
Ok, ok, this inclusion is a little bit cheeky – but I maintain that it counts! For those of you who like your cruises with a dose of anticipation, and the chance to reel in something from the deep, consider a fishing charter with one of our local angling experts.Â
Not only will you enjoy a great day on the water but you can choose between offshore and lakes trips, tailoring your experience to suit your comfort level.
Lakes Charter Fishing
Offering crabbing, deep sea, and lake fishing charters, there’s something on offer for everyone with Lakes Charter Fishing. Charters vary in length from two to five hours and the team are happy to pull together a custom itinerary if you’re catering for a group.
While all bait and fishing equipment is supplied, all visitors need to ensure that they have a valid Victorian Fishing License.
Bookings can be made on the Lakes Charter Fishing website.
Far Out Charters
If hooking a Gummy Shark, Snapper or Flathead is on your bucket list this year, and you don’t mind an early start, then a four hour minimum charter with Far Out Charters in Lakes Entrance is a great choice.
Welcoming both experienced and beginner fishers, this crew can take up to 12 people in a single group but will otherwise cap group limits at 8 people for the best experience. No children aged under 12 years.
Bookings can be made on the Far Out Charters website.
Lakes Entrance Offshore Charters
With a range of packages on offer including crabbing, fishing, and customised skippered boat charters, the team at Lakes Entrance Offshore Charters can help make your day on the water one you’ll never forget.
Skipper Sarn is a popular choice for larger groups or families seeking maximum flexibility in their offshore charter and he can take up to ten passengers. Sarn can arrange pick up and drop off from either Lakes Entrance or Metung. Â Â
It’s recommended to keep group sizes below 4 passengers for his lakes fishing and below 6 passengers for his fishing & crabbing charters. Gear and bait are supplied but valid Victorian Fishing Licenses are required.
Book online at the Lakes Entrance Offshore Charters website or call Sarn on 0434 778 275.
