The very best things to do in Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is a gorgeous seaside town that swells in the summer months. While it is one of the best places to visit in Gippsland if you love the beach, great food and epic experiences you will find a plethora of things to do in Lakes Entrance all year round. The 90-mile beach is one of the top places to visit in Lakes Entrance and this pristine beach will have you coming back time after time.

As we said above it is a premier destination in Victoria over the summer months with international and local tourists alike staying on our around the town.

Local food, wine, fishing and some of the most stunning beaches pull people to this area on a regular basis. In winter you will also find plenty of people still enjoying Lakes Entrance and all it has to offer.

Things to do in Lakes Entrance

Staying in Lakes Entrance is the perfect way to take advantage of all the best things to do in Lakes Entrance but there are also other places that surround it that you can stay at and visit when you need.

If you like biking and walking to all the best activities in Lakes Entrance then one of the caravan parks in Lakes Entrance or one of the many hotels would be the best option for you.

Things to do in Lakes Entrance – The Entrance Walk

Head across the footbridge towards the 90-Mile Beach and you will come across the sign for The Entrance Walk. A 5-kilometre, 2-hour return walk along either the beach, the foreshore, or through the sand dunes will take you to the entrance.

The Entrance is where the waters of Bass Straight and the 90 Mile beach meet the Gippsland Lakes. You will often find wildlife swimming at the entrance such as seals and the local Burrunan Dolphins.

If you plan to do the Entrance Walk you must make sure you have water and, if needed, snacks with you as there are no shops along the walk for you to purchase what you need.

Cruise the Gippsland Lakes

Lakes Entrance is the major town on the Gippsland Lakes and from here you can board a cruise that will take you through the magnificent Gippsland Lakes system. The Gippsland Lakes is an area that covers more than 350 square kilometres and is mainly made up of lakes marshes and lagoons.

The three main lakes that run into the lakes system are Lake Wellington, Lake King and Lake Victoria which are all fed by rivers starting in the Victorian High Country. The Entrance is a man-made entrance to the Gippsland Lakes and here you can see some amazing sights as you cruise the calm waters.

Swimming at the Lakes Entrance Beaches

You will find lifesavers patrolling the beaches during the warmer months, especially at the main surf beach over the footbridge and at Eastern Beach. If you are not an experienced swimmer these are the best Lakes Entrance beaches for you to swim at.

You will find lots of people and families swimming at the beach so have fun and enjoy the waves. Make sure you slip, slop and slap on the sunscreen, hat and rash vest for sun protection.

Lakes Entrance swimming beaches:

North Arm and Cunningham Arm are part of the Lake system and are not really beaches. They are sandy areas that do not get many waves and are suitable for a paddle.

Do you love Victorian beaches? Here are the very best Victorian beaches

Lakes Entrance Aquatic Center

Lakes Entrance also has an indoor aquatic centre if the ocean is not your thing. The Lakes Entrance Aquatic Centre sometimes has blow-up play equipment for the kids to have fun with. It is also one of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance if the weather is bad in winter.

Visit a local winery

Gippsland is fast becoming a haven for food lovers as well as those who love a tipple or two. Gippsland wineries are starting to win awards across the board for their full-bodied and tasty wines.

Just out of Lakes Entrance you will find the Wyanga Park Winery. This award-winning winery offers some magnificent wines as well as a great menu based on local foods.

Other Gippsland wineries near Lakes Entrance:

Sample some amazing craft beer

Craft beer in Gippsland is another of the immerging industries that are really taking off. There are some wonderful craft breweries using local produce and themes to really introduce people to what Gippsland has to offer.

Craft breweries near lakes Entrance:

Gippsland things to do – Mini Golf at Lakes Entrance

What else is there to do in Lakes Entrance with kids? Play a round of mini-golf! These days Lakes Entrance has quite a few options for mini-golf. At the last count, there were 4 different mini-golf courses to play. You will find 3 on the main street and the other course is located towards Eastern Beach.

This course also has the ever-popular pit trampolines that both kids and adults enjoy. Mini golf has been a mainstay of fun and family entertainment in Lakes Entrance for generations.

