Things to Do in Lakes Entrance
A Local Guide to Coastal Living in East Gippsland
Lakes Entrance is one of those rare coastal towns that feels like a holiday destination, but still offers the comfort and convenience of everyday living. Set where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean, Lakes Entrance has long been known for its beaches, waterways, boating, fishing, fresh seafood and relaxed coastal lifestyle. For anyone thinking about moving to East Gippsland, building a new home, or securing land near the coast, it is easy to see why Lakes Entrance continues to attract families, downsizers, sea-changers and holiday-home buyers.
A lifestyle built around the water
The biggest drawcard of Lakes Entrance is the water. The town sits on the edge of the Gippsland Lakes, Australia’s largest inland network of waterways, with direct access to lakes, rivers, inlets, beaches and the ocean. That means weekends can be as active or relaxed as you want them to be. You can spend the morning walking along the foreshore, cross the footbridge to Ninety Mile Beach, head out on a boat cruise, take the kayak onto calmer waters, or simply enjoy fish and chips near the water.
Ninety Mile Beach is one of Gippsland’s most iconic natural attractions and one of the longest stretches of sand in the world. It gives Lakes Entrance its classic coastal feel, with open skies, rolling surf, beach walks and that sense of space people often look for when they start dreaming about a sea change.
Things to do in Lakes Entrance
For visitors, Lakes Entrance is a holiday town. For locals, it becomes part of the weekly rhythm.
Start with the Lakes Entrance foreshore, where the town’s waterfront setting makes it easy to walk, dine, fish, browse shops or book a cruise. Lakes Entrance is also known as a seafood destination, supported by the town’s fishing fleet and fresh seafood shops.
For views, Jemmy’s Point Lookout in Kalimna is one of the best local stops. It offers sweeping views across the Gippsland Lakes, the Entrance, Bass Strait and Ninety Mile Beach, making it a strong local attraction for both visitors and residents.
For walking and cycling, the Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail is another local highlight. The trail connects the East Gippsland Rail Trail with Lakes Entrance through the Colquhoun area, giving locals a great way to enjoy bushland, fresh air and active weekends close to home.
Explore nearby coastal favourites
One of the advantages of living in Lakes Entrance is that you are close to some of East Gippsland’s most popular towns and natural attractions.
Lake Tyers Beach is a quieter coastal neighbour just east of Lakes Entrance, known for wide sandy beaches, vivid blue horizons, fishing, kayaking, surfing and walking. It is ideal for those days when you want a change of scenery without travelling far.
Metung is another favourite on the Gippsland Lakes. Known for its village feel, lakeside setting and relaxed dining, it is a popular day-trip destination from Lakes Entrance. It is also home to Metung Hot Springs, which has helped raise the profile of the area for wellness, weekend getaways and regional tourism.
Paynesville and Raymond Island are also well worth the drive. Paynesville is known as a boating hub on the Gippsland Lakes, with canals, marinas and a strong waterfront lifestyle. From there, visitors can take the ferry to Raymond Island and follow the Koala Trail, one of the region’s most recognised wildlife experiences.
For something completely different, Buchan Caves offers one of East Gippsland’s most memorable inland adventures. Parks Victoria describes the reserve as Victoria’s largest cave system, with spectacular limestone formations shaped by an underground river over hundreds of millions of years. It is a standout day-trip option for families, visitors and anyone who loves nature.
Everyday convenience with a coastal feel
Lakes Entrance is not just about tourism. It is a functioning coastal town with local shops, schools, services, cafes, restaurants, accommodation, parks and community facilities. That balance is important for buyers who want the lifestyle benefits of the coast without feeling disconnected from everyday needs. Visit Victoria notes that the town is well equipped with services and facilities for those enjoying the area, which is part of why Lakes Entrance works as both a holiday destination and a place to live.
For people moving from Melbourne, regional Victoria, or elsewhere in Gippsland, that mix is appealing. You can live close to beaches, lakes and open space, while still having access to daily essentials, local trades, recreational activities and established community life.
Build your coastal lifestyle at Coastal View Estate
For buyers searching for land for sale in Lakes Entrance, Coastal View Estate offers the opportunity to build in a location that connects naturally with the best of East Gippsland living. Positioned in Lakes Entrance, the estate is close to Ninety Mile Beach, the Gippsland Lakes and the relaxed lifestyle that makes this part of Victoria so sought after. Coastal View Estate promotes titled land, fast settlement opportunities, lifestyle blocks and proximity to the beach, giving buyers a practical pathway to building their coastal home.
With Stage 4 coming soon, Coastal View Estate is also preparing to release 17 new lots on Lady Harriet Drive, with lot sizes ranging from 416m² to 918m² and a reserve outlook. For buyers wanting space, fresh air and the freedom to build a home that suits their lifestyle, this next release is a timely opportunity.
Whether you are planning a permanent sea change, a family home, a future retirement move, or a coastal investment, Lakes Entrance gives you more than just a block of land. It gives you a lifestyle shaped by beaches, lakes, local food, nature, fresh air and a welcoming East Gippsland community.
From a bird’s-eye view Coastal View Estate is taking shape — expanding with new homes and active construction that reflect thoughtful growth and strong community spirit. Rooftops and driveways are appearing among landscaped lots, pathways are being connected, and public spaces framed to take advantage of sweeping coastal vistas. Neighbours are moving in, drawn by the rare combination of convenience and natural beauty: easy access to local amenities, schools and beaches, while still enjoying peaceful outlooks and open sky. The estate’s steady development is creating a welcoming neighbourhood where more families and retirees are choosing to put down roots, confident in a location that balances lifestyle, connectivity and long-term value.