Short, but sweet
No need to don the hiking pack, for some of the most amazing panoramas of East Gippsland are just a short stroll away. Our expert adventurers have put together this list of short walks for you to enjoy at a leisurely pace.
Ah Fong’s Loop Walk
The heritage-listed Oriental Claims was one of the world’s largest gold-sluicing operations and many mining remnants, caves and sites can be seen on this short walk. The area is also excellent for bird watching and wildflowers.
Location: Omeo
Distance: 1.5km return
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2
Start: Picnic area, Oriental Claims Historic Area
Finish: Picnic area, Oriental Claims Historic Area
Jemmys Point Circuit
Take in the acclaimed Jemmys Point Light Tower before stopping for a breather at the all new Circular Lookout. Head back down to sea level at the Kalimna Jetty and enjoy the water lapping the boardwalk back to North Arm.
Location: Lakes Entrance
Distance: 4.5km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Level 3
Start: Marine Parade Reserve (Playground)
Finish: Marine Parade Reserve (Playground)
Red Bluff to Lake Tyers
Begin with a narrow 1km track which leaves the car park. The track continues past Salmon Road to Marlin Road. Follow Marlin Road east for 150m before a narrow track to Beacon Reserve Viewing Platform. From here, continue east for 800m to Lake Tyers Caravan Park, down the steps, to arrive at The Tav, Lake Tyers Beach.
Complete the circuit by following the beach west back to the Red Bluff car park and viewing platform.
Location: Lake Tyers
Distance: 6km
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Level 2
Start: Red Bluff Car Park
Finish: Red Bluff Car Park
Nungurner to Bell Point
Enjoy the lakeside panorama as you begin by following the narrow track alongside the rock sea wall for 200m. Continue on the sandy beach for 50m to rejoin the narrow, undulating track for 250m before it opens onto a lush grassed area. Continue along past several private jetties and another sandy beach for 400m. Continue west to Bell Point where there is the most gorgeous view of Bancroft Bay. Return by re-tracing your track.
Location: Nungurner
Distance: 3.5km (each way)
Duration: 2.5 hours total
Grade: Level 2
Start: Nungurner Jetty Car park
Finish: Nungurner Jetty Car park
Metung Boardwalk
This easy walk along the waterside will possibly take you longer than intended due to the time you will spend admiring the landscape. Begin on a Peninsula peeking out over Lake King, here you can spot yachts, motor-vessels and jet skis as they navigate the Lake. Stroll through the village before finding yourself on the Eastern side of the Peninsula. The boardwalk passes over parts of the lake where you will hear the waves of the lake flowing underfoot. Swans will float on by and pods of dolphins love to check in every now and again for a special visit.
Location: Metung
Distance: 2.6km (each way)
Duration: 30 minutes (each way)
Grade: Level 1
Start: Shaving Point, Metung
Finish: Chinamans Creek, Metung
Cherry Tree Walking Track
Enjoy this easy, flat walking trail, Taking note that the Lake Levels can be high, meaning some parts of the track may be under water. This walk is known for spotting the Azure Kingfisher.
Location: Toorloo Arm
Distance: 2km
Duration: 30 minutes
Grade: Level 1
Start: Cherry Tree Picnic Area
Finish: Cherry Tree Picnic Area
Bruthen Walking Trails
A series of 6 walks meander through State forest on the edge of town and highlight the local flora and fauna along with interesting historical features. There is a walking loop to suit any walking ability from beginner to well experienced bushwalkers.
Location: Bruthen
Distance: 2km - 7.5km
Duration: 30mins - 2hrs
Grade: Level 3
Start: McLeans Road Trail Head
Finish: McLeans Road Trail Head
Extra Info: Walking trail map PDF
Koala Trail
Koala spotting has to be one of the most unique things to do in our beautiful area. Situated on Raymond Island, a short ferry ride from Paynesville, is the easy walking trail. A clearly marked path leads you amongst the gumtrees and into koala territory. Don’t forget to look up, as the cute creatures are most likely fast asleep above you. Did you know: Koala’s sleep for 18 hours each day. Pack a picnic and enjoy a view from one of the picnic spots along the trail.
Location: Raymond Island
Distance: 1.3km
Duration: 30mins
Grade: Level 1
Start: Ferry reserve, Raymond Island
Finish: Ferry reserve, Raymond Island
Buchan Caves
The Buchan Caves Reserve offers a selection of short walks.
Moon Hill Walk:
Make sure you take a torch on this short walk. Along with views over the Buchan Valley, you can also check out the entrance of the mysterious Moon Cave with the aid of a torch. You can join this walk with the Northern Arm Track, which will add 30 minutes to your walk time.
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve
Distance: .5km
Duration: 30mins
Grade: Level 2-3
Start: Buchan Caves Reserve
Finish: Buchan Caves Reserve
Spring Creek Walk:
This walk will take you along a diverse track onto the higher Tea Tree Track and the lower Kanooka Track, and meets again at Spring Creek Falls viewing platform. A gorgeous vista which is perfect for a selfie. You will witness a change in rock formation from light limestone to a rich Snowy River volcanic rock.
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve
Distance: 3km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Level 2-3
Start: Buchan Caves Reserve
Finish: Buchan Caves Reserve
FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk:
Follow natural, striking white limestone steps to discover the spectacular 400-meter long federal Cave. You can spot fossils in the limestone wall.
Location: Buchan Caves Reserve
Distance: 2km
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Level 2
Start: 100m East of the Visitor Centre. Buchan Caves Reserve
Finish: Near the fairy Cave entrance. You can return along the main road through the reserve. Buchan Caves Reserve
Mckenzie River Rainforest Walk
A popular walk to stretch the legs for those travelling the Melbourne to Sydney Coastal Drive. Meander through a warm temperate rainforest, be wowed by two swing bridges which cross over the stunning McKenzie River. Take the time to enjoy the forest from within its own canopy amongst the trees.
Location: Princes Hwy, Club Terrace
Distance: 1km
Duration: 45 minutes
Grade: Level 2
Start: Rainforest Walk Picnic Area
Finish: Rainforest Walk Picnic Area