Last Updated: October 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Victoria and love being outdoors, the beautiful Gippsland Lakes should definitely be on your list. Located in East Gippsland, around three to four hours’ drive from Melbourne, this stunning region is the perfect place to escape the city and enjoy some time by the water.
Covering approximately 354 square kilometres, the Gippsland Lakes form Australia’s largest network of inland waterways. The three main lakes, Lake Wellington, Lake Victoria and Lake King, are surrounded by charming waterfront towns, peaceful beaches and beautiful natural landscapes.
With so much water to explore, it’s no surprise that the region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From boating, kayaking and sailing to fishing and swimming, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the lakes.
But you don’t have to be a water lover to appreciate this part of Victoria. There are scenic walks, wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, golf courses and plenty of lovely places to enjoy a meal or a glass of wine.
So, where should you stay in the Gippsland Lakes? Each town has its own character, and choosing the right base depends on the kind of holiday you’re after. Whether you’re looking for a lively waterfront town, a peaceful romantic escape or somewhere surrounded by nature, here’s our guide to the best places to stay in the Gippsland Lakes.
Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is the Gippsland Lakes’ most popular holiday destination. It is especially loved for its stunning and swimmable beaches, its many waterfront cafes and its marina with its many fishing boats. In Lakes Entrance it’s possible to buy today’s catch directly from the fishermen right on the jetties. You can’t get fish fresher than that!
What to do in Lakes Entrance?
- Walk across the Cunningham Arm footbridge to the 90-mile beach. The Ninety Mile beach is the most popular in Gippsland and one of the most popular in Australia. Find a spot to sit down and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing. If you visit in summer then a swim is in order!
- Walk 4.8 kilometres to the entrance and back. The entrance is the man-made channel that links the Bass Strait and the Tasman Sea with the inland network of Gippsland Lakes. The hike starts just at the end of the footbridge next to the Kiosk. There, you will find a sign pointing you off to the right. You have the choice to follow the same path on the return trip or to walk back along Ninety Mile beach. Bear in mind that the second option involves walking on sand for two-plus kilometres, which can be hard. We opted for this option because we enjoy beach walks but it’s up to you.
- Have coffee and lunch at Albert&Co. Albert&Co makes the best coffee in Lakes Entrance and the food is pretty yummy too. They use a lot of lovely local produce in their dishes.
- Take an afternoon cruise with Lonsdale Eco Cruise through the Gippsland Lakes for a chance to spot some wildlife and to get some pretty awesome views of the lakes.
- Visit the Lakes Entrance Lookout and Jemmy’s Point Lookout for some stunning views of the lakes.
- Take the kids for a mini-golf session. There are a few mini-golf ranges in Lakes Entrance and mini-golf keeps the whole family happy!
- Taste local wine at Wyanga Park winery. Wyanga Park is Gippsland’s oldest, family-run winery. You can access it by car or by boat! There is a jetty for you to park your boat if you own or have hired one, or you can catch the Wyanga Park Winery Cruise from the Esplanade opposite the Post Office.
- Head to Lake Bunga Beach (five minutes north of Lakes Entrance). Lake Bunga Beach is a long stretch of golden sand. It’s a fairly secluded beach and not visited by too many people. You’ll also find sand dunes and Lake Bunga with its old tramway line.
Metung
The small village of Metung is my favourite place in the Gippsland Lakes. Metung stretches along a narrow sandy peninsula on the shores of Lake King. It’s quiet, relaxed and picture-perfect, with spectacular views of the lake.
What to do in Metung?
- Take a stroll along the picturesque boardwalk. Starting at Shaving Point, it is a short walk along the shores of Lake King to the heart of the Metung village. The boardwalk follows the shoreline and offers scenic water views of Bancroft Bay and several marinas along the coast. It ends at the mouth of Chinaman’s Creek. Look out for dolphins!
- Head to the Metung Hotel for a fish platter and a few drinks enjoying the views. The fish platter is delicious! Come hungry!
- Watch the sunset over Lake King. The best place to watch it is on the back beach jetty.
- Relax at Metung Hot Springs. Opened in 2022, this beautiful geothermal bathing retreat offers mineral-rich hot pools, outdoor bathing barrels and spectacular views across the Gippsland Lakes. There’s also a day spa, saunas and luxury glamping accommodation if you fancy treating yourself to a relaxing escape.
Nungurner
Nungurner is tiny and there isn’t much to do but it’s very picturesque and quiet. It’s an excellent base to visit the whole northern area of the lakes.
What to do in Nungurner?
- Jump from the jetty into the lake in summer and/or take a kayak out for a lovely time on the lake.
- Have a picnic in the picnic area while waiting for the sunset.
- Stay at the Jetty Road Retreat and enjoy the views and local birdlife as you sip on local wines from your deck.
Lake Tyers Beach
Another short drive from Lakes Entrance is the small Aboriginal settlement of Lake Tyers Beach. Lake Tyers Beach is another quieter holiday destination on the Gippsland Lakes. It’s great for relaxing and outdoor activities.
What to do in Lake Tyers Beach?
- Surf or learn to surf in the region’s most renowned surfing spot, Red Bluff.
