by Zoe Ng
posted on 18 October 2024
Planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Lakes Entrance? This charming coastal town in Victoria sits on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the southern ocean.
It’s a hotspot for outdoor adventures, scenic views, and family-friendly activities, so whether you’re into water sports, wildlife, or simply relaxing by the beach, Lakes Entrance is a must-visit!
A summary: The 10 best things to do in Lakes Entrance
- Explore Gippsland Lakes
- Stroll along Ninety Mile Beach
- Take a splash at Lakes Entrance Aqua Park
- Enjoy a tipple at Wyanga Park Winery
- Venture to Griffiths Sea Shell Museum
- Embark on the East Gippsland Rail Trail
- Meander along the Entrance Walk
- Encounter marine life on an eco-cruise along the Gippsland Lakes
- Visit the ancient Buchan Caves
- Unwind at Metung Hot Springs
The 10 must-see things to do in Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is packed with incredible activities, from exploring its beautiful beaches to indulging in local food and adventure. Here are the top 10 experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Explore Gippsland Lakes
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: 2 hours and 150 km from Lakes Entrance Center
- Ideal activity length: Half-day to full-day
- Cost: Free to explore, optional tours or activities may vary in price
- Bookings: Not necessary for general exploration, but boat tours and scenic flights should be booked in advance
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and families
As Australia’s largest network of inland waterways, the beautiful Gippsland Lakes has tons to do. Take a walk along the lakeshore or rent a kayak to explore the calm, clear waters, natural habitats and abundant wildlife. If you’ve got room in your budget, don’t miss the scenic flight with Lakes Entrance Helicopters to enjoy an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the waterways, the surrounding forests, and golden beaches.
There are also plenty of boat tours available for those looking to get out on the water. A cruise or kayak rental allows you to spot local wildlife, including dolphins and native birds. Make sure to bring your camera — Gippsland Lakes is a photographer’s paradise!
2. Stroll along Ninety Mile Beach
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: 1 hour and 50 minutes and 141 km from Lakes Entrance
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours or more
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Beach lovers, hikers, families and surfers
As one of Victoria’s most breathtaking untouched stretches of coastline, this pristine ninety-mile beach offers a peaceful and scenic environment for a leisurely stroll. This is the spot you want to hit up if you love fishing, surfing, swimming or whale and dolphin-spotting! Of course, it’s great for general beach lounging too. The beach’s vastness means it never feels crowded, so come here for the relaxation and salty sea air.
3. Take a splash at Lakes Entrance Aqua Park
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: Located within Lakes Entrance
- Ideal activity length: The park offers 50-minute to 1-hour sessions
- Cost: Approximately $20-25 per person
- Bookings Recommended during peak times (summer and holidays)
- Best for: Families, couples and kids
For some fun in the sun, head to the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park, a floating inflatable water park that promises excitement for visitors of all ages. With a variety of obstacles, slides, and jumping platforms, the park is the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy an adventurous splash. To secure your spot, bookings are advised, especially during the peak summer months.
4. Enjoy a tipple at Wyanga Park Winery
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: 11-minute drive or 9.6 km from Lakes Entrance
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Free wine tastings from 9 am-5 pm, food and wine purchases vary
- Bookings: Recommended for groups or during busy periods
- Best for: Wine lovers, couples, groups and food enthusiasts
Wyanga Park Winery is the oldest vineyard in the region and a hidden gem just a short drive from Lakes Entrance. Known for its award-winning wines, this boutique, family-run winery offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The friendly staff are more than happy to take you on a guided tour of the vineyard where you can learn all about the winemaking process. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of vino, you’ll love tasting their selection of reds, whites, and fortified wines when you go.
