Things to do:

gippsland lakes

  • Boating
  • Boat Hire / Charter Tours
  • Fishing
  • Water Skiing / Wakeboarding
  • Walking
  • Bike Riding
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Lawn bowls
  • Snowfields
  • Dining
  • Wineries
  • Picnic locations
  • Shopping
  • Entertainment
  • Transportation
  • Visitor Information Centres
  • Links

Boating

Australia’s largest inland waterway, The Gippsland Lakes offers a vast array of boating opportunities, from kayaking, to sailing, cruising, jet-skiing, water sports and more!

There are many boat ramp and jetty locations in and around Paynesville, as well as boat & water sports hire companies, boat builders and sales, service and repair providers.

To cater for all types of ‘boaties’ Paynesville has both:

Boat Launching Ramps

  • Paynesville: The Esplanade (Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club), Slip Road, Kings Road (Fort Kind Island), Sunset Cove Drive
  • Raymond Island: Fourth Parade
  • Loch Sport: Marina Seacombe at The Landing
  • Marlay Point: Lake Wellington Yacht Club Hollands Landing
  • Eagle Point: Silt Jetties, and Ramp Road
  • Newlands Arm: Birrells Point
  • Wattle Point: at the end of the Road
  • Nicholson: at the river below the highway bridge
  • Johnsonville: Punt Road near the Tambo River jetty
  • Metung: Shaving Point
  • Nungurner: Foreshore
  • Lakes Entrance: Bullock Island (yachts only) & Marine Parade
  • Lake Tyers: Lake Tyers Beach Road and Fishermans Landing

Boat Fuel Jetties

Recommended places to visit:

Paynesville

  • Paynesville Canals
  • McMillans Straight
  • Paynesville
  • Newlands Arm
  • Duck Arm
  • Sperm Whale Head
  • Barrier Landing
  • Steamer Landing
  • Bunga Arm
  • Boole Pool Peninsula
  • Rotemah Island
  • Loch Sport
  • Wattle Point
  • Mitchel River
  • Nicholson River
  • Tambo River
  • Metung
  • Chinamans Creek
  • Boxes Creek
  • Barrier Landing
  • Lakes Entrance

To find out more on places to visit check out Visit Paynesville, Gippsland Tourism, Discover East Gippsland, Dockside Boats, Paynesville Cruiser Club and Webster Marine websites.

Boat Hire / Charter Tours

Bulls Cruisers

Bulls Cruisers, located in the seaside town of Paynesville, has over 50 years experience in coordinating boating holidays for romantic getaways, family holidays and group boating adventures.

Bulls Cruisers is the longest established cruiser hire company operating on the Gippsland lakes. During the last century Captain James Bull owned and operated a number of small trading ships which, at the time, were an effective and essential part of the expansion of settlement around the Gippsland Lakes area.

Later, one of his sons, Joseph C. Bull, established a shipyard at Metung, building and repairing boats and supplying a variety of other marine services.

Bulls shipyards has been repairing and building boats in Metung since 1924.The Bull family name has been linked with ship building and cruiser hire on the Lakes for over 100 years.

Today they retain and operate some of the original hire cruisers built in the famous Bulls shipyard at Metung.  This is a tribute to the excellence of the craftsmanship and robust design features of Bulls cruisers.

Bulls Cruisers has been under new management since December 2006.  Their crew of 9 are passionate about the Gippsland Lakes, Rivers & Beaches and about our customers experiencing a truly magical holiday escape.  From booking your holiday, to cleaning and maintaining your boat to your marine safety and cruiser briefing you will find their staff’s friendliness and dedication second to none. They may even tell you where the fish are biting!!

The Enterprise

Paynesville
Visit The Enterprise website for more information

Aquamania

Visit Aquamania website for more information

Clints Ski School

Visit Clints Ski School website for more information

Peels Cruisers

Visit Peels Cruisers website for more information

Riviera Nautic

Visit Riviera Nautic website for more information

Fishing

Fishing in the Gippsland Lakes is generally great all year round with an almost endless number of spots to visit – from river banks, jetties, swing moorings, anchorage, surf beaches and the open ocean!

