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Things to do in Lakes Entrance: Where to Eat, Drink, Play & Stay
From fresh seafood to beach hopping, these are the best things to do in Lakes Entrance for your next weekend getaway.
Sporting beachy charm, stunning natural landscapes, and an abundance of local seafood, Lakes Entrance is a tried-and-true holiday destination in Victoria. If you’re looking to step away from the city and into regional territory, this is the place to do it.
We’re here to supercharge your itinerary with a handy guide to all the best things to see, do, and eat while you’re there—both on the water and on land.
Things to do in Lakes Entrance: Stay
Idle Lake House
Evoking the charm of slow, salty days, Idle Lake House is a dreamy floating escape perched on the waters of the Gippsland Lakes. With its retro Californian vibes and luxe comforts, this waterfront retreat invites you to unwind in style. The two-bedroom apartment sleeps four and includes a private bathhouse and jaw-dropping lake views.
It’s not just a stay—it’s a scene-stealing venue for intimate weddings, laidback birthdays, or even a seriously cool corporate gathering.
Western Boat Harbour, 160 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Book your stay with Idle Lake House
Go glamping at Metung Hot Springs
Just over 20 minutes from Lakes Entrance, Metung Hot Springs’ premium glamping offers the ultimate grown-up getaway. Surrounded by peaceful nature, each safari-style tent comes with a king four-poster bed, ensuite, stylish furnishings, and your own private deck complete with a geothermal bathing barrel. Designed for guests 18+, it’s the kind of place where you can truly switch off and soak it all in—whether you’re escaping with your mum, sister, bestie or someone special. Total rejuvenation, guaranteed.
73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung
Book your stay with Metung Hot Springs
Book your stay with Booking.com
Eight Acres
Eight Acres is a peaceful farmstay encased in lush bushland, offering a dreamy retreat just minutes from Lakes Entrance. It’s got it all—giant lawn games, a sparkling pool with sun loungers, and plenty of space to unwind. Stay in one of the seven comfy two-bedroom cottages or opt for a glamping tent with all the essentials. As night falls, gather ‘round the fire pit, toast marshmallows, and gaze up at a star-filled sky.
303 Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance
Book your stay with Eight Acres
Book your stay with Booking.com
The Mariner
The Mariner by Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats is a charming boutique stay in Metung that feels like stepping aboard your own nautical escape. Packed with character, it’s perfect year-round—snuggle by the fire with a good book on rainy days, or soak up lake views from the deck when the sun’s out. Cosy nooks, maritime charm, and thoughtful touches abound. The cherry on top? It’s dog-friendly, so your four-legged mate can join the adventure too.
Metung
Book your stay with Booking.com
Book your stay with Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats
Bellevue on the Lakes
For a no-fuss regional weekend getaway, Bellevue on the Lakes is the ideal accommodation for couples and families alike. This Lakes Entrance hotel features an indoor pool and spa, so you can enjoy some well-deserved R&R no matter the weather.
There’s also a barbecue area if you’re keen to fire up the grill, and it’s just a stone’s throw from all the best things to do in Lakes Entrance.
201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Book your stay with Booking.com
The Moorings at Metung
Escape to The Moorings at Metung, where a range of stylish waterfront stays await—from luxe suites to spacious two-storey townhouses, many with dreamy bay views. Unwind with a dip in the solar-heated outdoor pool or the toasty 29-degree indoor saltwater pool. Fire up the BBQ, challenge mates on the tennis court, or moor your boat at the private marina—all while enjoying free Wi-Fi throughout this idyllic coastal retreat.
44 Metung Road, Metung
Book your stay with the Moorings at Metung
Book your stay with Booking.com
Things to do in Lakes Entrance: Eat
Sodafish
Make the most of your seaside setting at Sodafish, where fresh seafood takes centre stage. Head downstairs for crispy fish and chips paired with takeaway beers, or elevate your experience upstairs at the chic restaurant with views over Middle Boat Harbour. With salt in the air and sunsets in sight, indulge in wild, sustainable fish, oysters, and shellfish served in simple yet refined dishes that allow the fresh produce to shine.
Middle Boat Harbour, The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
The Slipway
The Old Slipway on the Lakes Entrance foreshore has been beautifully revived into a lively public space, offering a range of eateries from tacos to fish and chips, plus coffee and ice cream. The Slipway Collective, a collaboration of local businesses, provides outdoor dining options alongside arts workshops and exhibits. This vibrant spot is a must-visit destination, making it one of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance.
