Paynesville

Paynesville is surrounded by the Gippsland Lakes on three sides. Its canals and inlets offer plentiful sheltered moorings for yachts and cruisers, and anglers, windsurfers, jet skiers, and water skiers flock to the town to take to the water.

Quick facts

• Population approximately 2700
• 298 kilometres east of Melbourne
• Charming village on the Gippsland Lakes
• Boating capital of Victoria.

Activities and attractions

• Hire a boat to explore the waterways
• Fish for black bream and mullet or watch for dolphins playing in the water
• Foot passengers can take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island, just a few minutes by ferry across the McMillan Strait, 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
• Take a carriage ride around Raymond Island with First Bumper Carriage Company, the ideal way to see the koalas without tripping over your feet as you walk along
• 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
• Take a boat over to Rotamah Island Bird Observatory or spot some of the 140 species of native birds in the Lakes National Park
• Waterski the Lakes
• Enjoy coffee and cake at one of the many waterside cafes and restaurants
• Walk around the Newlands Arm walking track that follows the lake shore
• Visit the Paynesville Community Craft Centre, which showcases local artists' work.

Major events

• Paynesville New Year's Eve Festival
• Summer Series Triathlon – January
• Paynesville Jazz Festival – February
• The World's Longest Lunch – March
• Marley Point Yacht Race – March
• The Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club championships – Easter and Christmas

How to get there

Paynesville is approximately 3 hours from Melbourne via the Princes Highway.