Plan Book Travel Australia

Occupying Victoria's far eastern corner, Lakes and Wilderness covers a diverse landscape, from unspoilt beaches to towering gums and mountain ranges.

Fed by the waters of five major rivers and fringed by Ninety-Mile Beach, the Gippsland Lakes and river system provides ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and sailing. But outdoor activities are just the start of the area's appeal. You can also dine al fresco at a lakeside restaurant or pub, have a family picnic by the river, or take a stroll through the waterfront villages of Paynesville, Metung or Lakes Entrance, known widely as the seafood capital of Victoria and where the region's lakes system meets the sea.

The region's jewel in the crown is Croajingolong National Park. Recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a World Biosphere Reserve, it has more than 1,000 kilometres of pristine coastline and hinterland, offering activities and experiences like bushwalking, surfing or spotting various species of bird and plant-life.

Touring Lakes and Wilderness is a breeze, with two of Victoria's major touring routes beginning in or traversing through the region. Rising from sea level at Bairnsdale and heading inland to Victoria's highest peaks of Mt Bogong and Mt Feathertop, the Great Alpine Road winds its way through forests and national parks good for skiing in winter, and bushwalking, fishing, cycling and canoeing in the warmer months. No matter the season, stock up on locally produced wine and food, while the odd scheduled stop in lost-in-time timber towns won't go amiss. And for those travelling from Sydney to Melbourne, or vice-versa, the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive is a relaxing way to experience the coastline and countryside.