Lakes Entrance
Nick’s Thai
Nick’s Thai, Lakes Entrance’s newest restaurant, combines moody vibes with warm hospitality for an unforgettable dining experience. This Thai fusion restaurant is fast becoming a local favourite, offering authentic flavours like Pad Kra Pow and vibrant red and green curries. The welcoming atmosphere invites you to savour every bite with great company, making it one of the best new things to do in Lakes Entrance.
601 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Albert & Co
With its breezy, Hamptons-inspired vibes and waterfront views, Albert & Co is the perfect spot to sip coffee and indulge in a menu that highlights Gippsland’s finest produce. From wild mushrooms on toast to seafood chowder, ricotta pancakes to cheeseburgers, the seafood is sourced directly from local boats, while the beef and eggs come from nearby farms—making every bite a true taste of the region.
201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
SARDINE dining
SARDINE dining might be a 45-minute drive away, but trust us, it’s worth every kilometre! With a menu that changes with the seasons and a drinks list that pairs local and international wines and beers perfectly, you’re in for a treat. Overlooking the beautiful Raymond Island, the setting is as fresh and inviting as the food. For a real taste of local seafood, dive straight into their tasting or degustation menu—your tastebuds will thank you.
Middle Boat Harbour The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Things to do in Lakes Entrance: Drink
Metung Hotel
Sitting on the edge of Bancroft Bay, Metung Hotel offers more than just stunning views—it’s a food lover’s dream. Dive into fresh seafood, hearty pub classics, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for long lunches with friends and family. With ample seating, a welcoming atmosphere, and the added bonus of daily pelican feedings at noon, it’s the ultimate spot to relax, feast, and make memories while soaking in the beauty of the waterfront.
64 Kurnai Avenue, Metung
Boatshed Food & Wine
Boatshed Food & Wine is the kind of spot you stumble upon and immediately feel at home. With a relaxed vibe and a killer view over the water, it’s made for unwinding. Local wines, fresh tapas, and a chilled atmosphere make it a no-brainer for anyone looking to kick back after a day of exploring Lakes Entrance.
54 Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance
The Servo
If you’re looking for things to do in Lakes Entrance right in the centre of town you’ll find The Servo, a chilled-out spot for live music, cold drinks and good times with friends. Their huge, pet-friendly outdoor space is the place to be on a sunny day, with the bar pouring a solid selection of beers while shaking up a variety of sweet and cooling cocktails. You won’t go hungry either, as the kitchen does a mean taco alongside hefty burgers and locally-sourced fish and chips.
595 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Things to do in Lakes Entrance: Play
Add a Spark of Winter Magic at the East Gippsland Winter Festival
Lakes Entrance truly comes alive in winter thanks to the East Gippsland Winter Festival (June 20th to July 20th, 2025)—a month-long celebration that turns the region into a glowing tapestry of art, music, and feasting. Think twilight lantern parades along the foreshore, immersive light installations, and long-table dinners that spotlight Gippsland’s finest produce. With live music echoing from unexpected corners and renowned chefs serving up unforgettable feasts (hello, Karen Martini at Sodafish), it’s the kind of magical seasonal experience that’ll warm you from the inside out.
June 20th to July 20th, 2025
Relax at Koho Sauna
Koho Sauna offers the ultimate wellness escape in the heart of Lakes Entrance. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation with contrast therapy, hopping between a modern wood-fired sauna and refreshing cold showers. For the adventurous, there’s even direct lake access to cool off. This peaceful retreat is the ideal complement to the more energetic activities around town, adding a calming touch to your getaway while revitalising both body and mind.
160 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Swim or stroll along the beach
Perched at the eastern tip of the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes Entrance is your gateway to golden sands and salty adventures. Main Beach buzzes in summer with beach cricket, volleyball, and lifeguard-patrolled waves, making it a perfect day in the sun. Head further east to Lake Bunga Beach, a serene stretch that flows seamlessly into Red Bluff Beach at Lake Tyers—ideal for a scenic beach walk.
Sitchu Tip: Visiting in winter? Bundle up and enjoy a dreamy, windswept stroll—pure coastal romance.
