History and Overview
Lakes Entrance is a charming coastal town nestled in Victoria, Australia. It has beautiful beaches and landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and an array of recreational activities. It offers a memorable getaway for seaside adventures and relaxation.
There are a variety of attractions and charm worth visiting in Lakes Entrance. From tranquil lakes & beaches to lush forests & trails. Whether you’re exploring the Gippsland Lakes by boat or hiking through the nearby national parks, the natural beauty of this coastal paradise is worth a weekend getaway.
Lakes Entrance, though a small Gippsland town, has many lovely places to visit in and around the area. From art galleries and museums to cultural festivals and events, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy what the town has to offer. For those looking for adventure, there are a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy from fishing in the lakes, surfing at the beach or kayaking along the waterways. It has a mild climate with beautiful scenery and is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
The lovely town doesn’t disappoint in its dining experiences either; offering a lovely range of restaurants and cafes, there are a variety of dishes from seafood to international cuisine to try.
Lakes Entrance is a perfect destination for travellers – whether you’re stopping by for a short time on the way to another town or staying there for a week or more. It has a variety of awesome places to explore, and activities to enjoy!
My Journey – A Relaxing Getaway
On a spontaneous weekend the drive to Lakes Entrance was a long but exciting one. The country roads were fun to drive with some good tunes playing and a car packed full of things for the potential adventures to come. I drove through many Gippsland towns with interesting features, from the large nature of Bairnsdale which seemed to be a hub for just about everything, to the smaller passerby towns like Johnsonville which give a lovely opportunity for a quick rest and something to eat. The drive a few hours from where I left was a peaceful one of a solo adventure.
The scenery entering the town was beautiful as I rounded the bends. There are two lookout spots on the top of the hill coming in where you can overlook the town and the beautiful waters. Upon entering town I went over a bridge where there were lines of boats floating on the water and rows and rows of shops as I drove down the main street. The afternoon was warm and sunny though the town was quiet for a Friday evening. While one side of the road was lined with shops of all kinds, from clothes to restaurants, the other side had a walking park next to the water where there were docks and boats. The fishing industry is quite large there and you can certainly see that upon arrival.
Initially I went to the caravan park I was staying at, I settled at my unpowered campsite and checked out the bathroom facilities and pool – all pretty good for $30 a night. Though the price was steeper than I would have hoped, it was by far the cheapest in the area. The town centres itself around tourism and you can definitely see that just by the sheer amount of places to stay and camp.
From there I adventured back into town where I settled at a restaurant and bar and enjoyed a few drinks by the water. The water was calm and vast, people wandered to and from and boats bobbed up and down calmly. The sunset reflected off the calm waters as I walked over the well known ocean bridge which connects the town to the beautiful beaches beyond. Over the other side sits a water park, a cafe and the surf life savers. The cafe offers delicious ice cream and a place to relax.
As the sun started to settle beneath the water I headed back to my campsite and slept in my swag until the sun began to break through the green fabric. The caravan park was quiet and well kept, with a playground, pool and kitchen & bathroom facilities. The place was clean and well worth the weekend stay. I started bright and early the next morning, adventuring into town on the hunt for good coffee. The Funky Monkey Cafe drew me in with its creative name and I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with some tasty coffee. From there I explored the 90 mile beach and the local walking tracks, which offered beautiful wildlife, lookouts and picturesque views of the water and boats. Though the day started off dreary, the sun began to break through as I explored the nearby Nyerimilang Park. The Nyerimilang Park was a lovely historic area filled with walking tracks, lookouts and historic buildings. The scenery was a mix of forest areas, an open lake and an old Jetty on the waters. The old Jetty was my favourite spot, down a steep flight of steps was a beautiful lookout to the island beyond and a short trail to the old jetty. The walking tracks provided shade and beautiful forestry areas and the park included historical buildings and machinery. You could very easily pack some lunch and enjoy a few hours exploring and picnicking. As the afternoon started to come and the sun heated up the area, I headed back into the main street to explore the Shell Museum.
