Major Attractions

Major Attractions

Almost anything is possible in East Gippsland, where the beaches, lakes, forests and mountains offer visitors a superb array of pursuits. Go flyfishing or horse riding in the High Country, walk in pristine coastal wilderness, marvel at the underground splendor of stalactites and stalagmites at the Buchan caves or feel the sand between your toes and the salt on your skin along the spectacular Ninety Mile Beach or on the Gippsland Lakes.

Gippsland Lakes

A vast array of waterways, the Gippsland Lakes stretches over 400 square kilometres and is the biggest inland lakes system in Australian. Consisting of three magnificent lakes – Lake Wellington, Lake Victoria and Lake King – the Gippsland Lakes meet the oceans of Bass Strait at the popular tourist town, Lakes Entrance. The lakes are fed by three East Gippsland rivers – theMitchell, the Tambo and the Nicholson – and include many small islands. They abut two national parks, the Lakes National Park, which includes Sperm Whale Head, and the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. While most people visit for the boating and fishing, you can sail, swim, canoe, kayak or relax and take in the energy from the picturesque lakeside towns of Lakes Entrance, Metung, Raymond Island and Paynesville.

Further information about the Gippsland Lakes is available at the Discover East Gippsland website.

High Country

Whether it is skiing and snowboarding in winter or fly-fishing in our fresh mountain streams, East Gippsland’s High Country has it all. Go mountainbiking through alpine trails or take a wildflower walk. The region is rich in pioneering history.Explore historic goldmining landmarks such as the Log Gaol and old Court House at Omeo or visit the Oriental Claims. At its peak, the Oriental Claims was one of the largest gold-sluicing operations in the world. Take a short walk around the area to discover mining relics, caves and other historical sites. Also in the vicinity is the village of Cassilis once a thriving mining centre. The 3,600-hectare Cassilishistoric area contains many relics from the gold

mining days and a lonely cemetery filled with miners and their families.

For further information about East Gippsland’s High Country see the Great Alpine Road.

Food and Wine

With its rich fishing grounds, fertile soils, good rainfall and temperate, Mediterranean-like climate, East Gippsland is known for its excellent seafood, fresh vegetables, quality beef and other gourmet products.A great way to source freshly caught seafood is at the local fish shops or from the trawlers.

Hunt for local produce or homemade goods at one of the region’s weekend farmers’ and community markets, which sell produce such as jams, relishes and chutneys, delicious baked goods, olive oil, honey and award-winning cheese. Other specialty items include cured meats, pate, lamb and venison,

handmade sausages, pasta and soup. Alternatively, set out on the Twin Rivers Farm, Food & Wine Trail to learn about local food production from the producers and growers themselves. Pack a picnic filled with goodies for an al fresco lunch, or settle into a café or restaurant and savour your meal

with a glass of wine at one of our distinctive local wineries.                                                                                     

Buchan Caves

One of Victoria’s most popular family attractions, Buchan Caves is a honeycomb of caves formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock almost 400 million years ago. The caves are filled with spectacular limestone formations created by rainwater seeping through cracks and dissolving

some of the limestone. As each droplet comes through the roof it deposits calcite, which crystallises, eventually forming stalactites on the roof of the cave and stalagmites on the floor.

Professionally guided tours of Royal Cave or Fairy Cave operate every day except Christmas Day. Both caves are lit and have walkways. Tours to “wild” unlit caves can be arranged for small groups. The caves are a constant 17 degrees Celsius, making the tour a comfortable temperature all year round.  

Ocean Experiences

From the remote wilderness of the UNESCO-recognised Croajingolong National Park in the east to the famous Ninety Mile Beach – a stretch of golden sand that runs for 151 kilometres between Port Albert and Lakes Entrance – East Gippsland offers an array of coastal activities. Natural and unspoiled,

East Gippsland’s beaches are ideal for a variety of activities: hike along the coast, watch the abalone divers return with their catch at Mallacoota, cast a line off a stunning beach or watch as whales pass by. Swimmers are advised to stick to patrolled stretches of beach around Lakes Entrance, Woodside

and Seaspray.

Nature

East Gippsland is rich in natural attractions and is home to a huge range of native wildlife. Whether you wish to go bird watching in the hides of Macleod Morass boardwalk, explore the Mitchell River silt jetties, which stretch 10 kilometres into Lake King from the mouth of the Mitchell River, or spot koalas on Raymond Island, there is much to do and see. The vast expanse of the Lakes National Park fringed by lakes and dunes and there is a large bird observatory at nearby Rotamah Island. For further information visit National Parks.