Paynesville

Take to the water in Paynesville, a charming village on the Gippsland Lakes interspersed with canals and inlets. Enjoy waterside walks, fishing, waterskiing and yachting on the lakes or coffee and cake by the water. Paynesville is a popular destination with water sport enthusiasts who ski, sail, surf and fish on waters that are also home to flocks of water birds. Its canals and inlets offer plenty of sheltered moorings for yachts and cruisers that give the town its distinctive maritime feel and boating reputation. Hit the waterways, hire a boat and explore, or take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island, just a few minutes by ferry across the McMillan Strait. Spot koalas and 60 bird species as well as many ground orchids and wildflowers. For bird watching take a boat over to Rottamah Island Bird Observatory or spot some of the 140 species of native birds in the Lakes National Park. Explore the Mitchell River silt jetties, second only in size to the immense silt jetties of the Mississippi River. There are good views from Eagle Point Bluff and a vehicle track that provides a closer view and leads to some fine fishing spots. Catch your fill of black bream and mullet or watch for dolphins playing in the water. Soak up the charm of the village with a walk around the Newlands Arm walking track that follows the lake shore or visit the Paynesville Community Craft Centre, which showcases local artists' work. Paynesville is approximately three hours from Melbourne via the Princes Highway.