5. Venture to Griffiths Sea Shell Museum
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: Located in Lakes Entrance, within walking distance of the town centre
- Ideal activity length: 1-2 hours
- Cost: Entry is around $7 for adults, $3 for children
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Families, couples and history buffs
Griffiths Sea Shell Museum is one of Lakes Entrance’s most unique attractions, offering a fascinating collection of sea shells, marine life exhibits, and historical artefacts. Established in the 1960s, this museum houses thousands of shells from all over the world, making it a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the ocean and its treasures. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and the aquarium. From the tiniest, delicate shells to larger marine specimens, the museum provides captivating insight into the diversity of sea life from beneath the waters.
6. Embark on the East Gippsland Rail Trail
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: Starts 17 minutes by car or 20 km from Lakes Entrance (trailhead at Bairnsdale)
- Ideal activity length: Half-day to full-day, depending on your route
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required, but bike rentals should be booked in advance
- Best for: Cyclists, hikers, and nature lovers
This gorgeous trail stretches over 100 kilometres from Bairnsdale to Orbost, passing through bushland, forests, farmland, and old railway bridges. While it’s ideal for a full day of biking, walking or hiking, shorter sections of the trail can be enjoyed if you prefer a lighter journey. Bike rentals are available in Lakes Entrance if you don’t have your own, and the flat terrain makes it suitable for all riders. The path is well-maintained and is an unforgettable way to connect with the great outdoors.
7. Meander along the Entrance Walk
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: Walking distance from the town centre
- Ideal activity length: 1-3 hours
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: Not required
- Best for: Walkers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts
Starting from the Lakes Entrance footbridge, this leisurely 5 km walk provides stunning views of the waterways and the surrounding coastal environment. You may spot local wildlife, including pelicans, dolphins, and seals, making it an ideal outing for nature lovers. The path is well-marked and relatively flat, but be aware there are steps along some areas.
As you approach the entrance, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Ninety Mile Beach and the ocean beyond. Don’t forget to pack some lunch and a water bottle to keep yourself energised!
8. Encounter marine life on an eco-cruise along the Gippsland Lakes
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: Departs from Lakes Entrance
- Ideal activity length: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Around $40-$50 per adult
- Bookings: Recommended in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families, couples and photographers
Lonsdale Eco Cruises offers a relaxing and informative journey through the waterways, with a chance to spot dolphins, seals, and a wide variety of bird species, all while learning about the area’s environmental significance. The knowledgeable guides will happily tell you all about the local native wildlife and the history of the Gippsland Lakes to make the ride extra interesting.
If you’d rather enjoy the views, pop in your earphones and play some of your favourite tunes instead. With stunning views and the opportunity to encounter native animals in their natural habitat, this eco-cruise is a must-do for anyone visiting Lakes Entrance.
9. Visit the ancient Buchan Caves
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: 50-minute drive or 57 km from Lakes Entrance
- Ideal activity length: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Entry is around $20 for adults, $10 for children
- Bookings: Recommended for cave tours
- Best for: History buffs, small groups, couples and families
The Buchan Caves are limestone caves formed millions of years ago. You’ll see natural stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate calcite formations that will make your jaw drop. Guided tours of the caves provide fascinating insights into natural wonder, their geology and history, making this an educational and visually spectacular experience for all ages.
Outside of the caves, you can enjoy the surrounding bushland, which is perfect for picnicking and spotting kangaroos and native birds.
10. Unwind at Metung Hot Springs
- Travel time and distances from Lakes Entrance: 23 minutes, about 22kms from Lakes Entrance.
- Ideal activity length: 2-3 hours
- Cost: Prices range from $60 to $150, depending on your package
- Bookings: Strongly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays
- Best for: Couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking for a relaxing escape
Metung Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax after exploring the natural beauty of the stunning Gippsland Lakes Entrance. Just a short drive away, this geothermal retreat offers soothing mineral-rich pools with stunning views of Gippsland Lakes.
With a range of packages, from native botanical spa sessions to relaxing massages to the many options for taking a soothing natural bath, you can’t really go wrong with anything. Open every day of the year, it’s good to book well in advance as weekends and holiday periods usually get quickly snapped up!
