Lakes Entrance - Gateway to The Gippsland Lakes

Lakes Entrance... 9000 years ago a vast system of rivers, lakes, lagoons and islands was enclosed by 140 kilometres of the most secluded, untouched ocean beaches in the world to create the largest inland waterway system in Australia. Lakes Entrance, as the name suggests, is the gateway to this spectacular phenomenon.

Lakes Entrance is 313 kilometres (3 hours 30 mins) from Melbourne via the Princes Highway. 2 hours from Traralgon and 1 hour from Sale. 3 hours 30 minutes from Merimbula, 5 hours from Canberra and 8 hours from Sydney. What is not commonly known is the fact that Lakes Entrance is on a similar latitude to Granada in Spain, and Sicily. Alternatively you could say it would lie somewhere between Athens and Crete, if it were in the northern hemisphere. It is therefore, no surprise that it is warmer and sunnier than most part of Victoria in winter, when the temperature can sometimes rise to 18-20 degrees. Summers are milder than the rest of the state, so the climate is perfect all year round for a weekend away or longer stay. In years gone by the area was marketed as “The Gippsland Riviera” because of its fantastic climate.

Your first impression of Lakes Entrance is guaranted to be memorable, especially if you are approaching from the west (Melbourne side) the descent down Jemmy’s Point Hill is most spectacular with magnificent views of the Gippsland Lakes System and the ninety mile beach.

See the 540 tonne dredge, named after April Hamer, wife of former state premier the late Sir Rupert Hamer keeping the channel through the sandbar clear of sand to allow access to the open ocean for the Lakes Entrance fishing fleet and pleasure craft.

Lakes Entrance - Gippsland Lakes Cruises or Self Drive

Peels Lakes Cruises Depart Post Office Jetty
Several Different Cruises available including the Cruise to the Metung Hotel for Lunch.
www.coastalstays.com/lakesentrance/peelscruises

Lonsdale Cruises Depart from Cunningham Quay opposite Hotel
Scenic 3 hour Eco Cruise see everything the largest inland waterway in Australia has to offer. www.coastalstays.com/lakesentrance/lonsdale

North Arm Wyanga Cruise Depart from Post Office Jetty
50 minute cruise up the north arm to the winery for lunch – superb!
www.wyangapark.com.au

North Arm Hire Boats Situated on Marine Parade
Great Family fun, no license required, cruise the North Arm at your leisure. Fishing rod hire.

As you would expect from a leading tourism destination Lakes Entrance offers a wide variety of accommodation. Visitors can choose from resort-style luxury to bed and breakfast establishments near secluded beaches. There is also unique hotel accommodation, motels, apartments, cottages, holiday parks, cabins, camping and backpacker accommodation.

Lakes Entrance is home to one of the biggest fishing fleets in Australia which is moored right on the doorsteps of the town. The large trawlers supply the Melbourne and local  market with daily catches of fresh fish.

Lakes Entrance Weather Guide