Lakes Entrance is a town in East Gippsland where the Gippsland Lakes finally flow into the sea. It is a major tourist destination, with swimming and boating being the major attractions, but many other attractions like mini-golf and paddle boats which cater to visitors.

Understand

The town has a beautiful locality - surrounded by water, lakes and miles of deserted ocean beaches. However, like some other "seaside destinations", Lakes Entrance may not be everyone's scene. The strip can tend to be a little tacky, and run down.

Get in

Lakes Entrance is on the Princes Hwy (A1). Coaches meet the trains to Bairnsdale from Melbourne Coaches down the coast from Sydney and Canberra also pass through Lakes Entrance.

See

• Griffith's Shell Museum, giant octopus on the roof, fantastic for children, very extensive collection of shells and a great kitch gift shop,

125 Esplanade Lakes Entrance VIC 3909 (03) 5155 1538

• Ocean Beach swimming. Cross the main footbridge across the inlet in the centre of town cross the sandhill, and you will be at the main ocean beach area. A little further north along the road is Eastern Beach, which is patrolled between Christmas and Australia Day.
• Paddle Boats and Catamarans - for hire directly opposite the footbridge.
• Boat hire
• Lake swimming. The jellyfish can be a little larger in the inlet here, but there is an enclosure for swimming - best at higher tides.

* Riviera Trading Post, 2nd Hand Furniture, massive barn for browsing bric a brac furniture, marine, second hand outdoor camping fishing, diving, boating gear tools and equipment.

Eat

• Tres Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 521 The Esplanade, ☏ +61 3 5155 2977. Not many tables, so it pays to book during the summer season. 
• Lakes Entrance Bowls Club, barefoot bowls in summer, cnr Rowe and Bulmer street. Fresh and friendly cool in summer. 03 51 551410
• Lakes Entrance RSL, upstairs, novelty mural and military display's throughout

Sleep

• Carmel Holiday Flat's, charming, 1950'w style fishing shacks, central locale, $90/night, two bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, tv/radio, separate laundry, relaxed casuual and friendly local owner. 9 Orme Street 51551886.

Go next

Routes through Lakes Entrance

Eden ← Orbost ←

N  S

→ Bairnsdale → Sale