GREAT ALPINE ROAD VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 71 LAKES ENTRANCE As its name suggests, Lakes Entrance (affectionately known by locals as simply ‘Lakes’) is where the ocean meets the Gippsland Lakes, Australia’s largest inland waterway. While it is considered a ‘must-visit’ holiday destination all year round, it is especially popular in the warmer months of spring and autumn. When you holiday in Lakes Entrance, you’ll discover there’s an endless array of fabulous things to see, do and discover. A popular family holiday destination for many decades, in recent years Lakes Entrance has undergone a transformation of its foreshore promenade, and now offers easier parking, wider, safer footpaths and a range of new shops, eateries and creative art spaces. Fresh seafood Being the base for one of Australia’s largest fishing fleets, you can enjoy fresh seafood caught out from the Entrance in the clean blue waters of Bass Strait. Sometimes you can buy fresh fish straight from the trawlers, or you can enjoy it from the various town outlets and eateries, including the Fisherman’s Co-op on Bullock Island, numerous fish-and-chip shops, and famed restaurants floating among the fishing trawlers! Family fun Family activities on offer at Lakes Entrance include fishing with the kids, crossing the Cunninghame Arm walk bridge to visit the 90 Mile Beach – a seemingly endless stretch of pristine sand and ocean surf, playing or picnicking at the waterfront playgrounds and parks, and checking out the local wildlife, which includes seals, dolphins and pelicans. For the adults there’s fishing, golf, surfing, boating, photography, bushwalking and dining out at the town’s many wonderful cafés and restaurants. On the water If you’re keen to explore the Lakes from the water, hire boats are available on the North Arm, and you’ll also find short-trip cruise operators on the waterfront at Cunninghame Arm, providing scheduled and guided scenic Lakes cruise trips. Forest exploration Lakes Entrance is also an excellent base from which to explore the remarkable natural diversity and fascinating history of the nearby Colquhoun State Forest, with a leisurely drive along the Colquhoun Forest Discovery Drive or a stroll or bike ride along one of the designated tracks. The First Nations people of the region – the Gunaikurnai – lived and travelled through the area now known as the Colquhoun State Forest and surrounding lands for many thousands of years, and would often hold corroborees in the area. Entrance walk Another fantastic walk to do while you’re in Lakes Entrance is ‘The Entrance Walk’. This fascinating trail follows a coastal bush track to the actual ‘entrance’ of the Lakes, with plenty of scenic and historical highlights. You can then decide whether to return along the track, or via the 90 Mile Beach. Stay a while If you’re looking for a place to stay, Lakes Entrance has a wide variety of family-friendly accommodation, from caravan parks and holiday units, to motels and holiday homes. For more information, resources and friendly local knowledge, drop into the Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre at 2 Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance or go to visiteastgippsland.com.au/lakes-entrance. A world of fabulous possibilities The Cunninghame Arm public footbridge links the Lakes Entrance township with the 90 Mile Beach. Photo: Visit Victoria Commercial fishing trawlers docked at Lakes Entrance, with their nets spread out to dry on a jetty. Photo: Visit Victoria Bairnsdale Advertiser 65 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale Lakes Post 505 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance Snowy River Mail 122 Nicholson Street, Orbost Order your holiday photos anywhere in 3 easy steps Visit yeatesphotos.com.au Upload and select your photos. Pick up at your local office.
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