Things to do in Lakes Entrance: Where to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay

Sporting beachy charm, beautiful natural landscapes and an abundance of local seafood, Lakes Entrance is a tried and true holiday destination here in Victoria. We’re here to supercharge your itinerary with a handy guide to all the best things to see, do and eat while you’re down there – both on water and on land.

Eight Acres

Surround yourself in nature at this laidback farmstay which doubles as a popular wedding venue. There’s plenty of space to roam with acres of natural bushland, a giant games garden and sun lounges by the pool to relax on. The property contains seven two-bedroom cottages with a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor deck and fire pit area, plus five cosy glamping tents with all the creature comforts. If there’s a better way to spend an evening than stargazing and toasting marshmallows by the fire, we’re yet to hear it.

303 Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance

The Mariner 

Ocean Blue Coastal Retreat's The Mariner is a beautiful boutique stay in Metung, just twenty minutes drive outside of Lakes Entrance. A sense of excitement awaits as you open the door here, as you enter a different world of ships and history, where you can be the captain of your own adventure. The ultimate stay no matter the season; on chilly, rainy days, there are cosy nooks aplenty, lots of books to curl up with and a gorgeous fireplace to stoke; on sunny days, open the doors and sit on the deck looking out to the lake and the water. The best part? It's dog-friendly! 

Yellow Mellow Beach Shack

This newly renovated 1980’s beach shack is the stuff of summer holiday dreams. Relax with the whole family at this peaceful place to stay in Lakes Entrance. It's central to the beautiful Lake Tyers Beach, with a glimpse of ocean views on the front deck, lake views on the back. and dreamily lit and inviting interiors within. 

Palm Escape

Another pet-friendly seaside retreat that's perfect for a couple or small family, it's newly renovated, with coastal chic tones. It's only a 10 minute walk from Eastern Beach and a leisurely 15 minutes from the town centre. Unwind on the spacious deck after a big day swimming and sunbaking, then assemble dinner in the property’s generously appointed kitchen. The house also has a washer, dryer and air conditioning for total convenience and comfort.

Sunnyside 

If you’re after a light and bright stay located in the centre of town, Sunnyside offers everything you need. The restaurants, cafés and shops of Lakes Entrance are at your fingertips, but you’ll equally enjoy parking yourself in the terrace’s gorgeously sun-drenched courtyard with a book and a wine. The property sleeps up to five people, has storage for bikes or surfboards, and on cooler nights you can gather around the firepit or cosy up with Netflix on the couch.

Sodafish

Make the most of your seaside locale by eating uber-fresh seafood at Sodafish. Start at their good old fashioned fish and chippery downstairs for the crispy classics and takeaway beers. Back upstairs you’ll find a swish restaurant resting against the backdrop of Middle Boat Harbour. With salt in the air and sunsets in the evening, you can enjoy the freshest wild and sustainable fish, oysters and shellfish in simple yet sophisticated dishes that let the produce sing.

Middle Boat Harbour, The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Albert & Co

This airy café overlooking the water brings Hamptons vibes and coffee worth getting up for. The former corner store highlights the best of East Gippsland’s local produce in wholesome and hearty lunch dishes such as wild mushroom pappardelle and fish and chips alongside local wines and great coffee. All the seafood they use comes straight from nearby boats, while beef and free range eggs are sourced from local farms. 

201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance 

Sea Shanty

You’ll feel right at home at Sea Shanty, a warm bistro and wine bar specialising in locally-sourced seafood. Drop in for a glass of crisp white wine and tasty morsels such as natural oysters, crispy whitebait, seafood chowder, grilled garfish and more. Cooked with passion and plated with care, don’t forget to leave space for their delectably moist sticky date pudding.

2/21 Myer Street, Lakes Entrance 

Mama Vu's Kitchen

Looking for the best take away lunch spot in Lakes Entrance? Mama Vu's Kitchen is your answer! Expect an amazing array of fresh dishes like sushi and banh mi, as well as fish and chips and piping hot noodle dishes, authentic beef pho, dumplings and some of the best Vietnamese iced coffee in the state. Delish!

581 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Floating Dragon

Floating Dragon is a Lakes Entrance icon and it’s easy to see why. The floating restaurant offers uninterrupted water views and gorgeous sunset vistas as you feast on modern Cantonese cuisine. The food here is as good as any you’d find in the city, combining the best of Australian produce with classic Chinese flavours – think stir fried garlic king prawns with wood ear mushrooms and drunken chicken.

