Explore Lakes Entrance
Things to see and do in and around Lakes Entrance
Welcome to Lakes Entrance, one of Australia's most picturesque and charming holiday destinations! Located on the stunning Gippsland Lakes, our town offers a range of activities and experiences that are perfect for extended stays.
The Gippsland Lakes are one of the largest and most scenic waterways in Australia, covering over 354 square kilometres and offering a network of lakes, lagoons, and marshes. Separated from the lakes by coastal dunes is the Ninety Mile Beach, a stunning stretch of coastline that's perfect for swimming, surfing, and kayaking.
From the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge, you can start some of the best walks in the area. Along the way, you'll see seals and birdlife, as well as stunning scenery that's sure to take your breath away.
We're confident that you'll fall in love with Lakes Entrance, and we invite you to explore all that our town has to offer during your extended stay with us. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, a romantic escape, or an action-packed adventure, you'll find it all right here in Lakes Entrance.
Planning a Lakes Entrance getaway?
Beachcomber Holiday Units is right in the heart of Lakes Entrance, directly opposite the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge and within easy walking distance of Main Beach, the lake, shops, cafés and restaurants.
Choose from our award-winning 1, 2 and 3 bedroom self-contained holiday units, with parking beside your unit and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The Entrance Walk
Location: Cunninghame Arm Footbridge, The Esplanade
From Beachcomber: Directly across the road – around 2 minutes on foot
The Entrance Walk is one of our favourite ways to experience Lakes Entrance. The approximately 6 km circuit begins at the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge, directly opposite Beachcomber.
Cross the footbridge and follow the sandy tracks towards Flagstaff Jetty, where you can choose to continue towards Lady Harriet’s Barge and the rock wall, or head towards Flagstaff Lookout and the Ocean Entrance. Keep an eye out for seals, birdlife and beautiful views across the waterways.
On the return journey, follow Ninety Mile Beach back towards Main Beach and the footbridge.
Allow plenty of time, take water and sunscreen, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the tracks.
Footbridge Mini Golf and Lolly Shop
Location: 549 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
From Beachcomber: Approx. 600 m / 8 minutes on foot
Footbridge Mini Golf and Lolly Shop is a fun, easy activity for families, couples and anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition.
Enjoy a round of mini golf, then reward yourself with something sweet from the lolly shop or an ice cream. It’s an easy activity to combine with a walk along the foreshore or a visit to Main Beach.
Good for: Families • Couples • Rainy-day fun • Something easy close to town
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/footbridgeminigolfandlollyshop/
(03) 5155 1488
Peels Cruises
Location: Post Office Jetty, The Esplanade
From Beachcomber: Approx. 1 km / 12–15 minutes on foot
Peels Cruises is a wonderful way to experience the Gippsland Lakes from the water. The family-owned business has been operating in Lakes Entrance since 1920 and offers sightseeing and luncheon cruises across the lakes.
Depending on the cruise, you may travel towards Metung and the surrounding islands while looking for wildlife including dolphins, seals, kangaroos and birdlife. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but there is always plenty of scenery to enjoy.
Their sightseeing and luncheon cruises depart from Post Office Jetty.
Good for: Couples • Families • Wildlife • Sightseeing • Relaxed days
For Enquiries & Bookings: 0409 946 292 / 03 5155 1246
Website: www.peelscruise
The Stony Creek Trestle Bridge
Location: Nowa Nowa
From Beachcomber: Approx. 23 km / 25 minutes by car
The historic Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is one of East Gippsland’s most impressive reminders of the old railway line between Bairnsdale and Orbost.
Built in 1916, the timber bridge is approximately 247 metres long and 20 metres high. Trains crossed the bridge until 1987.
The bridge itself is fenced off for safety, but viewing areas and walking tracks allow you to appreciate its size and construction from below and beside the structure.
It makes an easy stop on the way to Nowa Nowa, Costicks Weir or further east.
Good for: History • Photography • Short walks • Day trips
East Gippsland Rail Trail
Location: Bairnsdale to Newmerella
From Beachcomber: Approx. 35 km to Bairnsdale / 35 minutes by car
The East Gippsland Rail Trail follows the route of the former railway line through almost 100 km of East Gippsland countryside.
You don’t have to ride the entire trail. Choose a section that suits your fitness level and available time, or arrange transport to a starting and finishing point.
The trail connects with the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail, which provides a cycling connection towards Lakes Entrance.
Good for: Cycling • Walking • Active families • Longer stays
Raymond Island
Location: Raymond Island, accessed by ferry from Paynesville
From Beachcomber: Approx. 45 km / 50 minutes to Paynesville, plus the ferry
Raymond Island is one of our favourite East Gippsland day trips and a fantastic place to look for koalas in the wild.
We recommend parking in Paynesville and taking the ferry across on foot. Pedestrians travel free, and once you reach Raymond Island you can follow the signs around the Koala Trail.
Remember to look up — the koalas are often surprisingly high in the trees.
