East Gippsland acknowledges the Gunaikurnai, Monero and the Bidawel people as the Traditional Custodians of the land that encompasses East Gippsland Shire. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in East Gippsland, their Elders past and present.
The Land of the Long Weekend - Itinerary
Explore the beauty of East Gippslands lakes.
East Gippsland is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, lush forest and picturesque views.
This three day itinerary allows you to explore the hidden gems of East Gippslands Lakes.
Start planning your adventure filled, long weekend now.
Day 1
Enjoy your first day exploring the beauty of one of Victoria's top tourist towns.
Arrive and unpack in Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance offers endless accommodation options catering for all different traveling styles. Whether you're camping in a tent or looking for a cabin for the whole family to enjoy.
Lakes Recreation and Camping Reserve - offers on the water powered and unpowered sites perfect for the eager campers in tents, camper trailers and caravans. The park is walking distance from the Lakes Entrance Esplanade.
Beachcomber Holiday Units - choose from five fully self contained holiday units providing you with everything you and your family need for the perfect getaway. Only steps away from the exciting attractions Lakes Entrance has to offer.
Eight acres - Looking for more of a unique option, only a short drive from Lakes Entrance you will find eight acres set in the native bushland. Camp in their luxury glamping tents or coastal farm house cottages.
Get the know the area & Explore the Esplanade
Check out the Lakes Entrance lookout, and Jemmy point lookout for amazing views of the Gippsland Lakes and Entrance. Take the time to wander the esplanade we recommend visiting The Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display, and Big Bear Donuts..
Off the Wharf fish and chippery
Enjoy lunch on bullock island at the new floating fish and chippery. While you’re there watch the fishing boats unload and try your luck at the dolphin look lookout and see what creatures you can spot.
Lakes Entrance Aqua Park
It’s time to get wet and wild at the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park, this floating obstacle course will have you off your feet and laughing until hurts. Paddle your way in the lake with their paddle boats and bikes also available for hire.
The Servo & The Pit
It’s time to relax and rejuvenate at the local drinking hole. Enjoy live music, refreshing beverages and delicious American BBQ styled food at The Pit.
Day 2
It's time to get out and explore the coastal towns that surround. Your in for a treat!!!
Lakes Entrance - Raymond Island Koala Trail
1hr 6min I 54km
Gather a bag of essentials before heading to Paynesville. Park the car (best parking would be Fleischer St Paynesville) before walking down to board the iconic Raymond Island Ferry departing every 20 minutes from Paynesville. Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate from The Two Has Beans before beginning your journey along the Raymond Island Koala Trail. Keep your eyes peeled high in the trees and see how many Koala you can count!
Raymond Island - Nungurner Boat House and Jetty
1hr I 49km
Take the scenic drive to Nungurner to see the charming boathouse at the jetty.
Nungurner Boat House and Jetty - Metung Country Club
8min I 7km
Your body is going to need refuelling after all that Koala spotting. Enjoy a laid back lunch at Metung Country Club overlooking the golf course.
Metung Country Club - Metung Hot Springs
1min I 5m
It’s time to grab your togs and get ready for a afternoon of relaxation at winning Metung Hot Springs. Soak all those troubles away while taking the million dollar views from every vantage point.
Day 3
Albert & Co
Enjoy one of the best breakfast venues in town. Albert & Co. has quickly become a local institution with great coffee and a diverse menu.
Albert & Co - Red Bluff
12min I 10km
Head on over to the Red Bluff where you can take a short walk along the beach and cliff top.
Enjoy magnificent views at the Red Bluff Lookout and try your luck at spotting a whale.
Red Bluff - Lake Tyers Beach Tavern
4min I 2.8km
Head out to Lake Tyers for lunch with a view at the Lake Tyers Beach Tavern. Sit out on the deck and soak up the sunshine.
Lake Tyers Beach Tavern - Red Bluff Brewery
7min I 6.9km
Before you leave this land of wonder why not stop in to one of East Gippsland’s gourmet breweries and try a paddle of Red Bluff beer.
Walk Mitchell River National Park
Marvel in the Magnificent, Mystical Mitchell.
Walking within the Mitchell River National Park will bring you a depth of cultural history, challenging terrain and rocky river vantages.
Den of Nargun Loop Walk
Incorporating an area of Aboriginal significance along the Bataluk Cultural Trail is this beautiful walk. Taking you along lush trails, passing waterfalls and creeks before arriving at the culturally significant Den of Nargun. The Nargun, being a large female creature who is known to live in a cave behind a waterfall in the Mitchell River.
Location: Mitchell River National Park
Distance: 5km
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Grade: Level 3
Start: Den of Nargun picnic area
Finish: Den of Nargun picnic area
Mitchell River Walking Track
Walk along the banks of the Mitchell River to the Den of Nargun gorge. This rocky and rugged walk absorbs spectacular views, passes through temperate rainforests and brings you close to the mysterious Den of Nargun.
Location: Mitchell River National Park
Distance: 18km one way
Duration: 2 days
Grade: Level 4
Start: Angusvale camping area
Finish: Den of Nargun picnic area
Land Based Activities
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
heading 6
Paragraph
Address
Preformatted
Short Walks
Short, but sweet
No need to don the hiking pack, for some of the most amazing panoramas of East Gippsland are just a short stroll away. Our expert adventurers have put together this list of short walks for you to enjoy at a leisurely pace.
Ah Fong’s Loop Walk
The heritage-listed Oriental Claims was one of the world’s largest gold-sluicing operations and many mining remnants, caves and sites can be seen on this short walk. The area is also excellent for bird watching and wildflowers.