There is a wide variety of species on offer including:

Bream, Mullet, Trevally, Tailor, Flathead, Salmon, Garfish, Shark

Common bait used includes:

Prawn, Sandworm, Whitebait, Spider crab, Soft plastics, Trolling lures

Visit the Bait Shack, Lakes Entrance Fishing Report, Fish Victoria and Bulls Cruisers for more information on fishing in the Gippsland Lakes.

Water Skiing / Wakeboarding

Water skiing is a favourite action sport pastime with many enthusiasts and beginners participating all year round particularly over the summer months.  One of the fastest growing sports in the world – wakeboarding is becoming increasingly popular throughout the Gippsland Lakes.

Whether it is out on the open lakes of King and Victoria or tucked in to one of the many inlets, arms and coves providing shelter from the changing weather conditions, with its vast expansion of waterways – the Gippsland Lakes is a premier location for water skiing and wakeboarding.

Common locations to ski or wakeboard near Paynesville include:

  • Newlands Arm
  • Dawson’s Cove
  • Bunga Arm
  • Lake King

To help get you out there and into the water, if you don’t already have a boat and your own equipment – you can get involved with Aquamania or Clints Ski School in Paynesville or Cactus Black in Bairnsdale.

Walking

Paynesville and surrounding areas have some fantastic walking tracks allowing you to take full advantage of the natural bushland, wild life and views of the lakes and sunsets.

There are many walking tracks around the edge of the waterways that can be found by simply driving to the end of roads that lead to the water.

Popular walks include:

Bike Riding

Most of Paynesville is relatively flat land and riding a bike is a great way to get around and explore the area.  As with walking there are many tracks and trails, both flat and easy, as well as undulating and challenging.

The nearby township of Bairnsdale has several sporting and cycling shops to cater for equipment sales, service and repairs, including:

Rawsons Bikes: 157 Main St, Bairnsdale, Phone: 1300 335 333 Ext: 563

Riviera Cycles P/L: 193 Main Street, Bairnsdale, Phone: 03 5152 1886, www.rivieracycles.com.au

Tennis

Tennis Club Paynesville

Street: A.J Freeman Reserve, Ashley Street, Paynesville.
Phone: 5152 3352
Details: Annual General Meeting held end of July each year. Ladies days held each Tuesday and Thursday (except school holidays). Pennant teams are entered in the Bairnsdale & District Tennis Association (October to March). Coaching is available Thursday afternoons, or at arranged times. New members welcome.
Websites: East Gippsland Shire Council, Capitains Cove Facilities, Paynesville Communities

Golf

Bairnsdale Golf and Bowls Club

Bairnsdale Golf and Bowls Club, situated on the Paynesville Road, Eagle Point, is a first class facility offering one of Gippsland’s most picturesque courses.

With spectacular views across Eagle Bay and the lake to the mountains, tree lined fairways and its rich variety of wildlife and birds, the course, Bairnsdale Golf Club is first choice for many district and pro-am tournaments.

The course features carpet like couch grass fairways, superb greens and challenging bunkers that test golfing skill to the full.

Green fee players are most welcome and the club can arrange accommodation packages to assist visiting players.

The club features:

  • 18 hole par 71 course, 6060 meters
  • Two first class bowling greens
  • Fully licensed Clubhouse – for pleasant relaxation over a drink or two.
  • Club & Buggy Hire
  • Resident Golf Professional

Bairnsdale Golf Club: 1090 Paynesville Road,  Eagle Point, Victoria 3878, www.bairnsdalegolfclub.com.au

Golf Bookings
(03) 5156 6847

Clubhouse and Office
(03) 5156 6252

Metung Golf at Kings Cove

Ted Parslow designed, Gippsland’s own resort-style golf course is right on the doorstep of the lucky people who live at Kings Cove. A challenging Par 72 golf course that has 9 holes, but with clever use of tees offers the player an 18 hole layout in excess of 6000 metres. Stunning greens, wide, generous and well-maintained fairways ensure a most enjoyable day’s golf. Green fee players are welcome and our Professional is on hand to assist you in all matters golf! We have a fully stocked Pro Shop and electric golf carts to make your golf day truly memorable.

