Now is a fantastic time to visit East Gippsland before the busy holiday season kicks into full swing during December and January. Beat the summer crowds and enjoy the tranquility of Springtime by the beautiful Gippslands lakes. Here’s a run down of what’s happening over the next couple of months for visitors to enjoy;

Pack a picnic and head to Nyerimilang Heritage Park where you can wander around beautiful gardens offering cliff-top views over the lakes. You’ll find a magnificent array of bird and plant life and can learn about local farming history by exploring the old sheds featuring farm machinery from years gone by. The historic homestead is well worth a visit and is usually open daily from 9.30am to 4pm on weekdays and 10.30am to 3pm on weekends. Entry to the park is free of charge however gold coin donation for park maintenance gladly accepted.

Try your hand at kayaking. We offer all of our guests at Jetty Road Retreat complimentary use of kayaks which is a great way to get out and explore the lakes from our private jetty. You may even be lucky enough to spot some of the friendly Burrunan dolphins who inhabit the lakes, so keep an eye out as you paddle.

For more wildlife encounters, visit Raymond Island and spend a day with the koalas. Koalas were first introduced to the island in 1953 and have thrived ever since so it’s easy to spot them when you visit. Raymond Island is reached by ferry from Paynesville which is free and runs throughout the day. A fantastic day out guaranteed!

If you’d like to experience some local art and culture, head to Bairnsdale. The “Our Maritime Heritage” exhibition will be on at The East Gippsland Gallery from the 1st to the 30th October. The exhibition features historical photographs, maps and artefacts showing how the waterways were used to help shape East Gippsland’s economy and way of life. Whilst in Bairnsdale, visit The Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place and learn about the rich cultural history of the local indigenous Gunaikurnai people through to displays of traditional hunting weapons, bark canoes, baskets, fishing spears, boomerangs and an exhibition of contemporary Gunaikurnai art.   

Market dates:

8th October - Metung Farmer’s Market

9th October - Paynesville Lions Club Market

22nd October - Paynesville Farmer’s Market

23rd October - Howitt Park Monthly Sunday Market, Bairnsdale

5th November - Mallacoota Artisians Market

5th November - East Gippsland Farmer’s Market, Bairnsdale

12th November - Metung Farmer’s Market

13th November - Paynesville Farmer’s Market

26th November - Paynesville Farmer’s Market

For more inspiration to help plan your trip, visit our Things To Do