Things to Do in Bairnsdale: A One-Day Itinerary
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Gateway to East Gippsland
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Welcome to Bairnsdale: Trip Highlights
Discover the best things to do in Bairnsdale with this one-day itinerary—perfect for a memorable day trip or travel stopover in East Gippsland. Experience tranquil wetlands, unique history, local food, and creativity in a welcoming riverside town.
Your journey uncovers Bairnsdale’s must-see highlights: stroll nature trails, visit fascinating museums, explore Indigenous culture at Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place, admire regional art, and finish amid historic architecture and striking church murals—all chosen to create the ultimate guide for things to do in Bairnsdale.
Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre
Begin your day at the Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre, where you can grab a map, shop for locally made treats and creations, and prepare for a day of discovery. While you’re here, check out the pavement animal artworks just outside — they’re part of a quirky trail scattered throughout the CBD that celebrates local fauna.
The Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre is located at 273 Main Street Bairnsdale.
Morning
Macleod Morass Wetlands
From the Visitor Centre, head south to MacLeod Morass, a Ramsar-listed wetland that provides habitat for over 190 bird species. Follow the boardwalk and pause at the viewing platforms to take in the tranquil landscape filled with reeds, waterbirds, and native flora. It’s a peaceful immersion into nature just minutes from town.
Bairnsdale Historical Museum
Make your way back into town to visit the Bairnsdale Historical Museum, located in the old Bairnsdale College building. Here, you’ll explore rooms filled with local artefacts, vintage machinery, photographs, and stories that offer insight into the lives of East Gippsland’s early settlers.
The Bairnsdale Historical Museum is located at 40 Macarthur Street, Bairnsdale.
Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place
Next, walk to the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place, part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail. This cultural centre shares the history, stories, and contemporary culture of the Gunaikurnai people, the Traditional Custodians of this land. Inside, you’ll find artwork, artefacts, and interpretive displays that honour Indigenous connection to Country.
The Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place is located at 37 Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale.
All Abilities Playground & Recreation Area
Continue along Dalmahoy Street to the All Abilities Playground, a family-friendly zone with accessible play equipment, toilets, picnic spots, and a skate park. It’s a good place to pause for a packed lunch and rest.
Bairnsdale boasts a vibrant café and restaurant scene, offering everything from contemporary bistros to cosy coffee spots focused on local Gippsland produce. Explore more great options for lunch and dining on our Eat & Drink page.
Lunch
Butter Factory Antiques
From the park, take a short stroll to Butter Factory Antiques, an old-world treasure trove packed with furniture, vintage wares, home décor, and collectibles. Whether you’re a serious antique lover or just browsing, it’s easy to lose time exploring here.
After Lunch
Howitt Park & Canoe Tree
Head toward the river and enter Howitt Park, another highlight of the Bataluk Cultural Trail. Don’t miss the Canoe Tree — a scarred tree where bark was once removed to make canoes. This is a special place to pause and reflect on the longstanding connection between the Gunaikurnai people and the Mitchell River. Cross the pedestrian swing bridge for beautiful river views and photo opportunities.
Mid Afternoon
Historic Courthouse & East Gippsland Art Gallery
Return to the town centre and stop by the Bairnsdale Courthouse, a grand red-brick building constructed in 1893. Just next door, the East Gippsland Art Gallery, built in 1888, showcases works from local and regional artists. It’s a compact but vibrant hub for both contemporary and traditional visual arts.
Afternoon
Port of Bairnsdale & Mitchell River Walking Track
From the gallery, walk toward the Port of Bairnsdale and begin a section of the Mitchell River Walking Track. Once a vital link in the Gippsland Lakes trade route, the port area still hints at its industrial past. The river track is a flat, 5.6 km return path that weaves through bushland and riverside parklands. Along the way, you’ll spot Gunaikurnai storyboards, picnic areas, birdlife and native plants.
Flying Fox Colony - McCulloch and Riverine Streets
As you near the McCulloch and Riverine Streets junction, look up! A colony of Grey-Headed Flying Foxes, a vulnerable native bat species, roosts in the trees here — particularly noticeable in warmer months. These fascinating creatures play a vital role in the ecosystem through pollination and seed dispersal.
St Mary's Catholic Church
Complete your loop back at St Mary’s Catholic Church, one of Bairnsdale’s most iconic buildings. Step inside to see the breathtaking ceiling frescoes painted by Italian artist Francesco Floreani in the 1930s — a vivid depiction of biblical scenes with a unique Australian twist. It’s the perfect final stop, combining spirituality, history, and artistry.
Note: St Mary’s Church may not be open after 4.30pm.
Eat Drink Gippsland
Evening
Bairnsdale boasts a vibrant food scene, with everything from creative country cafes to bustling pubs and boutique cellar doors perfect for a memorable meal or relaxed afternoon. Surrounding towns like Lindenow provide outstanding local produce and vineyard experiences to complement the array of dining options in town.
Lightfoot Wines in Calulu welcomes visitors to a scenic cellar door with generous regional cheese and charcuterie platters paired with award-winning wines. Enjoy stunning valley views from the terrace as you sample East Gippsland’s best, promising a casual lunch or relaxed afternoon just outside Bairnsdale.
The EAST Handy Store offers a locally focused, upmarket bistro experience where inventive tapas, seafood paella, and decadent desserts highlight regional produce in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Known for chef Josh’s hands-on hospitality, it’s a favourite for slow lunches and intimate dinners, with bookings recommended for busy periods.
Established in 1889, The Grand Terminus Hotel is an architectural icon serving classic pub favourites and seasonal local produce, with warm service and a relaxed vibe. Open for lunch and dinner seven days, it offers casual meals in the bar and table service in the bistro, making it ideal for family gatherings or a hearty meal after exploring Bairnsdale.
Check out our Eat & Drink page for all great dining options & opening hours in the Gippsland Lakes area and beyond.
More to explore
CBD Historical Buildings: Keep your eyes open as you wander the streets — many of Bairnsdale’s buildings, including banks, hotels, and public halls, date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Pavement Animals Trail: Look down! Scattered around the town centre are animal-themed pavement inlays, forming a fun and family-friendly trail.
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring water, especially if you’re doing the full river trail. There are water refilling stations at the Mitchell River port.
Allow 4–6 hours to complete the full loop with stops, or tailor it to your pace and interests.
For all-abilities travel, view our dedicated accessible Bairnsdale & Bruthen itinerary—great for wheelchairs, prams, and relaxed pace journeys.
Find local public toilets fast using the East Gippsland locations the National Public Toilet Map.
East Gippsland has over 30 public EV charging stations, including several in Bairnsdale—see the EV charging station locations for real-time locations and network details.
East Gippsland Art Gallery, Bairnsdale
St Mary’s Church, Bairnsdale