More things to do in Lakes Entrance
Unique things to do in Lakes Entrance
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, check out these fun and unique experiences:
- Lakes Entrance Segway Adventures: Glide along scenic waterfronts and through lush parklands on an easy-to-ride Segway.
- Camel rides on the Ninety Mile Beach: Take a leisurely camel ride along the stunning coastline for a truly memorable experience.
- Waterfront mini folf: Challenge your friends or family to a round of mini golf with amazing views of the water.
- Gippsland Lakes Paddle Steamer Cruises: Step back in time and explore the lakes on an old-fashioned paddle steamer.
Things to do in Lakes Entrance for families
Lakes Entrance has plenty of family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained:
- Footbridge Mini Golf: Enjoy a fun-filled round of mini golf with courses designed for all ages, right by the footbridge.
Chooky’s Rooster Walking Tours: Go on an easy and entertaining family-friendly walking tour around Lakes Entrance, learning about local history and wildlife. - Griffiths Sea Shell Museum: Explore an impressive collection of sea shells, model ships, and maritime history that will fascinate both kids and adults.
- Lakes Entrance Aqua Park: Let the kids burn off energy on this inflatable water park with slides, obstacles, and trampolines.
- Lakes Entrance Beach: Spend a day at the beach building sandcastles, swimming, and soaking up the sun with the family.
Free things to do in Lakes Entrance
Don’t break the bank and check out the many free activities of Lakes Entrance. Here are just a few of our favourites to try:
- Lakes Entrance Lookout: Take in stunning panoramic views of the town, lakes, and ocean from this scenic viewpoint.
- Nyerimilang Heritage Park: Explore walking trails, historical buildings, and peaceful picnic spots in this beautiful riverside park.
- The Entrance Walk: Stroll along this picturesque walking path that takes you past the ocean entrance and along the beach.
- Cunninghame Arm Footbridge: Walk across this iconic bridge to access the main beach and enjoy the surrounding coastal views.
- Eastern Beach Reserve: Spend time at this family-friendly park with free BBQ facilities, playgrounds, and plenty of open space.
Before you visit: What you need to know about Lakes Entrance (VIC)
- How to get to Lakes Entrance from Melbourne: It’s about a 3.5-hour drive (320 km) via the Princes Highway. Buses are also available, but driving offers more flexibility to explore the area.
- Best time to visit Lakes Entrance: The warmer months (November to April) are ideal for beach activities, but the quieter winter months are perfect for relaxing and scenic walks.
- What you’ll love about Lakes Entrance: Beautiful beaches, tranquil lakes, family-friendly attractions, and stunning coastal scenery — there’s something for everyone!
- Driving conditions in Lakes Entrance: Roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be heavier during peak tourist seasons. Stay up to date on the latest road conditions here.
- Best vehicle to hire in Lakes Entrance: A small SUV or comfortable sedan is perfect for driving around town and exploring nearby attractions. Find your perfect drive on Turo.
- Accommodation and camping options in Lakes Entrance:
- Budget: Check out local caravan parks or budget motels like Lakes Entrance Recreation & Camping Reserve.
- Mid-range: Motels like the Lakes Entrance Central Hotel Motel offer comfort without breaking the bank.
- Luxury: Indulge in a stay at The Moorings at Metung with luxury apartments overlooking the water.
Explore Lakes Entrance by car
Exploring Lakes Entrance by car is the best way to truly experience the hidden gems, scenic lookouts, and nearby attractions at your own pace. With Turo you can hire your favourites from amazing local hosts in the area, so whether you’re relaxing on the beach, visiting local wineries, or taking in the breathtaking views along the way, you’ll be guaranteed an unforgettable adventure. Start planning your road trip around Lakes Entrance and discover car rental on Turo today.
Zoe Ng
Zoe is a writer from Malaysia who now calls Sydney home. With a background in crafting engaging campaigns and writing for one of Asia’s largest airlines, Zoe loves creating compelling travel content and sharing her experiences and insights. When she’s not off planning her next big trip, Zoe enjoys discovering new food spots and living vicariously through Google Maps.