The Shell Museum was a lovely mix of a shell shop and museum in the back. It had a cheap entry fee and a mix of interesting shells, things to learn, coral reefs and aquatic life and bones. I enjoyed buying shells particularly, their interesting and different designs, feelings and variety.
The town also has a lovely mini golf area, great for a fun date or for families. The mini golf area is well decorated, it’s immersive and in between a fun candy store and ice cream shop. The icecream was okay though there are nicer spots around. From there I relaxed back at the campsite and had a couple drinks before heading out to a place I had been excited to visit – the Central Hotel.
The Central Hotel has an old looking building on the main street (quite central you might say). The restaurant and bar is quite large and busy, filled with locals and visitors. The meals themselves were the highlight – the fresh seafood was an awesome experience and the drink variety was fantastic and well priced.
My favourite experience of the trip was one just outside of town in Metung – The Metung Hot Springs. The Hot Springs was a beautiful area, filled with a variety of springs and mineral pools all generally sitting between 30 and 40 degrees. There are a variety of different kinds, from ones you walk through to ones you can relax into. There were also two saunas with cold plunges and showers – a relaxing place to be. Initially I was unsure about spending the money for the day but it was well worth the price. Though it’s still under construction, the variety of pools they have are fantastic and the views absolutely beautiful onlooking the distant ocean and islands. It’s a perfect place to go alone, with a partner or friends, both to relax and enjoy the warmth of the different experiences. It also has a small cafe area but the food is prepacked and could definitely be improved upon. It is a place I will certainly return to.
Overall, Lakes Entrance is a place both great for adventuring and relaxing, for a short stay or a longer one. The place boasts some great outdoor activities and opportunities to enjoy the beaches and the warmth of the sun. It’s a great place to go solo or with people and loved ones.
Places to Eat & Things to Do
Lakes Entrance is a great place for adventure and food, from its lakes to its beaches, and natural walking tracks. Here are some of my top recommendations for places to eat and things to do during your stay and an overview of what Lakes Entrance has to offer:
Scenic Waterways: Lakes Entrance is named aptly for its entrance to the Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland waterway system in Australia. The town is surrounded by lakes, rivers, and lagoons, offering a variety of opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Beaches: With several amazing and beautiful beaches stretching along its coastline, Lakes Entrance offers ideal spots for swimming, sunbathing and seashell searching.
Outdoor Activities: Explore the surrounding forests and national parks, go bushwalking or birdwatching, enjoy a round of golf with coastal views or partake in the many water based adventures and the aqua park.
Fishing: Known as the “Fishing Capital of Victoria,” Lakes Entrance is an awesome place for fishing from the jetties, joining a fishing charter or trying your luck along the beaches. The town hosts several fishing competitions throughout the year.
Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood and a variety of dining options, from waterfront restaurants to casual dining.
Attractions: Explore the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display to learn about the region’s marine life and seashell collection. Visit Nyerimilang Heritage Park to discover the area’s cultural and natural; heritage, or unwind at the Metung Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in natural thermal waters.
Event and Festivals: Throughout the year, Lakes Entrance hosts a variety of events and festivals, from seafood festivals celebrating the local catch to art exhibitions, music concerts, and culture events.
Top 5 Places to Eat:
- Funky Monkey Cafe – Located in the heart of Lakes Entrances, it’s a popular dining spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, offering a fantastic breakfast served beautifully and awesome coffee. Can’t forget it’s awesome name!
- Salty Groms Cafe – A cozy beachside cafe situated near the waterfront. It offers a calming view of the ocean and a relaxed atmosphere for casual dining, with a lovely range of options on the pricier side.
- The Servo Lakes Entrance – A unique dining destination housed within a historic petrol station. It offers a laid back atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating near the waterfront. The menu offers Aussie classics with a fantastic range of alcoholic beverages.
