Paynesville

Set out for adventure on Gippsland's waterways from lively Paynesville – a charming village surrounded by lakes on three sides, with canals and inlets providing plentiful sheltered moorings for boats.

Watersports

Paynesville is the region's boating capital. Anglers, windsurfers, jet skiers, and water skiers flock to the town to take to the water. Waterski the lakes, fish for black bream and mullet, or watch for dolphins playing in the water. Explore the Mitchell River silt jetties, the largest silt jetties in the world. There are good views from Eagle Point Bluff and a vehicle track that provides a closer view and leads to some fine fishing spots.

Lakeside dining

Hit the local walking trails to work up an appetite and then tuck into fresh local seafood and seasonal dishes at one of many excellent restaurants in town with views of the water. Enjoy a cold brew at sunset and then settle in for a sumptuous dinner perched right on the pier at Pier 70 or along the esplanade at Sardine Eatery & Bar.

Koala spotting

Foot passengers can take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island across the McMillan Strait. Raymond Island is one of the best places in Victoria to go koala spotting and is also home to over 60 bird species and many species of ground orchids and wildflowers.