• Footbridge Mini Golf, Lolly Shop & IceCream Shack –  549 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
• Lakes Entrance Mini Golf & Dodgem Cars –  56 Roadknight St, Lakes Entrance 
• Esplanade Mini Golf –  461 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance 

Picnic or BBQ in Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance has so many places to have a bbq or picnic. Here we have included 2 places in Lakes Entrance for a BBQ or a rest with a picnic when you are travelling in Gippsland.

North Arm BBQ Area

When you first enter Lakes Entrance just over the bridge on the North Arm you will find the latest BBQ area just off the roundabout to the left.

This area on the waterside has undercover BBQs and seating. The playground includes climbing frames, swings and even a half-court basketball. The electric BBQs are free. If you forget anything Aldi Lakes Entrance is straight over the road from the North Arm BBQ area.

North Arm in Lakes Entrance BBQ area tips:

Public toilets at the playground bbq area are suitable for people with a disability and have parent changing facilities

Eastern Beach BBQ Area

At Eastern Beach Lakes Entrance you will find 4 BBQs with picnic tables and play equipment. The BBQs are free and electric with some of the play equipment under shade sails. The Lakes Entrance Beach is just 100 meters away with a walk over the sand dunes.

Eastern Beach BBQ Area top tips

Public toilets at the Eastern Beach Lakes Entrance bbq area are located adjacent to the area.

Don’t forget to bring the BBQ equipment!

Visit Gippsland: 11 reasons you NEED to visit the Gippsland Lakes

Take a helicopter ride over the lakes

A helicopter ride high over Lakes Entrance, the Gippsland Lakes and the 90 Mile Beach is an unforgettable experience for anyone on holidays in Gippsland. You have the option of a 12, 20 or 30 minuted flight for 2 depending on your budget. After a safety briefing, you will board the helicopter and take off for a breathtaking ride in the skies of Gippsland. Depending on what length of flight you pick you could be west towards Paynesville or east past Lake Tyers.

Lakes Entrance fishing – best things to do in Lakes Entrance

Fishing in Lakes Entrance is very popular and Lakes Entrance fishing comes in 3 different forms. You can fish off the Lakes Entrance Beach, you can fish off the Lakes Entrance wharves and you can fish in the Gippsland Lakes by boat.

The easiest place to access the beach at Lakes Entrance for fishing is Eastern Beach car park number 2. In the middle of town and the North Arm, you will find over a dozen wharves or jetties to cast a line off. This is great if you are a newbie fisherman or have kids in tow.

The Gippsland Lakes can be accessed with a fishing charter out of the town. If you want to catch those big fish or have an offshore fishing trip in mind then a charter from Lakes Entrance would be the perfect way to do some fishing.

Fishing in Lakes Entrance top tips:

It is a requirement that you have a fishing licence if you do plan on going for a fish. There are also strict catch measurements on certain fish and limits on how many you can take home with you.

Hire your own boat in Lakes Entrance

The putt boats are also available to be hired in the North Arm which will get you out on the water. The putt boats don’t require you to have a boat license, so it’s a great chance for families to go boating without buying a boat. You can order your fishing equipment before you arrive and pick it up at BCF in Bairnsdale on the way.

Visit the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park

Did anyone say water fun?! If you love a bit of fun on the water then a visit to the Lakes Entrance Water Park is for you. Try to get through this inflatable obstacle course without falling into the calm waters of Cunninhame Arm, be warned it’s no fun if you don’t end up in the water!

Sessions run for 50 minutes but you can pre-book a double session if you like. Opening hours start from 10 am to 8 pm.

Ticket	Cost
Single session (50 minutes)	25
Double session (1 hour 50 minutes)	40
Group of 4 single session	90
Group of 4 double session	150
Group of 10 single session	250
Group of 10 double session	360

It is advised that you arrive at the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time so you can fill in the necessary paperwork for you to use the equipment.

Need summer holiday plans? We have you covered with the best places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Have an ice cream at the Riviera Ice Creamery

This amazing Ice Cream shop used to be on the Esplanade but has now moved just over the road past the traffic lights to much smaller premises but the ice cream is still just as good. There is so much to choose from that you’ll have to take your time and find your favourite flavour.

