The Gippsland Lakes system with its vast array of waterways to explore, is the most exclusive in Australia. The network of water is made up of three magnificent lakes, covering a distance of 60km. Beginning with Lake Wellington at the western end connecting via McLennans Strait to Lake Victoria, then onto Lake King and finally, through a man made entrance at the popular tourist resort of Lakes Entrance, to join the Southern sea waters of Bass Strait.
This wonderful water system is fed by a huge water catchment area stretching over large parts of Central and East Gippsland and includes the major contributing rivers of the Latrobe, Thompson, Avon, Mitchell, Nicholson and Tambo. The Lakes include many small Islands. One in particular, Rotamah island, is famous for its bird life. Many bird hides have been constructed for visitors to use and the surrounding marshland is home to an abundance of native waterbirds and wildlife.
A unique feature of the Gippsland Lakes is the Mitchell River silt jetties. They are among the longest in the world and run far into the lakes. They are believed to be formed by silt washed down by the Mitchell River system, over a million years ago. The Gippsland Lakes abuts two parks, the Lakes National Park taking in Sperm Whale Head and the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, with their wonderful camping reserves and many walking tracks. A great place to camp and relax and see many of the wildlife that abounds the area.
The first inhabitants of the Gippsland Lakes and Rivers knew they lived in a paradise with it's fresh and salt water, abundant fish and wildlife. The area sustained their life and formed the basis for the culture of the Gunai (Kurnai) tribal groups for 18,000 years.
This is a unique place where the sustaining waters of five rivers end their journey to the sea, creating a crown of waterways studded with gems on both water and land, and edged with the finest beaches of golden sand. The Lakes and Rivers are a paradise for boaters, fisherfolk or those who simply want to indulge their senses.
You may wish to do everything there is to do, or simply to relax and watch life at the water's edge. Paynesville, a boater's paradise: cosmopolitan Metung or Lakes Entrance, nestled between the lakes and the ocean. Not far from these centres are the smaller towns of Nicholson on the Nicholson River and Johnsonville and Swan Reach on the Tambo River. Explore Lake Tyers bordered by ocean and state forests as it meanders inland to Nowa Nowa. Discover all of the wonderful waterways or spend your days getting to know one area intimately.
Imagine an inland sea, sheltered from the ocean by a thin line of sand dune, and bordered by national park and farmlands. Wide expanses of water for exhilarating sailing, tranquil rivers for cruising and fishing, deserted beaches, peaceful coves and small lake-side villages.
This gentle, natural environment is home to over 140 species of birds; dolphins, kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife; wildflowers and wetlands.
Imagine an inland sea, sheltered from the ocean by a thin line of sand dune, and bordered by national park and farmlands. Wide expanses of water for exhilarating sailing, tranquil rivers for cruising and fishing, deserted beaches, peaceful coves and small lake-side villages.
The Gippsland Lakes are Australia's largest inland waterway - 400 square kilometres, comprised of three lakes, rivers, creeks, coves and backwaters.
There are three navigable rivers within the cruising limits: the Tambo, Mitchell and Nicholson.
On the ocean side, the Gippsland Lakes are bordered by the Ninety Mile Beach, sheltering these inland waters from the ocean (there's walking access across the dunes to the ocean beach)
There are two national parks - with bushwalking tracks, wood-fired barbecues, birdhides.
There are dozens of sheltered overnight moorings with easy shore access - public jetties or, in many cases, you can moor your boat right on the beach.
There are seven shore-side towns for supplies, hotels and restaurants.
The Lake floor is sand/mud - there are no rocks or reefs.
The Lakes are not tidal, making boating even easier.
The Lakes are suitable for boating all year round.
The Lakes are delightful – and suitable for boating – all year. The long hot days of summer are relieved by a sea breeze that sets in at about 11 am and drops out when the sun goes down for perfect calm evenings. When it does get hot, simply drop anchor and enjoy a cooling swim (no sharks!). Summer temperature range 25-38oC.
Winter is another experience altogether. If you like solitude and peace, the winter months are perfect. You’ll rarely share a jetty with another boat, and the Ninety Mile Beach can be all yours. In the evening your boat will be snug and warm – or make use of the roaring log fires at shoreside pubs. (10 to 20oC.)
Autumn is glorious – balmy days with blue skies makes this probably the most relaxing time of year. And in spring, as the days get longer the call of boating becomes stronger. And the Lakes are like a huge nursery for young birds and joeys. (18 to 25oC)
This unique and picturesque park consists of lakes, wetlands, marine and terrestrial environments. The Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is a narrow coastal reserve covering 17,584 hectares along a portion of the Ninety Mile Beach, from Seaspray to Lakes Entrance. The park also includes the internationally significant Lake Reeve, several islands and the Boole Poole Peninsula.