160 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Funkey Monkey

Funkey Monkey’s vibrant café fare is sure to put a pep in your morning step. Friendly staff will ply you with colourful kale salads, crispy potato rostis, house baked pies and honeycomb French toast, but not before a warming cup of coffee or a freshly squeezed OJ. If you’re after a no fuss brekky that’ll set you up for a big day of outdoor activities, this is a go-to spot that locals love.

26 Myer Street, Lakes Entrance

SARDINE dining

Worth the 45 minute drive to Paynesville is SARDINE dining, with its ever changing menu of seasonal produce matched with an impressive drinks list of local and international wines and beers.  Overlooking Raymond Island, it's a light, airy and lovely space to settle into as the sun goes down. Fresh, local seafood is the focus here, and we recommend going all in with their tasting or degustation menu. 

69 Esplanade, 3, Paynesville

Red Bluff Brewers

Red Bluff Brewers is Lakes Entrance’s first brewery, so named for their location near the famed sandstone cliffs of Red Bluff beach. Head to their breezy taproom for a post surf pint, or sample your way through their range of refreshing small batch brews. Highlights include the passionfruit-inflected 3 Lakes Tropical Ale and their super crisp Face Invader XPA. While you’re there you can also fuel up with tasty snacks from local food vans.

1 Old Bunga Road, Lake Bunga

The Servo 

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

Wyanga Park Winery 

Relaxed wine tastings, delicious comfort food and a rustic bush setting? Sign us up. Wyanga Park is Gippsland’s oldest family-run winery, and they’ve got the formula for a stellar afternoon down pat. They grow all their grapes onsite, imbuing their drops with plenty of local character. Sample your way from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir before settling on their sunny balcony for a hearty lunch or Devonshire tea.

248 Baades Road, Lakes Entrance 

Swim and sunbake at the beach

Lakes Entrance sits on the eastern point of the spectacular Ninety Mile Beach, a vast stretch of untouched coastline brimming with activities. Main Beach is a popular destination during the summer months, with games of volleyball and beach cricket popping up on the soft golden sand, while the surf is patrolled by lifeguards for peace of mind. 

Main Beach Walk, Lakes Entrance

Surf and explore at Red Bluff Surf Beach & Lake Tyers

This beautiful series of beaches just outside Lakes Entrance are perfect for surfing, beach picnicking and exploring around the rocks and beautiful cliff face that juts out onto the sand. 

Red Bluff Road, Lake Tyers Beach

Go on an unforgettable ‘Heli Sup’ adventure

This next level experience takes you on a comprehensive sea-and-sky tour of the stunning Gippsland Lakes. The day kicks off with a soaring scenic helicopter flight before dropping you off at Ninety Mile Beach to continue your escapades by water. Engaging guides will  lead you on a relaxed stand up paddle board tour around the lakes, and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for seals. 

347B Esplanade, Lakes Entrance  

Meet marine life on an eco-cruise

Embark on this calm, three-hour cruise on the Gippsland Lakes to see seals, birds and dolphins (if you’re lucky!) in their natural habitat. You’ll depart from Cunningham Quay, floating by the commercial fishing boats before cruising around endless islands, creeks, inlets and lakes. Look out for plentiful marine life plus kangaroos and goats on shore. That’s not all – warm scones are also baked onboard for you to enjoy as afternoon tea.

340 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance 

Rent kayaks for a day

The picturesque waters around Lakes Entrance are a paradise for canoeing, kayaking and boating. Make a day of it by renting your own kayak – you can choose between single or double – so you can explore the surrounds by paddle. You’ll get tips and tricks before you head out, and from there it’s up to you where you go. Weave around the water and spot dolphins, seals and other marine life while getting a solid arm workout.

347B Esplanade, Lakes Entrance  

Image credit: Atlas Obscura

Visit a sea shell museum

Add a little dose of quirk to your things to do in Lakes Entrance itinerary, with a visit to The Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display. It's one of Australia's largest private collections of natural sea life, featuring over 90,000 shells and sea creatures, as well as a coral reef room displaying hundreds of unique corals, all under special lighting. Get weird and wonderful with some of the world's rarest fish, like the Goblin Shark or Frill Shark, all preserved and displayed. There's also a huge gift shop selling local shell handcrafts and jewellery. Quaint and wonderful, it's a must visit. 

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. If you’re sticking closer to home, try a staycation at one of these stellar boutique stays in and around Melbourne.