Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is my favorite Holiday spot and perhaps one day it may be a Sea Change and I will live there permanently.

Lakes Entrance is a tourist resort and fishing port in eastern Victoria, Australia.

Lakes Entrance is situated roughly 320 kilometres east of Melbourne on the Princes Highway near a managed, man-made channel connecting the Gippsland Lakes to the Bass Strait. At the 2006 census, Lakes Entrance had a population of 4093. The township was originally named Cunninghame, the Post Office of that name opening on 5 February 1870. It was renamed Lakes Entrance on 1 January 1915. The locals loving just call it "The Lakes"

Other place close by are Paynesville and Metung.

After a very easy drive from Melbourne , it takes about 3 and a half hours from Melbourne , but more if you want to stop and have a meal at Traralgon or Bairnsdale just to name two of the towns you drive through.

When you arrive in the Lakes you are confronted by one of the most beautiful vistas of the Lakes and rolling Ocean you could see anywhere. I have included a photo I took on one of my visits from the "look out" just up from Lakes Entrance.

On a clear day , from the lookout you can see the Oil Rigs on the horizon.

From this lookout it is just a short drive , about 1 Km down hill to the little township of Lakes Entrance.

After you drive down from the lookout you cross over the North Arm bridge and hit the main street which is The Esplanade 

The Esplanade

The main road "The Esplanade" runs along the shoreline of the Cunninghame Arm inlet, with marinas, docks for the fishing trawlers, attractive gardens and walkways for pedestrians on the southern side.
Interspersed throughout the expanses of lawns and trees are sculptures carved from old tree trunks. The sculptures represent various stages of Australian forces at War. The trees , apparently had become deceased and instead of totally removing them the Township commissioned local artist John Brady to make the sculptures. It has become an "Avenue of Honour"

The other side of the Esplanade is mainly commercial with a good selection of shops, hotels, accommodation and clubs .

Accommodation in and around Lakes Entrance

There is just about any type of accommodation that you could image here is a list I'm sure I have not covered everything:-

• Hotels
• Motels
• Caravan Parks and Camping
• Apartments
• Cabins and Villas
• Bed and Breakfasts

On our travels we tend to look for accommodation that has comfort at a reasonable price. Lakes Entrance has these in abundance, especially in off peak times.  Like most resort areas prices can be hight during the peak times such as School Holidays and Long Weekends like Easter.

Things to do while in Lakes Entrance

There are so many things that you can do in Lakes that I think I may just run out of space , but here is a short list. Not in any particular order:-

• Fishing. 3 types :- Boat, Beach/Surf, Jetty, If you are courageous you can even go out on the ocean on a charter boat.
• Cruises , around the Lakes area and Ocean.
• Yachting in our world famous Lakes Victoria and Wellington.
  
• Walking includes hiking in the bush listening to the birds and seeing the wildlife and along the beaches.There are many walking tracks on the flat for those of us that cannot handle the hilly walks.
• Bike riding, Go Karts, Paddle Boats, Catamaran Hire.
• Day Tours in your own Vehicle.
• For the sports minded we have world class Golf Course and Bowls and Tennis.
• and of course my wifes favorites, Relaxation and Retail Therapy.
  

Around Lakes Entrance there are some interesting places to visit.

Stoney Creek Trestle Bridge

About a half an hours drive (22 km) north east of Lakes Entrance is The Stony Creek Railway Bridge , just off the Princes Highway, and was built in 1916 from local timber. At 18.6 metres high and 274 metres in length, it is believed to be the largest wooden bridge still standing in Australia.

Nowa Nowa

Nowa Nowa is only a short drive from Lakes Entrance and is Nestled on the edge of Lake Tyers where the fresh water from the ancient Gorge meets the Lake.

This small East Gippsland township celebrates a rich history,beautiful environment and friendly community.

Enjoy the trails that make up the Nowa Nowa Walk. Savour
the idyllic waterway, the wildlife and bush and enjoy the
contemporary arts culture that now flourishes.

Sculpture Walk

Along what is known as Boggy Creek the walk is a distance of 1.4km, an easy 30 minute tranquil walk along the shores of the Nowa Nowa Arm, where the fresh water of Boggy Creek meets the salt waters of Lake Tyers. On the walk you can:
• Rest on the carved seats depicting historical Nowa Nowa
• Jetty, boat ramp, shade and barbecue make this a good swimming & popular fishing spot
• Visit the unusual Ramsdell Wood Gallery, and the
unforgettable ‘Ra’ at Mingling Waters
• See the growing collection of public sculptures from the
annual Nowa Nowa Nudes Art Show.

Buchan Caves

About three quarters of an hours drive (60 km) from the Lakes is a pretty little town called Buchan. Buchan is mainly is noted for its beautiful caves.

Near the township of Buchan, lies a honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. Buchan Caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock. The formations are created by rain water seeping through cracks and dissolving some of the limestone. As each droplet comes through the roof it deposits calcite which crystallises in a small ring. In time, stalactites are formed on the roof of the cave, and stalagmites build up from droplets which fall to the floor.

These ancient caves have spectacular limestone formations created by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock that was formed almost 400 million years ago. Professionally guided tours of Royal Cave and Fairy Cave are conducted every day of the year except for Christmas. Both caves are lit and have walkways. Royal Cave features calcite-rimmed pools and in Fairy Cave you will see elaborate stalactites and stalagmites. Tours to 'wild' unlit caves can also be arranged for small groups. The caves are a constant 17 degrees Celcius making the tour a comfortable temperature all year round.

Located in the Reserve, there is a swimming pool, picnic ground, playground, toilets, kiosk and an information centre. Wildlife is plentyful in the reserve. Bellbirds, lyrebirds, and kangaroos are all commonly seen. Entry to the Reserve is free.
As well as a well serviced campground, Buchan Caves has two fully self-contained cabins available that can accommodate up to five people.