- Have a pub meal on the deck of the Lake Tyers Beach Tavern while enjoying the views. Be sure to order the fish and chips!
- Catch fish directly from the beach, bream and flathead are abundant.
- Go bushwalking in Lake Tyers State Park, to spot some of the local wildlife. Lyrebirds, black-faced flycatchers, brown warblers, wonga pigeons, rufous fantail, echidnas, goannas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos all live in the area.
Paynesville
The small seaside resort of Paynesville is situated between Lake King and Lake Victoria. It is surrounded on three sides by water and is the region’s boating capital. So if you love water and boats, this is your kind of place.
If a room with a water view is your thing, Paynesville has many waterfront accommodations.
What to do in Paynesville?
- Take a stroll on the Sunset Cove Walking Track. This 3 km return walk is easy and offers some incredible coastal views of the lake. You might even spot dolphins or pelicans and you’ll definitely see some swans!
- Take the ferry across to Raymond Island to see the koalas. Raymond Island is the best place in Victoria to spot our cute koalas, with over 300 of them currently living on the island. But it’s not just the koalas; kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and over 60 bird species also call the island home. Read more about Raymond Island here.
- Indulge on locally sourced fresh produce at SARDINE dining.
- Take a kayak out and paddle off into the sunset.
- Drive to the Eagle Point Lookout for stunning views over the lake, river and surrounding countryside. Keep a lookout for the white-chested sea eagles.
- Go waterskiing at Newlands Arm.
Loch Sport
Located on a narrow strip of land between Lake Victoria and Bass Strait, Loch Sport is a sleepy coastal town surrounded by beautiful beaches and natural parkland.
Its biggest attraction is its peaceful setting, with easy access to Lake Victoria, Ninety Mile Beach and the nearby Lakes National Park. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy fishing, kayaking, swimming or simply relaxing by the water.
Around three hours’ drive from Melbourne, Loch Sport is also a good option for budget-conscious travellers, with several camping and caravan facilities available.
What to do in Loch Sport?
- Try your hand at paddleboarding at Golden Beach.
- Hire a kayak and paddle around Lake Victoria.
- Become a beach bum in Paradise Beach and Golden Beach. Nothing wrong with that right?
- Search for the remnants of the Trinculo Shipwreck near Golden Beach. Built in Bristol, England, in 1858, this iron barque was driven ashore by strong winds in 1879 while sailing from Albany to Newcastle.
Best Time to Visit the Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.
Summer (December to February) is ideal for swimming, boating and enjoying the beaches, although it’s also the busiest time, particularly during school holidays.
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are wonderful for exploring the waterfront towns, walking and wildlife spotting, with generally milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter (June to August) can be chilly, but it’s a lovely time for a peaceful getaway, cosy accommodation and quiet walks along the lakes.
How to Get to and Around the Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes are approximately three to four hours’ drive from Melbourne, depending on which town you’re visiting. The easiest way to reach the region is via the Princes Highway, travelling through Sale and Bairnsdale.
You can also catch a V/Line train from Melbourne to Bairnsdale, with connecting coach services to Lakes Entrance.
However, we highly recommend having a car, especially if you want to explore several towns. While places like Metung and Lakes Entrance are lovely to explore on foot, the region is quite spread out, and public transport between smaller towns is limited.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Gippsland Lakes?
We recommend allowing at least three days to explore the Gippsland Lakes, although four or five days would be even better.
A long weekend gives you enough time to visit Lakes Entrance, enjoy the waterfront at Metung and take a trip to Raymond Island to look for wild koalas.
With more time, you can explore quieter spots such as Nungurner, Lake Tyers Beach and Loch Sport, enjoy a lake cruise or simply relax by the water.
If you prefer slow travel, choose one or two towns as your base rather than trying to squeeze everything into a single weekend.
Where to Stay in the Gippsland Lakes
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, a romantic getaway or an affordable motel, the Gippsland Lakes have accommodation to suit different budgets.
Jetty Road Retreat, Nungurner – Our Favourite
We stayed at Jetty Road Retreat in Nungurner and absolutely loved it! These self-contained cabins enjoy a beautiful, peaceful setting overlooking the Gippsland Lakes. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy the views and watch the local birdlife. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and unwind in nature, this would be our first choice.
Metung Hot Springs – Luxury Escape
For something a little more indulgent, consider staying at Metung Hot Springs. Its luxury glamping tents offer comfortable king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms and private bathing barrels, all surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. With geothermal pools and spa treatments on your doorstep, it’s an ideal choice for a romantic getaway.
Coastal Waters Motor Inn, Lakes Entrance – Affordable Comfort
If you’re travelling on a budget, Coastal Waters Motor Inn is an excellent option in Lakes Entrance. This highly rated motel offers clean, comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a convenient location close to the waterfront, beach and restaurants. It’s a great base for exploring the region without spending a fortune on accommodation.
Use the search box below to find more accommodation:
Read More
Stepping back in time in the Historic Township of Walhalla
12 Beautiful Beaches in Victoria that You Won’t Want to Miss
Phillip Island: A Perfect Getaway from Melbourne
Leave a reply