Gippsland is Victoria's largest and least-explored region — a vast expanse of coastline, waterways, ancient caves and wilderness that stretches from the outskirts of Melbourne to the New South Wales border. While other Victorian destinations draw the crowds, Gippsland rewards the traveller who ventures further with Australia's largest inland waterway system, one of the world's longest uninterrupted beaches, ancient limestone caves, wild rivers and unspoilt coastal villages where the pace of life slows to a gentle drift. This is Victoria's genuine hidden gem — uncrowded, unhurried and utterly beautiful.
The Gippsland Lakes
Australia's largest inland waterway system — a shimmering network of interconnected lakes, lagoons and marshes covering over 600 square kilometres, separated from the powerful Bass Strait by the narrow dune barrier of Ninety Mile Beach. The main lakes — King, Victoria and Wellington — offer calm, sheltered waters perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing and swimming. The lakes support a rich ecosystem of birdlife, dolphins and fish, and the waterside towns of Lakes Entrance, Metung and Paynesville serve as relaxed bases for exploring by water.
Lakes Entrance
FishingForeshoreSeafoodThe main gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and a classic Australian fishing town. A long foreshore promenade runs alongside the Cunninghame Arm, lined with fish-and-chip shops, seafood restaurants and hire boats. Walk across the footbridge to the Entrance — where the lakes meet Bass Strait — for ocean swimming and views along Ninety Mile Beach. Fresh local seafood (especially the Lakes Entrance prawns) is a highlight. Family-friendly with playgrounds, paddle boats and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Metung
BoutiqueSailingWineA quieter, more boutique alternative to Lakes Entrance. This tiny waterfront village sits on a narrow peninsula between Bancroft Bay and Lake King, with gentle lapping water on both sides. Excellent restaurants, a vineyard, small galleries and a peaceful atmosphere that attracts sailors, kayakers and those seeking unhurried lakeside relaxation. Often described as the "Riviera of the Gippsland Lakes".
Paynesville & Raymond Island
KoalasBoatingFamilyPaynesville is a boating hub on the western side of the lakes. A free five-minute ferry crosses to Raymond Island — home to a thriving wild koala colony easily seen on a short walking trail from the ferry terminal. It's one of Victoria's most accessible koala encounters, with the animals often visible just metres from the path. The ferry runs every half hour.
Ninety Mile Beach
Stretching approximately 151 km from the Lakes Entrance area to Port Albert, Ninety Mile Beach is one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in the world. It's a vast, wild expanse of sand backed by low dunes and coastal scrub — you can walk for hours without seeing another person. The beach is unpatrolled and the surf can be powerful, but the sheer scale and emptiness are the attraction. Access points at Seaspray, Golden Beach and Loch Sport provide entry to different sections. Fishing (surf and beach), beachcombing and simply soaking in the solitude are the primary activities.
Underground & Inland Adventures
Buchan Caves
Limestone Caves340 Million YearsFamilySpectacular limestone caves formed over 340 million years, featuring dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone formations and underground rivers. Two caves are open for guided tours — Royal Cave and Fairy Cave — each offering different geological features. The reserve above ground is home to kangaroos, wombats and abundant birdlife, with a pleasant campground and picnic area beside the Buchan River. Located about an hour north of Lakes Entrance.
Snowy River & Errinundra National Parks
Wilderness4WDRainforestFar East Gippsland is true wilderness — ancient temperate rainforest in Errinundra National Park and the dramatic gorges of the Snowy River. These are remote, uncrowded destinations that reward adventurous travellers with some of Australia's most pristine natural environments. The Snowy River National Park features the spectacular Little River Gorge and remote camping. Errinundra protects Victoria's largest remaining area of cool-temperate rainforest.
Walhalla
Gold MiningHeritageScenic RailwayA remarkably well-preserved gold mining township tucked into a narrow valley in the West Gippsland mountains. Once home to 3,000 people, Walhalla today has a population of around 20 — the original buildings, mine tunnels and heritage rail line remain. The Walhalla Goldfields Railway runs scenic trips along the Thompson River valley. Mine tours descend into the Long Tunnel Extended Mine. A genuine step back in time.
Wildlife & Nature
Gippsland's diverse habitats support exceptional wildlife. The Gippsland Lakes are home to bottlenose dolphins, Australian pelicans (in huge numbers), black swans and over 300 bird species — making it one of Victoria's premier birdwatching destinations. Raymond Island's koala colony is one of the densest in southeastern Australia. Wombats, kangaroos and echidnas inhabit the surrounding bushland. In the ocean, seals frequent the rock platforms at Cape Conran, and whale watching is possible from the coast during migration season (May to October).
Planning Your Gippsland Trip
Getting There
Lakes Entrance is approximately 320 km (3.5–4 hours) east of Melbourne via the Princes Freeway. V/Line trains run to Bairnsdale (3 hours from Melbourne), from where buses connect to Lakes Entrance (30 minutes). Self-driving allows the most flexibility for exploring the region's scattered attractions.
How Long to Spend
Two to three days is ideal. Day one: Walhalla heritage or Wilsons Promontory en route. Day two: Gippsland Lakes, Raymond Island koalas, lakeside dining. Day three: Buchan Caves, Ninety Mile Beach, seafood lunch at Lakes Entrance. Those with more time can explore East Gippsland's wilderness and the Snowy River.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (December to February) for swimming, boating and beach weather — book Lakes Entrance accommodation early. Autumn (March to May) for mild weather, fewer crowds and excellent fishing. Spring brings wildflowers and birdlife. Winter is quiet with moody landscapes and uncrowded caves — perfect for a peaceful escape.
Discover Gippsland with Cooee Tours
Gippsland is Victoria at its most unhurried and unspoilt — a region where you can kayak ancient waterways, walk a beach that stretches to the horizon, descend into 340-million-year-old caves and spot koalas from a country ferry, all without the crowds that flock to more famous destinations. Our guided experiences bring you to Gippsland's highlights with local knowledge that reveals the stories behind this remarkable landscape.
Browse Gippsland Tours Enquire NowFrequently Asked Questions
How far is Lakes Entrance from Melbourne?
Approximately 320 km (3.5–4 hours drive) east of Melbourne. V/Line trains run to Bairnsdale with bus connections to Lakes Entrance.
What is the Gippsland Lakes?
Australia's largest inland waterway — a network of interconnected lakes, lagoons and marshes covering 600+ square kilometres, separated from Bass Strait by Ninety Mile Beach.
Can I swim at Ninety Mile Beach?
Yes, but it's unpatrolled with powerful surf. Swim with caution. The sheer scale and solitude are the main attraction — it's one of the world's longest uninterrupted beaches.
Where can I see koalas in Gippsland?
Raymond Island (free ferry from Paynesville) has a thriving wild koala colony easily seen on a short walking trail from the ferry terminal. One of Victoria's most accessible koala encounters.
Is Gippsland suitable for families?
Yes. Calm lake waters for swimming and kayaking, Buchan Caves, Raymond Island koalas, Lakes Entrance foreshore playgrounds and Walhalla railway are all excellent family experiences.