2018 - 5 Days: Lakes Entrance & East Gippsland ex Melbourne

Lakes Entrance is situated on the Gippsland Lakes and Ninety Mile Beach. It’s near here that the Gippsland Lakes – Australia’s largest inland network of waterways - meet the Southern Ocean. Our 5 day “stayput” tour on the Esplanade at Lakes Entrance is an ideal way to experience some of the beauty of East Gippsland.

Day 1 (LD): To Lakes Entrance (Monday)

Our deluxe, seat belt equipped touring coach will meet us at the club for the beginning of our tour. Once loaded we are ready to go. Sit back and enjoy the comfort and facilities on board as we make our way along the Princess Freeway towards Sale. The historic Port of Sale first opened to shipping in 1890 as the westernmost port in the Gippsland Lakes. The cutting of the Sale canal in 1898 linked the town to the Thomson River and established Sale as a busy port for steamers. Its prosperity grew from nearby mountain gold rushes and its strategic location on the route between Port Albert and the gold diggings. Our late morning stop is at lunch is at the Museum of Timeless Memories. From hats to harvesters, pumps to pots, bikes to beaters and toys to traps there is something for everyone at this eclectic museum. After a light lunch we continue onto Lakes Entrance – our base for the next 4 nights. (Light lunch/dinner)

RSL Glenara Motel, Lakes Entrance  

Day 2 (BLD): Lakes Entrance (Tuesday)

Our local guide will meet us this morning and introduce us to the town. Midmorning we head to the Wyanga Park Winery. On arrival, why not try some of the excellent wine this mild, maritime climate helps to produce and enjoy the eye-catching exhibition of native art that decorates the winery walls. Wyanga Park Winery is the oldest vineyard in East Gippsland. After a pleasant lunch we visit another very special place, the Nyerimilang Heritage Park – a lakeside homestead that was used in the late 1800s as a base for fishing and shooting holidays. Today, the homestead is protected by the National Trust and features a display on the history of Nyerimilang and the natural resources and history of the Gippsland Lakes. The semi-formal garden and lawns, with views to the water, contain an interesting collection of exotic and native species. There will then be some free time to enjoy the nearby RSL Club or to take a walk along the Esplanade. (Breakfast/Light lunch/dinner) 

RSL Glenara Motel, Lakes Entrance

Day 3 (BLD): Bairnsdale & The Paynesville Lakes (Wednesday)

Nearby Bairnsdale is an idyllic garden town with many reminders of the booming gold rush days. Some of Bairnsdale's architecture is also of interest. The most striking building in the town is the Court House in Nicholson St which was opened in 1894. It is recognized as one of Victoria's finest examples of late 19th century architecture and is considered of some significance to the development of an Australian style. We also visit St Mary’s Catholic Church to see the murals on the ceilings and walls of the church, which are quite stunning! We now head back to the coast and the home of Hans and Trudy Kosmer. On arrival we will be warmly greeted by these locals who will show us their unique hospitality by providing lunch for us at their home. Hans is a horticultural scientist and has one acre of garden to enjoy. The Kosmers know the lakes system well as it is literally their front yard! We join “Sea Bird” Cruise Boat right from the front yard for a cruise through the East Gippsland waterways. Departing from the Kosmers private jetty the cruise takes us to special locations such as secluded beaches, islands, rivers and National Parks. The unique hull design and shallow draft ensures we can travel to virtually any part of the Lakes and Rivers, including the amazing man-made canal system. It will be a great afternoon! (Breakfast/Light lunch/Dinner)

RSL Glenara Motel, Lakes Entrance

Day 4 (BD): Buchan Caves, Orbost & Marlo (Thursday)

Today we drive north to Buchan – a small timber town renowned for a group of spectacular limestone caves located here. We have arranged a guided tour of the Royal Cave, including ‘Niagara Falls’ and the ‘Font of the Gods’ followed by morning tea from the coach. From here we head to Orbost for lunch (own expense) before our visit to the Orbost Exhibition Centre. The centre is located on the Snowy River and surrounded by beautiful Forest Park. The exhibition is all about timber including the National Collection of Wood Design which is on permanent display. Designed on several levels we have time to enjoy a retail showroom, a gallery for professional artists and a top level for views over the Forest Park. We then make our way to the coast and the pretty village of Marlo before continuing to Cape Conran. We can enjoy the great coastal views from the West Cape before returning to Lakes Entrance. (Breakfast & dinner/lunch own arrangements) 

RSL Glenara Motel, Lakes Entrance

Day 5 (BL): Heading Home (Friday)

Sadly our tour has come to an end. We farewell our hosts and head for home. Today we follow the South Gippsland Highway to Yarram and then onto Port Albert for a stop at the Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum. The Museum has an extensive collection of historic artefacts, photos and documents housed in the heritage listed Bank of Victoria built in 1861 to store gold from the Gippsland Gold Rush. After lunch we continue to the tiny town of Tarraville and its unusual early wooden Church of England - Christ Church. The building is listed on National Estate records as Victoria’s second oldest timber building. The Christ Church is a rectangular timber Gothic Revival which was built in 1856.It was reputedly the first church in Gippsland and is 'a rare surviving example of drop slab construction' with the building being constructed without the use of nails. We then travel to Leongatha and home via Cranbourne to complete our 5 day tour. (Breakfast/Light lunch)

Tour Price

From $995 per person sharing a twin or double room (minimum 35 people). Add $160 for a guaranteed single room.

Tour Inclusions

Tour Price includes accommodation as per the itinerary, meals as indicated (B= Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D = Buffet or limited choice dinner) deluxe touring coach with seat belts, attractions/entries as noted.

Terms and Conditions

Contact ARJ with the preferred dates your Club would like to travel. ARJ will then confirm all the arrangements in your Club Name – subject to availability. The Club’s Group Organiser or Tour Manager should then collect a minimum deposit $200 per person from those members who wish to travel on the tour. ARJ will fully refund this amount for anyone who cancels up to 60 days from departure. The deposit becomes non refundable within 60 days of departure. Balance of payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Any cancellation within 30 days of departure attracts an additional cancellation fee of $200 per person. No refund inside 7 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc. We cannot be held responsible for any changes due to closures, inclement weather etc.