Kings Cove Metung: 94 Kings Cove Boulevard, Metung, Victoria 3904, Phone: 03 5156 2651, www.kingscovemetung.com.au

Goose Gully Golf Greens – Bairnsdale

Privately owned 9 hole public course, built on 33 acres of gently undulating country on the northern side of Bairnsdale with magnificent views overlooking Jones’ Bay and Lake King.

Less than 5 minutes from the centre of Bairnsdale, the course caters for the competitive golfer and golfers of all levels.

Goose Gully Golf: Balfours Road, Bairnsdale Victoria, 3875, Phone: (03) 5152 4822, www.goosegullygolf.com.au

Lawn bowls

With superb conditions through spring to Autumn the East Gippsland bowling greens are second to none.  Clubs can be found in Bairnsdale, Paynesville and surrounding regions, all hosting regular interclub bowling competitions and social functions.  Visitors Welcome.

Bairnsdale Golf & Bowling Club: 1090 Paynesville Road, Eagle Point, Victoria 3878, Phone:  (03) 5156 6252 www.bairnsdalegolfclub.com.au

Paynesville Bowling Club: 11 – 17 Ashley Street, Paynesville Victoria 3880, Phone:  (03) 5156 6278

Snowfields

Paynesville is within close proximity to The Great Alpine Road leading to Omeo and the Bogong Ranges the ski resorts of Dinner Plain, Mount Hotham, Mt Beauty and Falls Creek are only a short drive away.  Within 2 hours of departing Paynesville – you can be clipping into your ski’s strapping on your snowboard and enjoying everything Victoria’s premium snowfields have to offer.

Check out these websites to find out more about Gippslands snowfields:

Dining

Paynesville has a vast array of dining options, from bakeries to cafe’s, fast food & take away to country pub style meals, ala-carte menus and fine dining.

Cafés, Restaurants, Wine Bars:

Bancroft Restaurant

Bakeries:

Fish & Chips/ Pizza & Assorted takeaway:

Wineries

The Gippsland Wine Zone stretches from Phillip Island in the west to the New South Wales border in the east. It is the south eastern tip of mainland Australia.

East Gippsland – Beyond Rosedale, including the cities of Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance. A more Mediterranean style climate is experienced with lower rainfalls than the rest of Gippsland. Also traversed by the Princes Highway.

Experience Gippslands diverse range of wines, with the region boasting over 100 different vineyards and 40 wineries.

To get started – wineries within close proximity to Paynesville include:

ENSAY WINERY

Location: Omeo Highway, Ensay.
Map: Vicroads (66, F7)*
Phone: (03) 5157 3203
Fax: (03) 5157 3327
Postal Address: P.O. Ensay, 3895.
Winemaker: David Coy
Opening Hours: Public holidays & school holidays 10.00am. to 5.00pm. Other times by appointment.
Varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.
Facilities: Picnic Area & BBQ.
Website: www.esaywinery.com.au

MT. MARKEY WINERY

Location: Swifts Creek – Omeo Road, Cassilis
Map: Vicroads (66, B5)*
Phone: (03) 5159 4328
Fax: (03) 5159 4599
Postal Address: P.O. Box 160, Swifts Creek, 3896.
Winemaker: Howard & Christine Reddish
Opening Hours: Daily usually 10.00am. to 5.00pm. Closed Tuesdays except holidays.
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, honey mead, elderberry & other fruit wines & herb vinegars.
Facilities: Picnic Area & BBQ.
Website: www.visitvineyards.com/victoria/gippsland/wine/vineyards-wineries/info/mount-markey-winery-1