- Big Bears Donuts – A must visit for those who enjoy their sweet treats. The charming donut shop has delicious homemade donuts with a variety of flavours and topping. Enjoy their cozy seating and indulge in their delicious treats.
- Central Hotel – Offering some of the best food in the area, the historic pub and restaurant has a busy and warm atmosphere with a dining area, bar and outdoor seating. The menu offers pub favourites and fresh seafood dishes sourced locally. Enjoy live music and entertainment and relax with a cold beer and delicious food in this awesome venue.
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Cruise the Gippsland Lakes: Explore the beautiful waters and views of the Gippsland Lakes, with a scenic cruise. Spot native wildlife, enjoy the peaceful lapping of the waves and learn about the region’s maritime history. It’s a great way to relax on the water and enjoy what Lakes Entrance has to offer.
- Enjoy the 90 Mile Beach: Lakes Entrance is home to beautiful beaches – enjoy soaking up the sun, laying on the beach, swimming, or seashell searching, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to relax along the sandy shores.
- The Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display: A museum dedicated to showcasing an extensive collection of seashells from around the world, including rare and exotic specimens. You can explore the museum’s displays and buy your own shells and gifts. It is an awesome place to see a variety of beautiful shells and learn about different sea creatures.
- Nyerimilang Heritage Park: A beautiful nature reserve overlooking the Gippsland Lakes. It encompasses over 30 hectares of native bushland, wetlands and scenic walking trails. There’s a historic homestead to explore and the park also features picnic areas, barbecue facilities, wildlife spotting and beautiful lookout points that are well worth the short treks. It’s a place to spend a few hours and enjoy a walk alone or with company.
- Metung Hot Springs: A lovely wellness destination in the nearby town of Metung, nestled along the shores of the Gippsland Lakes. The hot springs are a beautiful palace to visit, offering a range of therapeutic thermal pools, mineral baths and spa treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the fantastic views while resting in warm waters among a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The hot springs offer massages, facials and a small cafe. It’s the perfect destination for unwinding but be aware it’s still under construction, though the construction doesn’t detract from the relaxing experience of the hot springs.
Accommodation
- Lakes Entrance Tourist Park
The Lakes Entrance Tourist Park is one of the cheaper options in the area, located just outside the main town area, a very short drive. It’s a popular accommodation option and is within an easy reach of the town’s shops, restaurants and attractions.
The Park has a variety of different options including powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, cabins, and villas. I stayed on an unpowered camping site and curled up in my swag for a weekend getaway. The campsite is quite modest, it includes access to shower and toilet facilities, a playground, and a well looked after pool. It also has a camp kitchen, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi access. Overall, it’s a comfortable place to stay, perfect if you’re on a budget or only there for a few nights, it’s a pretty quiet area though the highway can make a bit of noise during the night.
Handy Tips for Camping Alone
Camping alone can be an awesome experience but it also requires planning and safety considerations. Here are some handy tips for camping alone:
- Choose a well travelled campground or park: If you’re alone it’s safer to choose a caravan or tourist park for camping – even if it incurs an extra cost. As a bonus you get access to facilities and have other campers nearby in case you need assistance or support.
- Inform someone of your plans: Before you leave, let a loved one or friend know of your itinerary, particularly where you’re planning to stay. Check in with them if you can or if you’re comfortable to do so and have cell reception – share your location.
- Pack prepared: Bring a first aid kit, navigation tools (map, compass GPS), adequate food and water and appropriate clothing for weather conditions – or a change in weather conditions.
- Stay connected: Bring a fully charged power bank or satellite communicator, have alternate options for accessing help in the case of an emergency.
- Leave No Trace: Minimise your impact on wildlife habitats, leave the place as you found it. Pack out all trash, and avoid damaging vegetation.
Memoirs of Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is a lovely beachside town for locals and visitors alike.
Visit here to access the memoirs of the people of Lakes Entrance and their adventures, loved ones who have passed on, hidden gems, and favourite spots.
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