Picnicking
There are many picnic areas in natural surroundings throughout the park.
Swimming
There are swimming sites along the sheltered lake shores. Take great care when swimming along the Ninety Mile Beach. It is recommended that swimming be contained within flagged areas patrolled by surf life saving clubs.
Fishing
Surf fishing along the Ninety Mile Beach or lake fishing from a boat, bank or jetty is popular throughout the park. Bream, Flathead, Skip Jack, Luderick and Mullet are the main fish caught.
Please note that a recreational fishing licence is required for all coastal and inland waters.
Boating
The Lakes provide excellent opportunities for boating and water skiing in designated areas.
Boat ramps are situated at Seacombe, Wattle Point, Paynesville, Metung, Nungurner, Loch Sport and Lakes Entrance.
Jetties for access to the park are provided at Barrier Landing, Drews Jetty, Ocean Grange, Silver Shot Landing and Steamer Landing.
Boat operators are encouraged to use the sewage pump out or hopper facilities situated around the lakes for the disposal of sewage.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is permitted along formed tracks within the park, west of Loch Sport.
Horse riding is not permitted on the Ninety Mile Beach.
Walking
Management tracks, which are normally closed to private vehicles, provide ready access for walkers to explore some of the more secluded areas of the park.
The Ninety Mile Beach is also excellent for walking.
Hunting
Licensed hunting and firearms are permitted in designated areas of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Wild duck, Stubble Quail and Hog Deer may be hunted in season only.
All hunting must be done in accordance with the regulations as set out under the Wildlife, National Parks and Firearms Acts. Hunting is not permitted on private property without permission.
Toilets, water, picnic tables and fireplaces are provided at major sites.
Drinking water and firewood are not readily available and visitors should carry their own supply, or alternatively bring a gas barbecue. Fires are only permitted in the fireplaces provided.
The Gippsland Lakes fall within the boundaries of the area occupied by the Tatungalung clan of the Gunai/Kurnai people. Evidence of their occupation occurs in numerous midden sites containing shellfish remains, charcoal and burnt pebbles.
The first European records of the Gippsland Lakes were by Angus McMillan in 1840 and of the seaward entrance to the lakes by John Reeve in 1842. The wreck of a ship, the Trinculo which was beached in 1858, is still evident today west of Delray Beach.
Historic sites in the park include the "Honeymoon Cottage" on Boole Poole Peninsula and the blow hole sites on the outer barrier adjacent to Bunga Arm. The site of construction of the artificial entrance to the sea at Lakes Entrance and eel farming ponds near McLennan Strait are still evident today. Remains of more recent activity include survey lines and sealed bores left from petroleum exploration.
Fauna
The Ninety Mile Beach is a good place to observe shore and ocean birds such as shearwaters, terns and gulls. Parts of the Gippsland Lakes system, including Lake Reeve, are listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as waterfowl habitat. The lakes attract the largest concentration of migratory waders in East Gippsland and are host to breeding colonies of the vulnerable Fairy Terns and Little Terns. You may also observe Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper and Bar-tailed Godwit to name a few.
Within the heathy woodland areas of the park you will see many species of bird including the Common Bronze Wing, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Grey Butcherbird, Eastern Yellow Robin and the gracious Wedge-tailed Eagle. The park supports a large population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Black Wallabies and the common Brush-tailed and Ring-tailed Possums. Less common mammals include Sugar Gliders, Eastern Pygmy Possums and the endangered New Holland Mouse.
Vegetation
The plants growing in the park can be divided into three main types: coastal, swamp and heathy woodland. These grow mostly on leached sand of low fertility. Coastal vegetation growing along the seaward side of the dunes is adapted to grow in harsh conditions of wind, salt, sun, shifting sand, little water and few nutrients. These plants include Hairy Spinifex, Marram Grass, Cushion Bush, Coast Saltbush, Sea Rocket and Coastal Everlasting.
Behind the dunes conditions are less severe allowing Coastal Tea-tree thickets and Coast Banksia woodlands to grow. Swamp vegetation grows around the lakes and includes rushes, sedges and Swamp Paperbark.
Heath vegetation is also adapted to grow in poor soils. Major species include Shining Peppermint, Yertchuk, Coastal Tea-tree and Saw Banksia. The more common understorey plants consist of Bracken, Silky Tea-tree, Sweet Wattle and Common Heath. The diverse range of habitats within the park enable plenty of opportunities for viewing a wide range of wildlife.
