Lakes Entrance Accommodation

A network of unspoilt lagoons and marshes on the eastern edge of Victoria, Lakes Entrance is often referred to as the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes. While it is indeed perfectly situated for visiting the lakes, it has a lot more to offer.

With a varied programme of events throughout the year, an abundance of things to do and fine eating and drinking, Lakes Entrance is the perfect holiday destination. Not only that, but you can experience it all from a luxurious beachside holiday house.

Getting to your Lakes Entrance Accommodation

The nearest airport to Lakes Entrance is Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne. You can fly directly from all cities in Australia and some international airports directly to Melbourne. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar all offer daily flights to Melbourne from any city in Australia. Once you are in Melbourne, you can take a train, bus or hire car to your accommodation in Lakes Entrance. The drive from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance covers a distance of 320km.

The V-Line train from Melbourne to Sydney stops at Lakes Entrance. The journey time is about half a day and the train runs several times per week. Once at the train station, you can walk or catch a taxi to your holiday house in Lakes Entrance. There is a daily bus from Melbourne to the Gippsland Lakes area that stops in Lakes Entrance. The journey time is similar to that of the train and takes you through some picturesque lakeland scenery.

What to eat on your Lakes Entrance holiday

As you might expect for a town so close to the water, there is plenty of fresh fish to be had in Lakes Entrance. Head to the Lakes Entrance Fisherman’s Co-Operative if you want to witness a catch being hauled in and snag some specimens for your own kitchen. You can also pick up some excellent fish and chips made from locally caught fish in the nearby shopping centre.

Prefer to dine out? Then head to the Esplanade for a choice of culinary options. The Floating Dragon comes highly recommended. This popular waterside restaurant serves up beautifully-presented Chinese seafood dishes, again with local ingredients and freshly-caught fish.

Art and culture in Lakes Entrance

As you stroll along the esplanade you will no doubt notice some of the many beautiful wooden sculptures that populate the streets of Lakes Entrance. Many of these handcrafted objects depict scenes from history, particularly the First World War.

Lakes Entrance is a haven for artists and makers of all kinds. There are many gorgeous boutiques and unique craft stores waiting to be discovered in its quiet streets, including the wonderful Dove and Lyre. This long-established store sells jewellery, antiques and unique fossils and minerals from the local area.

Holidays with kids in Lakes Entrance

Kids will love getting their feet wet in Lakes Entrance. There are dozens of places to hire paddle boats, canoes and other equipment to help them have fun on the water, not to mention the many stretches of family-friendly beach in the area. The Lakes Aquadome and Leisure Centre features an indoor pool for the cooler months and is a popular local attraction.

If your child prefers to stay dry there’s still plenty of fun to be had on land. The Esplanade is home to a range of fun things to do, from Esplanade Mini Golf to the Rad RC Games Venue, which features a collection of arcade machines, mini radio controlled cars and even virtual reality booths for fun in another dimension.

See the unforgettable Gippsland Lakes

No visit to Lakes Entrance would be complete without a trip to the lakes from which it takes its name. The Gippsland Lakes cover an area of more than three hundred square kilometres, so there is plenty to explore. During your trip you may be lucky enough to spot one of the Burrunan Dolphins which are known to make their home in the area, along with tens of thousands of species of birds and other wildlife.

If you fancy something a little more adventurous, Gippsland Lakes have plenty to offer. You can swim, dive, kayak, paddle board and boat and indulge yourself in pretty much any aquatic activity you wish. Why not paddle your way to Lonely Bay for a stroll through a rainforest environment, or head towards Bancroft Bay for your best chance of spotting some dolphins?

A taste of Lakes Entrance life at the Seafarers Festival

Every December the town of Lakes Entrance gathers together to celebrate its long and storied maritime heritage. The Seafarers Multicultural Festival involves ceremonies, shared meals, parades and (most years) a raft race. It's a big draw for visitors and locals alike, with many travelling from far and wide to attend.

Tickets for the festival are inexpensive but do keep in mind that it’s a popular event and may sell out early. Book a little way in advance to be sure of being able to experience this authentic slice of Lakes Entrance life. If you are planning to visit a little later in the month you might be able to catch the New Year celebration fireworks and festival on the foreshore.

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