The Gippsland Lakes are located about 300 km east of Melbourne, an easy 3.5 hour drive via Sale and Bairnsdale along the Princes Highway, the A1, presenting no difficulties for towing.
The main towns on the Lakes system are Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Metung and Lakes Entrance, which all provide everything required for a stay on the water. However when on the lakes you are never too far from a number of smaller towns all offering limited facilities.
The Gippsland Lakes is the largest inland waterway in the Southern Hemisphere and is fed by five rivers. Three of these rivers - the Tambo, Nicholson and Mitchell - are among our favourite spots on the lakes for cruising. Easy access to the rivers and the ocean from the lakes provides a huge variety of scenery, wildlife and activities, as well as a choice of sandy beach or tranquil bush setting.
Launching is simple, there are many ramps to choose from at different locations and most have jetties alongside making it an easy task for yachties. Many ramps also provide toilet and shower facilities. We usually launch at Johnsonville on the Tambo River from within an excellent, and very reasonably priced, secure boat & trailer storage facility. It also offers toilets/showers, ice, fuel, mechanical service etc . Popular places for launching at public ramps are Paynesville and also the Nicholson River at Nicholson. At both of these locations there are reasonably priced, good storage facilities available nearby for car & trailer, if you prefer not to leave your vehicle in the car park during an extended stay on the water. Other good public ramps are at Lakes Entrance, Metung, Johnsonville, Loch Sport, Marlay Point and also at Sale. If on the water for extended periods, there is also the convenience of sewage pump-out facilities at various locations.
If you plan to stay on your boat on the water and enjoy the beauty & peace of the lakes there are countless options. Whether it be at one of the many jetties or tucked into a quiet corner of the river or lake, in solitude or in company, you'll always be able to find somewhere that is well sheltered and offers whatever your mood craves. Sometimes, maybe a couple of days staying on solid ground. There is a big variety of accommodation at the lakes, and quite a few offer a jetty berth for your boat right outside your door. This is something we've done a few times while having a 2 or 3 week stay on the water, it makes a nice change and adds another element to your holiday.
Our favourite time at the lakes is from April to October, when the breezes are generally light, the weather mild, and all is serene. But then again, what could be better than watching a magical sunset and sitting out under a clear starry sky on a hot summer's night! The lakes have their beauty all year round.
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