Lakes Entrance is weird. Not bad weird, just unique. It’s one of the few places in Australia where you can stand on a footbridge and watch the massive, moody Southern Ocean battle it out with a serene network of inland lakes. Most people drive through on their way to Sydney or Melbourne, grab a bucket of prawns, and keep going.
That’s a mistake. Honestly, you’ve probably seen the postcards of the "Entrance" itself—that man-made gap in the dunes where the water rushes through like a washing machine. But there is a layer of grit and history here that most tourists miss between their scoops of ice cream.
Lakes Entrance Victoria Australia: The Real Story Behind the Water
You see, the "entrance" isn’t natural. Back in the day, the Gippsland Lakes used to be a closed system most of the year, only breaking out to the sea when the floods got high enough. In 1889, humans decided they wanted a permanent front door for the fishing fleet. They cut through the dunes, and the town of Lakes Entrance Victoria Australia was essentially born from that choice.
It changed everything. The water became saltier. The fish changed. The landscape shifted.
Today, it’s the base for one of the largest fishing fleets in the Southern Hemisphere. When you’re walking along the Esplanade, those big, rusted trawlers aren't just for show. They’re working. If you want the real experience, you don't go to a fancy bistro first. You go to the floating shops or the co-op on Bullock Island.
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Bullock Island and the "Sea to Table" Hype
Bullock Island recently had a massive facelift in 2024, and by now in 2026, it’s really hit its stride. It used to be a bit of a gravelly industrial eyesore, but the new Off The Wharf building is where it’s at. You can literally watch the catch being unloaded from the boat and then eat it ten minutes later. It’s not "Instagram-aesthetic" seafood; it’s "I-still-smell-like-the-ocean" seafood.
What Most People Get Wrong About Ninety Mile Beach
There’s a massive misconception that Ninety Mile Beach is just one long swimming pool. It isn't. It’s wild. It’s one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of sand in the world, and it can be dangerous if you don't respect it.
The main beach at Lakes Entrance is patrolled by lifesavers during the summer, and that’s where you should stay if you’re not a strong swimmer. But if you want to see the real coast, cross that famous footbridge and just... start walking.
- The Entrance Walk: This is a 5km loop. It’s sandy, it’s a bit of a calf-burner, but it takes you right to the mouth of the lakes.
- The Seals: Usually, there’s a colony of fur seals hanging out on the rocks at the entrance. They’re loud, they smell like old fish, and they’re fascinating to watch.
- The Dolphins: Keep an eye out for the Burrunan dolphins. They’re a rare species found only in a few spots in Victoria, and they love the brackish water of the lakes.
Eating Your Way Through the Esplanade
If you’re over the "fresh out of the water" raw experience and want a proper sit-down meal, the town has evolved a lot lately. Sodafish is the big name here. Nick Mahlook, who used to head up The Atlantic in Melbourne, came back to his hometown to open this place. It’s built into an old ferry. It’s high-end, but it doesn't feel stuffy because, well, you're still in Lakes Entrance.
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For something more low-key:
- Albert & Co: Best brunch in town. Their vanilla slice is a local legend.
- The Servo: It’s exactly what it sounds like—an old garage turned into a BBQ and music venue. Great vibe on a Friday night.
- Wyanga Park Winery: You can actually take a boat here. It’s tucked away up the North Arm. Drinking Gippsland Shiraz while sitting in the bush is a top-tier move.
Why 2026 is Different for the Gippsland Lakes
We have to talk about the environment because the lakes are changing. Climate change and rising sea levels aren't just buzzwords here; they're daily reality. The salt levels in the lakes are rising, which is tough on the Paperbark trees but great for certain types of seafood.
The East Gippsland Shire has been pouring money into "climate-ready" infrastructure. You'll notice better boardwalks and more resilient public spaces. Even the Lakes Entrance Aquadome has been upgraded with crazy energy-efficient tech to reduce the town's footprint.
Local Secrets (The "Don't Tell Everyone" List)
If the Esplanade is too crowded—which it will be in January—head ten minutes east to Lake Tyers. It’s much quieter. The Water Wheel Beach Tavern there is the kind of pub where people still wear their sandy thongs inside. It’s the soul of the region.
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Also, check out Jemmy’s Point Lookout. They opened a new circular viewing platform a couple of years ago. It gives you a 360-degree view of the entire system. You don’t even have to hike; you just park the car and walk ten meters.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Don't just show up and expect a quiet retreat in the middle of January. It’s chaos. The Lakes Entrance Family Carnival runs on the foreshore from Boxing Day through January 26th, and the noise of the Ferris wheel and the smell of fried dough is everywhere. It's fun, but it's loud.
The Fishing Laws: They’ve tightened up lately. As of 2026, make sure you have your Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence on your phone. They do check, and the fines aren't fun. If you’re fishing for prawns, remember the bag limits—people get greedy and the fisheries officers have no mercy.
Getting Around: You can walk most of the town center, but if you want to see the Buchan Caves (about 45 minutes away) or the Metung hot springs, you’ll need a car.
Lakes Entrance isn't a polished resort town. It’s a working port that happens to be in one of the most beautiful spots in Australia. It’s a bit rough around the edges, the seagulls are aggressive, and the tide moves faster than you think. But that’s why it’s great. It’s real.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the "VicFishing" app to check current bag limits and seasonal closures for the Gippsland Lakes.
- Book your boat hire at least two weeks in advance if you're visiting during school holidays; they sell out fast.
- Check the tide charts before attempting the Entrance Walk, as high tide can make the beach sections a bit of a slog.