Our little tip: Let another group walk ahead of you. Once they spot the first koala, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for, and suddenly you’ll start seeing them everywhere!
Good for: Wildlife • Families • Easy walking • Photography
Jemmy’s Point Lookout
Location: Lookout Road, Kalimna
From Beachcomber: Approx. 5 km / 8 minutes by car
Jemmy’s Point Lookout offers one of the best elevated views over Lakes Entrance.
From the viewing area you can look across the Gippsland Lakes, the Entrance, Bass Strait and Ninety Mile Beach.
There is parking near the lookout, or keen walkers can reach the area via tracks from Lakes Entrance and Kalimna. Recent facilities include viewing platforms, pathways, toilets and picnic facilities.
It’s a lovely place to stop at sunrise, sunset or simply when you want to appreciate just how special the waterways around Lakes Entrance are.
Good for: Views • Photography • Picnics • Short outings
Lakes Entrance Segway Adventures
Location: Lakes Entrance Foreshore
From Beachcomber: Approx. 5–10 minutes on foot, depending on the tour meeting point
Lakes Entrance Segway Adventures is a fun and very different way to explore the foreshore and Ninety Mile Beach.
Their 90-minute beach adventures include training before heading out on the Segways. Routes can include the Cunninghame Arm foreshore, Eastern Beach and Ninety Mile Beach.
Beachcomber guests can also receive special offers through our Love Lakes Entrance direct-booking promotion when the promotion is running.
Good for: Couples • Families with older children • Groups • Something different
Website: https://www.lakesentrancesegway.com.au/
0411 167 987
Griffiths Sea Shell Museum & Marine Display
Location: 125 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
From Beachcomber: Approx. 1.5 km / 4 minutes by car or around 20 minutes on foot
The Griffiths’ Sea Shell Museum & Marine Display has been a Lakes Entrance attraction since 1962.
Inside you’ll find a huge collection of shells, marine displays, coral, sea creatures, local history exhibits and a gift shop. You certainly won’t miss the giant octopus outside.
It’s a particularly handy option on a cooler or rainy day and is also a fun stop for families.
Good for: Families • Marine life • Local history • Rainy days
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffithsSeaShellMuseum
(03) 5155 1538
The Glasshouse – Lake Tyers State Park
Location: Lake Tyers House Road, Lake Tyers State Park
From Beachcomber: Approx. 40 minutes by car
The Glasshouse is a secluded spot within Lake Tyers State Park where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking and exploring the remains of the historic settlement.
Access is via the longer route through Nowa Nowa and Lake Tyers House Road. Part of the journey is on an unsealed road, so allow extra time and drive to conditions.
There are limited facilities in this area, so we recommend taking drinking water, food and anything else you may need before heading in. Lake Tyers State Park itself covers a large area of forest, lake and coastal country east of Lakes Entrance.
Good for: Fishing • Swimming • Exploring • Quiet day trips
Buchan Caves
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve, Buchan
From Beachcomber: Approx. 55 km / 50–55 minutes by car
Buchan Caves is one of East Gippsland’s best-known day-trip destinations and is well worth allowing a full or half day to explore.
Guided tours take visitors underground through spectacular limestone caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other formations.
The reserve itself is also a lovely place for a picnic or walk, so you can easily spend several hours there.
Cave tours can book out during busy periods, so we recommend checking tour availability before you leave Lakes Entrance.
Good for: Families • Nature • Geology • Day trips • All-weather activity
Costicks Weir
Location: Old Nowa Nowa Road, Nowa Nowa
From Beachcomber: Approx. 25 km / 30 minutes by car
Costicks Weir is a peaceful little spot hidden in the bush near Stony Creek Trestle Bridge.
The weir was constructed after the 1939 bushfires as part of the local firefighting water supply and today provides a quiet place to explore, watch for wildlife and enjoy the surrounding forest.
We suggest combining Costicks Weir with the nearby Stony Creek Trestle Bridge for an easy half-day trip from Lakes Entrance.
Good for: Nature • History • Wildlife • Photography • Picnics
Make Beachcomber your base for exploring East Gippsland
There is so much more to see beyond the Lakes Entrance foreshore. From beaches and rainforest walks to caves, wildlife, hot springs and scenic day trips, staying a little longer gives you time to experience more of the region.
Beachcomber is centrally located in Lakes Entrance, making it easy to head out exploring during the day and return to your own comfortable self-contained unit at night.
Metung Hot Springs
Location: 73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung
From Beachcomber: Approx. 22 km / 25 minutes by car
Metung Hot Springs is the perfect place to slow down and relax while exploring East Gippsland.
Set amongst native bushland overlooking the Gippsland Lakes region, the hot springs offer geothermal bathing, wellness experiences and spa treatments.
You can easily combine a visit with lunch or a wander around the village of Metung.
Bookings are highly recommended, particularly on weekends and during holiday periods.