NICHOLSON RIVER WINERY

Location: Liddell’s Road, Nicholson.
Map: Vicroads (84, E6)*
Phone: (03) 5156 8241
Fax: (03) 5156 8433
Postal Address: P.O. Box 73, Nicholson, 3882.
Winemaker: Ken Eckersley
Opening Hours: 10.00am. to 4.00pm. most days & to 5.00pm. during holiday periods. Please phone if possible.
Varieties: Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet-Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sparkling wine.
Facilities: Picnic Area. Overlooks the Nicholson River.
Website: www.nicholsonriverwinery.com.au

WA-DE-LOCK VINEYARD

Location: Stratford Road, Maffra.
Map: Vicroads (83, B9)*
Phone: (03) 5147 3244 / 017 849 315
Fax: (03) 5147 3132
Postal Address: P.O. Box 212, Maffra, 3860.
Winemaker: Graeme Little
Opening Hours: Friday to Monday 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon & Noble Sauvignon Blanc.
Facilities: Picnic area, BBQ & scenic views. Local cheeses available for sale. Next door to Powerscourt Country House.
Website: www.wine-region-tours.com/pdf/gippsland_victoria.pdf

WYANGA PARK

Location: Baades Road, Lakes Entrance.
Map: Vicroads (84, H7)*
Phone: (03) 5155 1508
Fax: (03) 5155 1443
Postal Address: P.O. Box 247, Lakes Entrance, 3909.
Winemaker: Andrew Smith
Opening Hours: 7 days: Sun-Wed. 9.00am. to 5.00pm. Thur -Sat. 9.00am. to 8.00pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Henry’s Cafe: 7 days for lunch, morning & afternoon tea. Thursday, Friday & Saturday for dinner. Closed Christmas Day
Varieties: A diverse range of table wines, port, muscat & fruit wines.
Facilities: “The Corque” cruises 7 days a week from Lakes Entrance. Morning & lunch cruises daily. Dinner cruise Thursday, Friday & Saturday night. BBQ area & playground. Henry’s Cafe serving mainly regional dishes with freshly caught seafood a specialty. As recommended in the “Age Good Food Guide”.
Website: www.wyangapark.com.au

PARISH WINES – BRIAGOLONG ESTATE

Location: Valencia Creek – Briagolong Road, Briagolong.
Map: Vicroads (83, B7)*
Phone: (03) 5147 2322
Fax: (03) 5147 2400
Postal Address: 118 Boisdale Street, Maffra, 3860.
Winemaker: Gordon McIntosh
Opening Hours: Not open to the public.
Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay dry table wines.
Websites: www.briagolongestate.com.au www.gippslandtourism.com.au/wineries/eastgippsland.html www.discovereastgippsland.com.au/foodwine.asp

Picnic locations & BBQ’s

Paynesville

Paynesville
Sunset Cove

  • Beach location on edge of Newlands Arm
  • Undercover electric BBQ
  • Public Toilets
  • Tables
  • Parking

Paynesville Foreshore location 1

  • The Esplanade
  • Beach location
  • Public Jetty
  • Boat Ramp (nearby)
  • Undercover electric BBQ
  • Public Toilets
  • Public jetty
  • Children’s playground
  • Shops (butcher / supermarket nearby)

Paynesville Foreshore location 2

  • Between Raymond Island Ferry and Yacht Club on edge of McMillans Straight
  • Tables / Chairs
  • Public Toilet
  • Ferry access to Raymond Island
  • Public jetty
  • Shops
  • Services

Raymond Island

Ferry Park

  • Directly opposite ferry landing on Raymond Island on edge of McMillans Straight
  • Electric BBQ’s
  • Public toilets
  • Tables/chairs
  • Children’s playground
  • Walking tracks
  • Wildlife – koalas, kangaroos, birdlife
  • Horse & Cart rides

Public jetty

There are also many secluded bush tracks, beaches, and historical locations to picnic and explore on Raymond Island