Location: Omeo
Distance: 1.5km return
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2
Start: Picnic area, Oriental Claims Historic Area
Finish: Picnic area, Oriental Claims Historic Area
Jemmys Point Circuit
Take in the acclaimed Jemmys Point Light Tower before stopping for a breather at the all new Circular Lookout. Head back down to sea level at the Kalimna Jetty and enjoy the water lapping the boardwalk back to North Arm.
Location: Lakes Entrance
Distance: 4.5km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Level 3
Start: Marine Parade Reserve (Playground)
Finish: Marine Parade Reserve (Playground)
Red Bluff to Lake Tyers
Begin with a narrow 1km track which leaves the car park. The track continues past Salmon Road to Marlin Road. Follow Marlin Road east for 150m before a narrow track to Beacon Reserve Viewing Platform. From here, continue east for 800m to Lake Tyers Caravan Park, down the steps, to arrive at The Tav, Lake Tyers Beach.
Complete the circuit by following the beach west back to the Red Bluff car park and viewing platform.
Location: Lake Tyers
Distance: 6km 
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Level 2
Start: Red Bluff Car Park
Finish: Red Bluff Car Park
Nungurner to Bell Point
Enjoy the lakeside panorama as you begin by following the narrow track alongside the rock sea wall for 200m. Continue on the sandy beach for 50m to rejoin the narrow, undulating track for 250m before it opens onto a lush grassed area. Continue along past several private jetties and another sandy beach for 400m. Continue west to Bell Point where there is the most gorgeous view of Bancroft Bay. Return by re-tracing your track.
Location: Nungurner
Distance: 3.5km (each way)
Duration: 2.5 hours total
Grade: Level 2
Start: Nungurner Jetty Car park
Finish: Nungurner Jetty Car park
Metung Boardwalk
This easy walk along the waterside will possibly take you longer than intended due to the time you will spend admiring the landscape. Begin on a Peninsula peeking out over Lake King, here you can spot yachts, motor-vessels and jet skis as they navigate the Lake. Stroll through the village before finding yourself on the Eastern side of the Peninsula. The boardwalk passes over parts of the lake where you will hear the waves of the lake flowing underfoot. Swans will float on by and pods of dolphins love to check in every now and again for a special visit.
Location: Metung
Distance: 2.6km (each way)
Duration: 30 minutes (each way)
Grade: Level 1
Start: Shaving Point, Metung
Finish: Chinamans Creek, Metung
Cherry Tree Walking Track
Enjoy this easy, flat walking trail, Taking note that the Lake Levels can be high, meaning some parts of the track may be under water. This walk is known for spotting the Azure Kingfisher.
Location: Toorloo Arm
Distance: 2km
Duration: 30 minutes
Grade: Level 1
Start: Cherry Tree Picnic Area
Finish: Cherry Tree Picnic Area
Bruthen Walking Trails
A series of 6 walks meander through State forest on the edge of town and highlight the local flora and fauna along with interesting historical features. There is a walking loop to suit any walking ability from beginner to well experienced bushwalkers.
Location: Bruthen
Distance: 2km - 7.5km
Duration: 30mins - 2hrs
Grade: Level 3
Start: McLeans Road Trail Head
Finish: McLeans Road Trail Head
Extra Info: Walking trail map PDF
Koala Trail
Koala spotting has to be one of the most unique things to do in our beautiful area. Situated on Raymond Island, a short ferry ride from Paynesville, is the easy walking trail. A clearly marked path leads you amongst the gumtrees and into koala territory. Don’t forget to look up, as the cute creatures are most likely fast asleep above you. Did you know: Koala’s sleep for 18 hours each day. Pack a picnic and enjoy a view from one of the picnic spots along the trail.
Location: Raymond Island
Distance: 1.3km 
Duration: 30mins
Grade: Level 1
Start: Ferry reserve, Raymond Island
Finish: Ferry reserve, Raymond Island
Buchan Caves
The Buchan Caves Reserve offers a selection of short walks.
Moon Hill Walk:
Make sure you take a torch on this short walk. Along with views over the Buchan Valley, you can also check out the entrance of the mysterious Moon Cave with the aid of a torch. You can join this walk with the Northern Arm Track, which will add 30 minutes to your walk time.
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve
Distance: .5km
Duration: 30mins
Grade: Level 2-3
Start: Buchan Caves Reserve
Finish: Buchan Caves Reserve
Spring Creek Walk:
This walk will take you along a diverse track onto the higher Tea Tree Track and the lower Kanooka Track, and meets again at Spring Creek Falls viewing platform. A gorgeous vista which is perfect for a selfie. You will witness a change in rock formation from light limestone to a rich Snowy River volcanic rock.
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve
Distance: 3km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Level 2-3
Start: Buchan Caves Reserve
Finish: Buchan Caves Reserve
FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk:
Follow natural, striking white limestone steps to discover the spectacular 400-meter long federal Cave. You can spot fossils in the limestone wall.
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve
Distance: 2km
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Level 2
Start: 100m East of the Visitor Centre. Buchan Caves Reserve
Finish: Near the fairy Cave entrance. You can return along the main road through the reserve. Buchan Caves Reserve
Mckenzie River Rainforest Walk
A popular walk to stretch the legs for those travelling the Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive. Meander through a warm temperate rainforest, be wowed by two swing bridges which cross over the stunning McKenzie River. Take the time to enjoy the forest from within its own canopy amongst the trees.
Location: Princes Hwy, Club Terrace
Distance: 1km
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2
Start: Rainforest Walk Picnic Area
Finish: Rainforest Walk Picnic Area
Food and Wine
Live Love Eat
You may find yourself getting a little too comfortable with the indulgences of East Gippy. From classic cafes and hatted restaurants to farm gate goodies and travelling food vans. Eating your way around our country cottage comforts to seaside seafood diners is one of the most rewarding ways to explore our fresh backyard.