Make family memories
East Gippsland is the place to come for creating those family memories. There is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your interests are, or what time of the year.
Kids can be kids. There is space to roam, room to fly and time to play in East Gippsland.
Visiting during School Holidays? East Gippsland steps up the excitement with a great range of School holiday activities. .
To help get you started, we have hand picked a couple of activities categorised by town to help get your visit to East Gippsland planning underway!
Paynesville
Paynesville, surrounded by the Gippsland Lakes is the perfect place to wind down and relax and enjoy.
Walks - The beach walks around Paynesville are beautiful, and you will find many hidden coves and playgrounds on your adventure. Check out some of the walks here.
Raymond Island - No matter what age you are, you will love the koala trail at Raymond Island. Head across on the ferry and enjoy the nature of Raymond Island. You can search for koalas by foot following this map, or you can Ride a Surrey Bike in search of Koalas. Find out more here.
Eat - You cant go past fish and chips by the beach. Paynesville is full of options for Fish and Chips. Check out Pier 70, Ginny's Place & The Ferry Cafe.
Play - There are a variety of Play Grounds in Paynesville - Sunset Cove, Main Beach and Paynesville Skate Park just to name a few!
Relax and explore the Gippsland Lakes on a cruise with H20 Tours and Adventures
Metung
Metung is a picturesque village located on the Gippsland Lakes. Metung is known for its views and easy access to the Lakes system. The kids will LOVE Metung.....So will the adults!
Walks - The Metung Waterfront Walk This 5.3km return walk from Chinamans Creek to Shaving Point is perfect for the kids - they can ride their bikes along the board walk and search for dolphins and seals swimming past. The back beach at Metung is also a nice easy walk and the the sunsets there are 10/10!
Eat - You cant go past a meal at The Metung Hotel. With a kids menu and plenty of grass on the foreshore for the kids to run around on while you take in the views across the lake - it's a win win for everyone. The kids might even spot a fish or two off the jetty! Aroma Metung is another great choice, also with a large kids meal and located right on the village green. So let the kids play while you relax! The Metung Bakery is also a must to check out, whether it is for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks - there is something for everyone to enjoy here!!!
Play - Patterson Park Metung is not only an amazing natural playground, but in the summer months - it also has a splash park connected to it! Located right in the centre of town, you cant miss it!
Do you want to spend the day on a boat exploring the lakes? Or even a night? Then check out Riviera Nautic You can day hire and no licence is required! Go explore the secluded coves around Metung, do a spot of fishing or even go park across at Boole Poole Peninsula and spot some of the kangaroos! Kids are sure to love this one!
The beach at Metung is a perfect secluded spot. With rocks and shells to forage through and crystal clear water - pack the beach toys and boogie board and jump in!
Whether you are walking, riding or on the scooter - there is so much to explore in Metung. Kids will love it!
Lakes Entrance
Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring Lakes Entrance is full of activity and adventures waiting to be had!
Walks - Whether you packed the kids scooters and bikes, or you are just on foot. The Esplanade Walk provides you with a great waterfront view. Stop a look at all the fishing boats coming in (maybe even pick up some fresh seafood straight off the boat) and walk from town all the way down to Bullock Island.
The Entrance Walk is one of our all time favourites. Walk over the footbridge in the centre of town and you can do the full loop along the lake and back along the ocean (or vice versa). By foot only this one, no flat surfaces for bikes and scooters for the kids. There are stairs as well. But when you get to the Entrance there is a pretty high chance you will see some seals laying around on the rocks and maybe even some dolphins! If it is too far to do the entire loop (approx 5km) then just do a part of it - you wont be disappointed.
The Kalimna Jetty Walk is one of the hidden gems of Lakes Entrance, this out-of-the-way walk affords some of the best and most uncluttered views over the town and extensive system of waterways this region is famed for. Start and finish at The Marine Parade Reserve Playground and let the kids have a play!