Main Beach Walk, Lakes Entrance
Unwind at Metung Hot Springs
Add a touch of luxury to your Lakes Entrance itinerary with a blissful escape to Metung Hot Springs—a geothermal sanctuary nestled across 25 serene acres. Soak in steamy mineral pools, explore sauna experiences, bathing barrels, and a reflexology walk, all while gazing over the Gippsland Lakes.
Make it an overnight affair in a dreamy glamping tent with a private barrel bath. Sitchu Tip: Treat yourself to a signature Larn’wa wellness ritual at the day spa—you’ve earned it.
73 Storth Ryes Avenue, Metung
Go on an unforgettable ‘Heli Sup’ adventure
Ready to take your Lakes Entrance experience to new heights—literally? This epic sea-and-sky adventure is the stuff of travel dreams. Your day starts with a jaw-dropping scenic helicopter flight over the glittering Gippsland Lakes, offering bird’s-eye views you won’t soon forget.
From there, you’ll touch down on the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, where the vibe shifts from sky-high to shoreline chill. Hop onto a stand-up paddle board and cruise the lakes with a friendly local guide—expect laughs, stories, and maybe even a seal sighting or two. It’s equal parts thrill and zen, and 100% unforgettable.
347B Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Head underground to explore Buchan Caves
A non-negotiable on any Lakes Entrance itinerary? A magical little inland detour to the legendary Buchan Caves—just a 45-minute drive away and well worth every minute. These 400-million-year-old caves are a subterranean masterpiece, with jaw-dropping limestone formations that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stepped into another world.
Join a guided tour through Royal Cave for a glimpse at shimmering calcite-rimmed pools, or lose yourself in the whimsical beauty of Fairy Cave, filled with otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites.
Hot day? Bring your bathers! The Buchan Caves Reserve is also home to a famously icy, spring-fed pool that’s been cooling off explorers for generations—yes, it’s freezing, but that’s half the fun.
98 Caves Road, Buchan
Take a beat in peaceful Buchan
After you’ve wandered through the spellbinding depths of Buchan Caves, don’t rush off just yet—there’s a whole lot of charm waiting in the town of Buchan itself. Tucked where the Snowy and Buchan Rivers meet, this little gem is one of Victoria’s oldest towns, and it radiates wholesome country vibes with a splash of adventure.
Take a wander down the main street—there’s usually a vintage treasure or two hiding in the local antique and second-hand shops. Hungry? Swing by The Roadie for a cheeky takeaway burger (you’ve earned it), or stock up on road trip snacks at the General Store.
Sitchu Tip: Cap it all off with a visit to the beloved Buchan Caves Hotel. It’s the kind of local pub where time slows down, the food is hearty, and the fireplace is always crackling.
Buchan, Victoria
Set Sail on a Dreamy Gippsland Lakes Escape
There’s no better way to experience the magic of Lakes Entrance than from the water. The Gippsland Lakes—Australia’s largest inland waterway network—offer over 400 square kilometres of sparkling serenity, just waiting to be explored. Choose your own adventure: go DIY and hire a boat from local favourites like Victor Hire Boats, Blue Riviera, or Portside Boat Hire, or kick back on a guided cruise with Lonsdale Eco Cruises, Peel’s Cruises, or the charming Pearl Lugger Cruises. Pure aquatic bliss.
The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Rent kayaks for a day
The sparkling waterways of Lakes Entrance are just begging to be explored by kayak, and honestly, there’s no better way to spend a sunny day. Grab a single or double kayak—whatever suits your vibe—and get ready to paddle at your own pace. The crew will sort you out with a quick rundown before you hit the water, then it’s all yours to roam. Glide through calm inlets, spot dolphins and seals, and sneak in a cheeky arm workout while you’re at it.
347B Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Check out the quirky Sea Shell Museum
Add a little dose of quirky charm to your Lakes Entrance itinerary with a visit to The Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display. This delightfully offbeat spot is home to one of Australia’s largest private collections of sea life, with over 90,000 shells and ocean oddities. Wander through glowing coral reef rooms and come face-to-face with rare preserved creatures like the Goblin Shark. Don’t forget to browse the gift shop—it’s packed with handcrafted shell trinkets and seaside treasures.
Summer hours from 9am to 5pm daily, winter hours from 10am to 4pm daily
125 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
Loved our guide to the best things to do in Lakes Entrance and thirsty for more holiday inspo? We’ve got your covered with our guides to the best beaches and most stunning winery accommodation in Victoria, as well as these unique holiday destinations across the country.
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