The Australian Bucket List

Victoria

PaynesvilleThere's plenty of adventure to be had on Gippsland's waterways! The region's boating capital, Paynesville attracts fishermen, windsurfers, jet and water skiers, and those that just want to escape the daily grind!

A charming village on the Gippsland Lakes, Paynesville is surrounded by lakes on three sides with canals and inlets providing plenty of exciting water sports opportunities. Paynesville is a haven for water sport enthusiasts who ski, sail, surf and fish on waters that are also home to flocks of water birds. Canals and inlets offer sheltered moorings for yachts and cruisers that give the town its distinctive maritime feel and boating reputation. Hire a boat and explore the waterways in style or join a tour to learn more about the lakes. Foot passengers can take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island across the McMillan Strait. Raymond Island is one of the best places in Victoria to go koala spotting and is also home to over 60 bird species and many species of ground orchids and wildflowers. There are also 140 species of native birds to spot in the Lakes National Park. The Gippsland Lakes comprises the largest inland network of waterways in Australia. Explore the Mitchell River silt jetties, second only in size to the immense silt jetties of the Mississippi River. There are good views from Eagle Point Bluff and a vehicle track that provides a closer view and leads to some fine fishing spots. Catch your fill of black bream and mullet or watch for dolphins playing in the water. Soak up the charm of the village with a walk around the Newlands Arm walking track along the lakeshore, or just relax with coffee and cake by the water. Paynesville is 300 kilometres from Melbourne or around three-and-a-half hours by car along the Princes Highway.

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Things to do

Dine at Pier 70

Located in the centre of Paynesville, overlooking McMillan Strait and Raymond Island, Pier 70 offers an array of dining options from lunch to dinner!

Stay at Gippsland Lakehouse

Gippsland Lakehouse is a luxury waterfront four bedroom holiday house in Paynesville, situated on the canals of the Gippsland Lakes. Guests can relax on any of the three north-facing decks which offer stunning views across the canals, lakes and mountains. The main deck includes an outdoor fireplace with a large dining setting and sun lounges. Perfect for a weekend away with a group of friends or for a couple of families, Gippsland Lakehouse is one of the few truly child-friendly properties on the canals. Glass balustrades enclose the decks and all gates and sliding doors are lockable. The house is fully equipped with baby furniture so you can travel light. A perfect getaway for boat lovers, the Gippsland Lakes offer the best inland water for both water sports and fishing with your boat secured at the end of your private jetty. If boating is not your thing, the area offers lakeside walks, a bicycle rail trail, markets, wineries, gourmet cafes and restaurants. The area is well serviced by the village of Paynesville, and every possible amenity is provided for by the larger town of Bairnsdale, a 10-minute drive away.

Visit Raymond Island

Just a short ferry ride from Paynesville, Raymond Island attracts nature lovers from all over - for some of the best koala-spotting around!

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