Good for: Couples • Relaxation • Wellness • Special occasions
(03) 5141 2300
Website: www.metunghotsprings.com
McKenzie River Rainforest Walk
Location: Bemm River Scenic Reserve, near Club Terrace
From Beachcomber: Approx. 80 km / 1 hour 10 minutes by car
The McKenzie River Rainforest Walk is one of our favourite stops when heading further east.
The approximately 1 km walk takes around 45 minutes at a relaxed pace and follows sealed paths and boardwalks through warm temperate rainforest. Two swing bridges cross the McKenzie River and give you beautiful views into the forest canopy.
There are picnic tables near the walk, making it an easy place to stop for lunch or morning tea.
Good for: Rainforest • Families • Walking • Photography • East Gippsland road trips
Basin Creek Falls
Location: Snowy River National Park, near Buchan
From Beachcomber: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes by car
Basin Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in Snowy River National Park.
The walking track takes you towards views over the Snowy River and down towards the falls. The terrain is steep in places, so allow more time than the signposted walking time and wear suitable footwear.
The waterfall is especially impressive after good rainfall.
The access roads are remote and conditions can change, so check Parks Victoria information before setting out and allow plenty of daylight.
Dogs are not permitted in this part of the national park.
Good for: Experienced walkers • Waterfalls • Photography • Adventure
Nyerimilang Heritage Park
Location: Nyerimilang Road, Nungurner
From Beachcomber: Approx. 10 km / 15 minutes by car
Nyerimilang Heritage Park is a beautiful and easy day trip from Lakes Entrance, combining local history, gardens, walking trails and wonderful views across the Gippsland Lakes.
The historic homestead sits amongst established gardens on a clifftop overlooking the waterways. Around the property are several walking tracks through bushland, grassland, salt marsh and along the lake.
Pack a picnic and spend a few hours wandering the grounds, exploring the homestead when open and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Entry to the park is free, and there are picnic areas and toilets available.
Good for: History • Picnics • Walking • Birdlife • Families • Photography
Fairy Dell Flora Reserve
Location: Fairy Dell Flora Reserve, near Bruthen
From Beachcomber: Approx. 35 km / 35–40 minutes by car
Fairy Dell Flora Reserve feels like stepping into another world.
The reserve protects a beautiful pocket of warm temperate rainforest, with ferns, moss-covered trees and native birdlife.
The approximately 1.6 km scenic loop makes a lovely short walk and is particularly beautiful after rain.
Pack a picnic, wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a peaceful break amongst the forest.
Good for: Walking • Rainforest • Birdlife • Photography • Picnics
Parks Victoria currently recommends checking park conditions before visiting, as conditions can change.
Raymond Creek Falls
Location: Moorsford Road, Snowy River National Park
From Beachcomber: Approx. 90 km / 1 hour 30 minutes by car
Raymond Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in Snowy River National Park.
A short walk of around 30 minutes leads to views of the waterfall plunging into a deep pool below. Parks Victoria advises that the falls can be accessed year-round from Orbost via Moorsford Road, although road and park conditions should always be checked before travelling.
Because this is a more remote day trip, take water, food and suitable footwear and allow plenty of time for the return journey.
Good for: Waterfalls • Nature • Walking • Photography • Full-day adventures
Lakes Charter Fishing
Location: Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance
From Beachcomber: Approx. 2–3 km / 5 minutes by car
Lakes Charter Fishing offers fishing experiences on the Gippsland Lakes for beginners through to experienced anglers.
Their lake fishing charters are particularly suited to families and first-time fishers, and fishing equipment, bait and safety equipment are provided.
Depending on the charter and conditions, guests may target species such as flathead, snapper, whiting and gummy shark.
Charters can fill quickly during busy periods, so we recommend booking ahead.
Good for: Families • Fishing • Groups • Beginners • Experienced anglers
Website: Lakes Charter Fishing
Lakes Entrance Aquapark
Location: 429 Main Beach Walk, Lakes Entrance
From Beachcomber: Directly across the road via the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge – around 5 minutes on foot
You don’t have to travel far for this one!
Lakes Entrance Aquapark is located beside Main Beach Walk, just over the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge from Beachcomber.
The floating inflatable obstacle course is a fun summer activity for children, teenagers and adults, with climbing obstacles, slides and plenty of opportunities to end up in the water.
The Aquapark operates seasonally, with opening days and hours changing throughout the summer, so check their website before heading over. Their current site also lists paddleboats and paddlebikes.
Good for: Families • Kids • Teenagers • Summer holidays
Website: Lakes Entrance Aqua Park - Home
Ready to plan your Lakes Entrance stay?
After a day exploring Lakes Entrance and East Gippsland, come back to award-winning self-contained accommodation in the centre of town.
Beachcomber Holiday Units offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units with parking beside your accommodation, free Wi-Fi, full self-contained facilities and the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge just across the road.
Stay close to the beach, lake, shops, cafés and restaurants — and enjoy the convenience of having Lakes Entrance right on your doorstep.