Eat - When you're at the beach - you have to have Fish & Chips at least once. There are lots of local eateries to choose from! But if you want to take the kids out for a sit down meal, Lakes Entrance has you covered with a playground to entertain the kids while you are out. The Lakes Entrance Sports and Community Club is right on the Esplanade and has a huge outdoor playground for the kids. While the Lakes Entrance Bowls Club has you covered for wet weather with an indoor playground.
Play - If you're in Lakes Entrance, you must go to the Beach. Go along the footbridge and across the dunes to the surf beach. It is patrolled in the summer months. Great beaches on the lake too. Lakes Entrance should also be known as the home of minigolf. Don't let the weather stop you, with both indoor and outdoor mini golf options available.
If you are looking to be a bit adventurous, make sure you check out Venture Out! With loads of activities for young and old. Whether that be Paddle boarding the lakes or downhill mountain biking. If you visit in the School Holidays they are usually running some additional kids sessions. For those that enjoy being a bit more creative, The Salt Water Creative Co is the perfect place to visit. You can view local artists and their creations in the studio, or put on an apron and get on with creating your own masterpiece. With resin art, decorating skate boards, pottery classes and more to choose from - we are sure you will find something to keep you entertained there.
In the Summer Months Lakes Entrance hosts the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park. A huge inflatable obstacle course located right next to the Footbridge in the centre of town.
There are loads of things to keep you and the family entertained in Lakes Entrance. Check out the this link for more ideas on what to do when you visit Lakes Entrance next!
Buchan
Discover the charm of one of Victoria's earliest European settled towns!
Walks - Take a tour around the township and discover the history of the buildings, the river and the people. Guides for this walk can be at the Neighbourhood House, Caves Reserve and General Store. If your looking for a short walk with great viewpoints Moon Hill Walk is for you. A 30minute return walk starting and finishing in the Buchan Caves Reserve Campground.
Eat - Savour a cold beer and pub meal at the Buchan Caves Hotel.
Play - Buchan is renowned for the spectacular Buchan Caves, enjoy a leisurely picnic on the lush grass while local kangaroos graze on the reserve nearby before a guided tour of the famous Royal and Fairy Caves.
If your looking for somewhere to take a refreshing dip, the Buchan Bluff is the perfect location found just 1km out of the town of Buchan. Soak in the sunshine and swim along the shallow river banks.
For the more adventurous you must visit Karoonda park, offering a full range of outdoor adventures and farm experiences for groups and individuals.
Bruthen
The town, surrounded by National Parks, is a big natural playground for you and your family to enjoy.
Walks - Walk amongst a rainforest landscape fit for fairies, on the Fairy Dell Walking track located just out of Bruthen.
Eat - Visit Tambo Valley Honey for honey tastings, meals and the chance to browse the gift shop filled with bees wax and honey-inspired goods. Bruthen Inn Hotel is a great stop for a pub lunch, their spacious venue gives you many seating options and room for the children to roam.
Play - Make use of the playground and skate park located in the main street. In the warmer months Ramrod Swimming hole is a must visit for a refreshing dip in the river.
Orbost
The town, surrounded by National Parks, is a big natural playground for you and your family to enjoy.
Walks - Stroll your way through the town or get amongst the trees by walking or cycling along theEast Gippsland Rail Trail.
Eat - Stop in at the Club Hotel Orbost and get to know the locals over a cold beer and meal or enjoy a afternoon sampling craft beer at sailors grave will the children burn off some energy.
Play - Snowy River Cycling can make for a relaxing adventure with guided tours, self guided tours, transfers and accommodation so all you need to worry about is pedalling along enjoying the views. Head down to Corringle Beach Campground located on the Corringle Slips West of Orbost, for all your beach activities.
Marlo
The town, surrounded by National Parks, is a big natural playground for you and your family to enjoy.
Walks - Enjoy walks along the miles of beautiful beach.
Eat - Enjoy lunch or dinner on the deck of Marlo Hotel looking over picturesque water views.
Play - Throw a line in into the water and enjoy catching a fish or take a swim in the water
Only 15km from Marlo you will find Cape Conran, this is a surfers haven, and perfect for water based activities.
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