Lakes Entrance Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Lakes Entrance showing a bay or harbour, a marina and café lifestyle
The gateway to Australia’s largest inland network of waterways has miles of coastline and lakeshore on its doorstep, as well as a daily catch of delicious seafood.

Check out the broad expanse of sandy beach or go boating on the calm lake waters in Lakes Entrance. This popular Gippsland getaway and fishing port is superbly located alongside some of Victoria’s most pristine waterways and the wide-open Southern Ocean. Wax up your surfboard and check the swell at the beach. Explore the lakes by boat or kayak. Cast a fishing line from the pier or grab a table at one of the town’s cafés to savor the region’s fresh local seafood.

Stroll down Lakes Entrance’s main thoroughfare, the Esplanade, and enjoy shoreline views of the Cunninghame Arm inlet. The narrow strip of land has marinas and foreshore parks on its southern side and a selection of restaurants and shops toward the north. Book a boat tour from the marina and embark on a sightseeing cruise around the magnificent lake waters. You can also rent a paddleboat or a kayak and explore the lakeshore at your own pace.

Make your way across the footbridge that connects the town center with the windswept dunes of Ninety Mile Beach. This expansive strip of golden sands faces Bass Strait and is a popular destination for swimming and surfing. Play in the waves under the watch of the local lifeguards or embark on a picturesque 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) coastal walk along the narrow peninsula to Flagstaff Lookout. From here, you’ll see gorgeous ocean views, as well as the man-made channel into the Gippsland Lakes.

Keen anglers will love the wide array of fishing spots situated along the town’s marinas and jetties. Check out the markets on Bullock Island, where you can pick up freshly seafood caught daily by local fishing fleets.

Lakes Entrance is situated between Bairnsdale and Orbost, approximately 4 hours’ drive from Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne. Choose from a range of waterfront resort villas and cozy hotels along the lakeshore. With its gorgeous waterfront views and opportunities for adventure, Lakes Entrance is a fantastic year-round destination.

Lakeside Motel Waterfront
Lakeside Motel Waterfront
2.5 out of 5
164 Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance, VIC
The price is NZ$141 per night from 21 May to 22 May
NZ$141
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this motel in Lakes Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (452 reviews)
"Close proximity to supermarket. Quiet location. Host very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Lakeside Motel Waterfront
The Esplanade Resort and Spa
The Esplanade Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
1 The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance, VIC
The price is NZ$234 per night from 28 May to 29 May
NZ$234
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lakes Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and professional, our apartment was spotless. We would highly recommend and will definitely be back in the future"

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

The Esplanade Resort and Spa
Bellevue on the Lakes
Bellevue on the Lakes
4 out of 5
201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance, VIC
The price is NZ$216 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
NZ$216
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Stay at this motel in Lakes Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (818 reviews)
"There is nothing unique, but it is a good place to stay. Nothing that I dislike"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Bellevue on the Lakes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Anchorage Holiday Units
Anchorage Holiday Units
3 out of 5
7 Roadknight Street, Lakes Entrance, VIC
Stay at this 3-star golf apartment in Lakes Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (234 reviews)
"These are older units, but having said that, it had everything most people would require."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Anchorage Holiday Units
Allambi Holiday Apartments
Allambi Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
34 Carpenter St, Lakes Entrance, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Lakes Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Cunningham Foot Bridge and Lakes Entrance ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (228 reviews)
"Great location to shops and affordable for my stay."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Allambi Holiday Apartments
Emmanuel Holiday Apartments
Emmanuel Holiday Apartments
3 out of 5
90 Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance, VIC
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lakes Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Griffith's Sea Shell Museum and ...
8/10 Very Good! (109 reviews)
"Good 👍"

Reviewed on 9 Jan. 2024

Emmanuel Holiday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lakes Entrance

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
179
" "5 - Excellent 53.43283582089552%
4 - Good
127
" "4 - Good 37.91044776119403%
3 - Okay
27
" "3 - Okay 8.059701492537313%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.29850746268656714%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.29850746268656714%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

I rate Lakes Entrance one of the best places in Victoria to visit, the weather is always pleasant, fishing is fantastic and great for walking along the surf beach or lakeside. I love the dining facilities especially the Bowls Club and RSL Club.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Mar 2020

Have stayed at LE many times . This time we only stayed one night as we were coming back from Merimbula.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Mar 2020

What a beautiful town. Thanks for having us.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Mar 2020

The overall experience was brilliant, despite the terrible deviations lefr by the bush fires at Buchan. The locals were friendly, and the district sermed quiter than usual.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
13 Feb 2020

always enjoyable, had drive around but many roads closed due to recent fires, just a place to relax

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Jan 2020

Good place to relax

Cities near Lakes Entrance