This is one of the things in Lakes Entrance that we return to every year in either summer or winter. Now in the smaller premises, you may not have as much room to sit and enjoy your ice cream but you can head over to the picnic area where the Footbridge is and sit there to enjoy it.

Bike Riding along the Esplanade

Along the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance is a dual footpath which is great for a walk or a bike ride. There are plenty of places to stop and have a drink along the Esplanade. You will also find that they are plenty of grassy areas to stop and have a picnic of fish and chips or a coffee if there is no room in the cafes.

Toilets are located at the Footbridge. Check out the wooden World War 1 memorial sculptures along the way too.

Can I hire a bike at Lakes Entrance?

You absolutely can. Sometimes taking your bikes on holiday in Victoria with you isn’t the easiest. You can hire bikes at the Venture Out Shop at 347B Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909.

Bike rental will cost you; 1 hr $18 – 2 hrs $25 – Half Day $35 – Full Day $50. It’s a good idea if you have a helmet at home to take it with you.

Griffiths Sea Shell Museum

If you are looking for an indoor activity then a look at the Griffith Sea Shell Museum is for you. Here you can find so many different seashells and some souvenirs from your stay in Lakes Entrance. There is also also a small aquarium out the back for you to have a look at as well.

How much is entry to Griffiths Sea Shell Museum?

Entry to the gift shop is free but if you decide to enter the museum the prices are:

Museum ticket	Entry cost
Adult	$8.00
Children (5-15 years)	$4.00
Seniors (cardholders only)	$6.00

What are the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum opening hours?

There are differing opening hours for the Griffiths Seashell museum depending on the time of the year that you are visiting Lakes Entrance.

Visit Nyerimilang Heritage Park

Take a look at the past with a visit to the Nyerimilang Heritage Park. The old Homestead which dates back to 1894 will give you a glimpse into life back then with the Homestead, farm buildings and farm machinery. The views from the Homestead are magnificent especially later in the afternoon and you can even walk down to where the old jetty was located.

The homestead is situated on 180 acres and has access to some amazing bush walks. The semi-formal gardens around the Homestead feature such varieties as Austral Indigo, Kangaroo Apple, Native Pigface, Tiger Orchard, Coast Grey Box and more which are amazing to see in any season but autumn in Victoria is where they are magnificent. Animals and birds around the park include Blue Tongue Lizard, Eastern Long Neck Turtle, feather-tailed Glider, Powerful Owl, Azure Kingfisher, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo and many more.

Ride the Thunderbird through the Lakes

Riding the Thunderbird through the Lakes is an excellent way to see wildlife. With a guided tour your captain will be able to show you everything you need to see while on the cruise. This would have to be one of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance.

Explore Victoria: Here are the best caravan parks in Victoria

Ride a Segway along the 90-mile Beach Lakes Entrance

Now, this would have to be the absolute best thing to do in Lakes Entrance and definitely the most memorable! Imagine yourself riding a segway along with one of the world’s best beaches, well now you can actually do it!

The Lakes Entrance Segway Adventures offer a 90-minute cruise along the 90-mile beach from the Footbridge up to Eastern beach and back. For anyone looking for one of the top things to do in Lakes Entrance, this should be at the top of the list.

How much is a Segway tour of the 90-mile beach?

Below are the prices for the Lakes Entrance Segway adventure tours of the 90-mile beach.

Ticket	Cost
Adult (18+)	$89.00
Children (12 – 17 years)	$59.00
Pensioner	$59.00

Is there an age limit on Lakes Entrance Segway Adventures?

Your child does have to be 12 years old to ride the Segway in Lakes Entrance. There is also a 115 kg weight limit to ride the Segway.

Surf Lesson on the 90 Mile Beach

You can book some surf lessons at The Surf Shack. With this, you will get a qualified surf teacher for 2 hours. This will cost you $60.00. A surfboard and wetsuit are provided for you.

*Check out the walkway into the Surf Shack shop. They are old boards from the Footbridge. What an awesome way to recycle some of Lakes Entrance history!

