Things to Do With Kids in East Gippsland This School Holidays

If you're keen to get out and explore a special part of Victoria this school holidays look no further than East Gippsland. There's plenty to do in this magnificent area of the state. Here are some highlights.

The Gippsland Lakes is the largest network of inland waterways in Australia. The closest towns to access the Gippsland Lakes include Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Metung and Lake Tyers.

The town of Lakes Entrance is a much-loved Victorian holiday spot located on the edge of 90 Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. Here you can join a boat cruise, explore the lakes in a kayak or stand up paddleboard or have fun with the kids at mini golf, visit the lolly shop or ice cream shack.

The idyllic village of Metung is home to fine food and wine and a handful of inspiring galleries. Families will love a relaxed lunch overlooking the water at the Metung Hotel including pelican feeding and the kids will love climbing the timber structures of the adventure park. For an extra special family holiday, why not charter a live-aboard yacht with Riviera Nautic.

Many people will have fond childhood memories of a visit to Paynesville and Raymond Island. The town of Paynesville is surrounded by lakes on three sides with loads of canals and inlets. It's ideal for families who like to fish, sail and water ski. Bird spotting is also popular as the area is home to countless flocks of water birds.

A stone's throw away is Raymond Island. Foot passengers can take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island across the McMillan Strait. Here you will find one of the best places in Victoria to go koala spotting. You can walk the trail or peddle your way around the island on a surrey bike from Ride The Koalas.

The island is also home to more than 60 types of birds, many species of ground orchids and wildflowers. There are 140 species of native birds to spot in the Lakes National Park so take your binoculars and tick them off!

At the far eastern corner of the state is Mallacoota. Here you can take a cruise and see the Mallacoota Inlet with a local expert or paddle a canoe up the Genoa or Wallagaraugh rivers to Gipsy Point. The kids will love hiring a boat to spend a day fishing for bream in the Inlet.

For the more adventurous families, take a trip along the Great Alpine Road. Pack your hiking boots, skis, fishing rods or mountain bikes. Road tripping along Victoria's Great Alpine Road, takes you through grand mountain ranges, splendid rich forests and shimmering waterways.

There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options in East Gippsland – here are just a few for you to consider:

Whiters BIG 4 Caravan Park Lakes Entrance is a quiet family park where you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. It is central to all facilities, just a short walk from the shops, beaches, clubs, service centres and the footbridge to 90 Mile Beach.

NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park is located in the heart of Lakes Entrance, the gateway to Victoria's inland water system, NRMA Eastern Beach Holiday Park is your ideal base to explore Victoria's Gippsland region. Facilities include heated pool, children's playground, jumping pillow, television and games room, kayak and peddle cart hire, onsite shop and free Wi-Fi.

Captains Cove Resort in Paynesville has apartment accommodation with its own private jetty. It is located only a short walk to the Raymond Island Ferry where you can spot koalas in their natural habitat. Choose from waterfront or the new deluxe apartments offering one, two or three bedrooms. Fully self contained, spacious, modern and well equipped. The apartments offer free Wi-Fi, private balconies and a barbecue.

Jetty Road Retreat is surrounded by nature. Enjoy breathtaking lake views from your deck, feed the colourful native birds that visit daily, toast marshmallows in the fire pit or explore the Gippsland Lakes on the complimentary kayaks. Each two bedroom self-contained cabin can accommodate up to five people, with fully equipped kitchen ideal for self-catering. There is an open fire pit, electric barbecue as well as a shared laundry room with washing machine and ironing facilities, plus kayaks with paddles and life vests.

McMillans of Metung is set upon 8 acres of manicured lawns. It offers fully self contained villas and cottages that overlook the picturesque lagoon and lake. Walk along the boardwalk to the village of Metung or have a fish. There is free Wifi, a full sized tennis court, solar heated outdoor pool and playground.

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Website: visitgippsland.com.au/