Lakes Entrance is a picturesque coastal town located in East Gippsland, Victoria, where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. Famous for its fishing, waterways, and relaxed beachside charm, the town is one of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations. At 320 kilometres (or a four-hour drive) East of Melbourne it’s a great weekend destination.
What to See and Do in Lakes Entrance Victoria
Walk Across the Footbridge to the Lakes Entrance Main Beach
Lakes Entrance features a unique pedestrian footbridge linking the town centre to Main Beach. The Cunninghame Arm Foot Bridge links the Esplanade to the Lakes Entrance Main Beach. Parking is available on the Esplanade and nearby carparks. From there it’s a short walk over the bridge to the beach.
Hummocks Way
The Hummocks Walking Track is a scenic bushwalk that winds through coastal forest and low hills known as “the hummocks” offering spectacular views over the ocean, beach, and Lakes Entrance township. It’s a perfect short-to-medium walk for visitors wanting a blend of native bush, beach, and ocean views. We were also lucky to see seals while we were there.
Starting at the far end of the Cunninghame Arm Foot Bridge the track meanders through sand dunes with some areas paved, but most made of sand. In several areas steps lead up and down steeper sections of the walk. Walking along the track, you pass through coastal eucalypt forest, with species like stringybark, tea tree, and banksias. The walk is about five and a half kilometres return taking around 60 to 90 minutes.
At the far end where the lake meets the ocean you may see seals, pelicans and other sea birds catching fish and playing in the waves.
Visit the Lakes Entrance Lookout
Located on the Princes Highway as you enter the town from the west, this panoramic lookout offers sweeping views of the town, the lakes, the entrance channel, and the ocean. It’s even better at sunrise and sunset because of the light off the water.
World War 1 Memorial Sculptures on the Main Street (Esplanade)
The six World War 1 Memorial Sculptures are located along the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance Victoria Australia. They are carved from the original Cypress trees that were planted as an Avenue of Honour for the servicemen that gave their life in World War 1. In 1924 a memorial Avenue of Honour, consisting of twenty-six Monterey Cypress trees, was planted in Lakes Entrance to honour those servicemen from the district who lost their lives during the First World War. Each tree represented a life lost.
Seventy years after the planting the trees became old and limbs started dropping and they became a safety hazard. Rather than simply remove the trees, it was decided to commission local chainsaw artist John Brady to carve these sculptures from the trunks of these trees.
The sculptures represent a World War One soldier, a wounded soldier with a donkey, a World War One nurse, Simpson helping two wounded soldiers and a family waiting for their father. The sixth, represents a sea captain, commemorating the loss of ships and lives at Lakes Entrance.
Fishing Fleet
Walking along the Esplanade you can’t help but notice the large number of fishing boats. If the tide is right, you can watch them going out to sea during sunset or sunrise. Watching them leave with lights on and the sky turning red is amazing.
The Esplanade
Walking along the esplanade gives you a feel for Lakes Entrance. This is where you will find the fishing fleet and WW1 Memorial Sculptures. Not only that, but at sunset the views over the water are amazing. There is also a great range of restaurants and cafés along the street.
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