Eat all the food

One of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance is to sit at one of the local cafes and watch the world go by with some of the best local produce Gippsland has to offer. You can get some amazing seafood in Lakes Entrance straight off the trawlers

Places to eat in Lakes Entrance:

Did someone say donuts? Big Bears Donuts

While I could have put this under the places to eat in Lakes Entrance I think it really deserves a place on the things to do in Lakes Entrance list on its own. Not only does it serve magnificent doughnuts it is a great supporter of local clubs hosting fundraisers continuously throughout the year.

Get in and try one or more of their amazing, handmade donuts made fresh daily. Open Wednesday to Sunday.

Discover more of Victoria: 11 fun-filled day trips from Melbourne you have to do!

Visit the surrounding villages

Towns on the Gippsland Lakes are some of the most stunning places in Victoria. They all have a distinct seaside feel and all have their own unique vibe. From boutique shops, quirky art installations, calm bays and places for seeing some amazing skies there is a village near Lakes Entrance for you to discover.

Lookout for native wildlife

The Gippsland Lakes system is home to the Burranan dolphin which is only found in one other place in Victoria. Watching the dolphins play in the water is one of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance. You can also see seals lazing on the rocks at the entrance and if they are feeling frisky you can see them playing in the waves.

Around Lakes Entrance, you will also find Raymond Island. Raymond Island is the home to a native Koala colony and they are free to see. You get the short ferry from Paynesville (free for foot traffic) and from the dock you can easily walk the Raymond Island circuit trying to spot the furry little friends from the ground.

You will also find plenty of bird life around the banks on Cunninghame Arm.

Find a relic in the bush

Located just out of Lakes Entrance is the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge. On the way to Nowa Nowa, there is a small sign that leads you to one of the oldest Trestle Bridges in the state. While you can no longer walk along the bridge you can admire its history and brilliance from beneath. There is a picnic, bbq area there where you can really just sit to take it all in.

Stargazing

Getting out and seeing the stars is one of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance. With little light pollution in the area, you can take a blanket over to the beach or drive a short distance from the town to look skyward.

Walk from Lakes Entrance to Lake Tyers

Now, this one is not for the faint-hearted but it is a magnificent walk if you can do it. Along the 90-mile beach, you can walk from Lakes Entrance all the way to Lakes Tyers.

It can take up to 2 hours to walk but at the end is the Water Wheel Tavern at Lake Tyers. Here you can sit in the sun on the deck and have a drink or something to eat. If you leave Lakes Entrance for Lake Tyers mid-morning you can get there for lunch.

If you have a meal there you can use the courtesy bus to hitch a ride back to Lakes Entrance. You can call the Water Wheel Tavern on (03) 5156 5855 to book a table and to check if the courtesy bus is available.

Catch an epic sunrise or sunset

Watching the sky change as the sun goes down or the sun comes up is high on many visitors to Lakes Entrance lists. One of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance is to grab a coffee in the morning and head over to the beach to watch the sun come up. You will find many a fisherman or woman over there getting their spot for the day.

A picnic on the 90-mile beach is a brilliant way to end the day as well. This is a great place to watch the sun go down and it is easily walked to and from the main street along the footbridge.

Travelling in Victoria with kids? Here is our guide to the very best things to do in Victoria with kids

Visit a lookout

There are many lookouts around Lakes Entrance that will give you views out over Bass Straight. At some times during the year, you can use the lookouts around Lakes Entrance to watch the whales migrate. On a clear day, you will be able to see the gas platforms from the lookouts in the distance.

Some of the best lookouts in Lakes Entrance:

As you can see there are so many things to do in Lakes Entrance to fill in your holiday to Gippsland. Whether you are visiting Lakes Entrance in summer or winter you will find so many amazing experiences in Lakes Entrance that will keep you coming back year after year.

If you are looking for more amazing and best places to visit in Victoria or more travel in Victoria destinations Explore Victoria has some more articles below for you to check out. If you have an idea, attraction or top spot feel free to leave us a comment or email us at contact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com

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