10 THINGS TO DO IN PAYNESVILLE

Did we mention an island populated with koalas? Wedged between Lake King and Lake Victoria, this place is a haven for wildlife and a fabulous destination for nature-swooning. Catch the free ferry across from Paynesville and spend the day in search of koalas that are living their best lives – chomping on eucalyptus and soaking up the sunshine. You may also spot some kangaroos and elusive echidnas.

We recommend hiring a bike from Ride the Koalas, which you can find on the island just behind Ferry Park. Get on your bike and hit the 1.2km Koala Walk trail, but don’t forget to stop and look up as you go – we’re not exaggerating when we say koalas are everywhere on Raymond Island.

Embark on a scenic cruise with H2O Tours and explore the expansive Gippsland Lakes system, renowned for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Expect to meet some dolphins and pelicans on your cruise, and depending on when you cast off, perhaps be wowed by a spectacular sunset.

3. WATERFRONT DINING

Indulge in fresh local seafood and waterfront dining experiences at Paynesville's charming cafes and restaurants, offering stunning views of the lake and marina.

Sardine Dining overlooks Raymond Island, with an ever-changing menu of seasonal sea produce by award-winning chef Mark Briggs. Complemented by an eclectic beverage list of local and international wines and beers, this destination restaurant has been awarded a hat in The Age Good Food Guide every year since 2019.

Otherwise, if you’re after a hearty, freshly baked quiche or a tasty steak sanga, head to Ginny’s Place. This Paynesville institution is perfect for a hot breakfast or delicious lunch.

4. KAYAKING AND PADDLEBOARDING

Why not indulge your Venetian fantasies and explore the canals by kayak or stand-up paddleboard? You can hire kayaks from Gippsland Holidays in Paynesville, or Venture Out in Lakes Entrance provide overnight hire of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks, and can also run tours for groups out of Paynesville.

Every fourth Saturday, local farmers and crafters come together to sell their handpicked produce and homemade goods. Stock up on sweet jams made from Gippsland berries, bread so fresh it's practically steaming, jewellery, chutneys and handsewn, colourful clothes. This charming country town market is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir.

Cast a line or try your hand at crabbing along Paynesville's jetties and foreshore, known for their abundance of fish species and delicious blue swimmer crabs. Fish for bream at Newlands Arm, or go to Wollaston Bay for pipis and mussels, and Sunset Flats for tailor. You can make your own Michelin-worthy platter with the delectable variety of fresh seafood around Paynesville.

If you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll, this out-and-back walk is perfect for you. This simple 3km route winds its way around the edge of Newlands Arm of the lakes, starting from Progress Jetty. Your walking efforts will be rewarded with stunning scenery from the Paynesville foreshore and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll see some local dolphins.

Fish and chips are a classic for a reason, and you can’t get much better than what’s on offer in Paynesville. It doesn’t matter which chippie you go to, you can rest assured that your beer-battered flake or salt and pepper calamari is made from fresh, locally caught seafood. Grab a family-sized serve and take the kids down to Sunset Cove, where they can play on the playground in between chips.

Check out the world’s second largest silt jetties, where the Mitchell River’s flowing waters have created 8km land tracks into Lake King over eons. Silt jetties are a type of delta, where long, thin landforms stretch out into bodies of water. We recommend visiting the jetties on a clear day, ideally around sunset, when you will get a spectacular, fiery view. Just don’t forget your camera.

Live your best riviera life by visiting one of these special, off-the-beaten-track places, only accessible by boat.

Nestled on a strip of land between Ninety Mile Beach and the Gippsland Lakes, the Ocean Grange Homestead is an off-grid getaway with a history stretching back over 130 years. A sparkling jewel in the Gippsland Lakes crown, the Ocean Grange team can truly offer a unique accommodation experience.

Just east of Ocean Grange is Steamer Landing, where you can dock your boat on the jetty and head into the surrounding bush for some birdwatching. Bring your binoculars and look out for rare shorebirds including the Little Tern and Hooded Plover. In nearby Bunga Arm, the twitching continues, but you may also want to bring your fishing gear – there are plenty of bream and skipjack to catch. Miles from the closest café, we recommend bringing a basket of goodies and spreading a picnic blanket at First Blowhole.

Tucked into a corner of the Gippsland Lakes, Rotamah Island is a nature lover’s dream. Boasting over 190 identified bird species, this tiny slice of land is also home to plenty of koalas, wallabies, echidnas and kangaroos. Bring your walking shoes and hit the trail, but keep your eyes peeled for our furry friends.

Take the boat a little further down the coast and you’ll hit the famous Ninety Mile Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world. This pristine stretch of sand is perfect for sightseeing and long, romantic walks, boasting one of the best views of the uninterrupted horizon at sunrise.