Mitchell River Silt

Eagle Point Foreshore

  • Rotunda area
  • Free electric BBQ’s
  • Wildlife park
  • Kiosk
  • Bluff Lookout over Lake King & Silt Jetties

Mitchell River

  • Roadside locations
  • Along the river towards Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale

Howitt Park

  • On edge of Mitchell River
  • Electric BBQ’s
  • Public toilets
  • Tables
  • Children’s Playground with giant slide

Port of Bairnsdale

  • On edge of Mitchell River (off Riverine Street behind Post Office)
  • Town jetty
  • Walking track along

Other areas in the region include:

  • Nicholson
  • Johnsonville
  • Metung
  • Nungurner
  • Nyermeling
  • Lakes Entrance
  • Lake Tyers
  • Bruthen
  • Dargo
  • Omeo
  • Buchan
  • Nowa Nowa

For more information go to the Visit Paynesville website.

Shopping

Shopping in Paynesville, although limited, caters for its small community of permanent residents.  Only a handful of retail stores operate in Paynesville, from local haberdashery and crafts to the Chemist, post office and two small supermarkets, a number of restaurants and of course hardware and boating bits and pieces as well as a few real estate agents and a Bendigo Bank Community Branch.

Located within a 15 minute drive from Paynesville is Bairnsdale.  Bairnsdale is a central hub, or LARGE country town, with a population in excess of 12,000 there are all kinds of retail outlets, food and services to satisfy any hungry shopper’s apatite.

Shops in Paynesville and Barinsdale:

Entertainment

Cinema – Movies

Bairnsdale Fun Park

Situated on the Princes Highway 5 kms east of Bairnsdale (Towards Lakes Entrance) Bairnsdale Fun Park is the perfect place for all ages.  Activities include Archery, Mini Golf, Golf Driving Range, Bungee Trampoline, Baseball/Softball/Cricket Batting Cage, Merry-Go-Round, Jumping Castle, Lawn Bowls, Skittles, Spaceball, Sand Art, Solar Heated Swimming Pool, and various free novelty games, plus playground, Barbeques, and Shelter Area.

Entry to the Park is FREE. With “pay-as-you-go” prices, or even cheaper “package deals” and family prices.

Visit East Gippsland’s major Tourist Attraction, and make this the highlight of your holiday!!

Go Karts

The Bairnsdale Kart Club is located 270 kilometres east of Melbourne alongside the Bairnsdale Aerodrome.  The Club was formed around 1986 and from its beginnings, it ran its race meetings on the Bairnsdale Drag Strip but with continued growth of the Club over a few short years, it moved to its current location in 1992.

Swimming & Fitness

  • Riviera Aquatics Swim School and Fitness Centre: 17-19 Paynesville Road, Paynesville, (03) 5156 0166, http://www.swimaustralia.org.au (Offering swimming classes and gym membership.)

Transportation:

Getting to and from Paynesville and around town why you are here is very simple.  V-Line offers rail and coach services from Melbourne to Bairnsdale, and Paynesville Buslines operates to and from Bairnsdale on a daily basis.  There is also taxi services in Bairnsdale and Paynesville.

The Raymond Island car ferry operates daily to and from Raymond Island to Paynesville.  Used by locals and holiday makers as a common way to commute, the Raymond Island Ferry has quite a history and is a unique attraction in itself.

Bus / Train Timetable

Ferry Timetable

Taxis

  • Paynesville Taxis: Phone: (03) 5152 6161 (Multi person bookings and wheelchair service available / 24 hour service – seven days a week.)

Gippsland tourism tourist information centres

Bairnsdale:

240 Main Street
Bairnsdale, VIC 3875
Ph (03) 5152 3444
Fax (03) 5153 1563

www.bairnsdale-vic.com.au

Lakes Entrance:

The Esplanade
Lakes Entrance, VIC 3909
Ph (03) 5155 1966

Fax (03) 5155 1324

www.lakesandwilderness.com.au

www.gippslandtourism.com.au

www.discovereastgippsland.com.au

Links: