Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. The Joint Management agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people hold Aboriginal Title and maintain a strong connection to Country. As custodians of the land, they are the rightful people who speak for their Country. These parks and reserves are cultural landscapes that continue to be part of Gunaikurnai living culture. For more information on Joint Management, please visit the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

Sitting between the lakeside villages of Lakes Entrance and Loch Sport, the east region of Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is a much-loved destination for year-round aquatic action and relaxation. Spend your days cruising the lakes, strolling the stunning coastline, cooling off in sheltered coves, or watching the sunset from your camping chair.

East of historic Steamer Landing, Bunga Arm is perfect for hiking, swimming, kayaking and waterskiing adventures around the waterways.

Accessible only by boat, Bunga Arm was formed over many thousands of years when sand, deposited by the sea, built up between the original bay (now Lake Victoria) and the ocean. Approximately 250 metres divides the tranquil waters of Bunga Arm from the pounding surf of Bass Strait - and you can stay at one of the seven boat-based bush campsites located there. If you don’t have your own boat to access Bunga Arm, you can hire one at one of the lakeside towns.

Cast a line and try your hand at lake fishing from a boat, bank or jetty. Bream, flathead, skipjack and mullet are common catches.

There are a number of picnic areas on Bunga Arm. Spread your picnic rug at the First Blowhole, or under the shade of old Stone Pines at Ocean Grange. Alternatively, just a short cruise from Lakes Entrance and set opposite Rigby Island, Entrance Bay offers a scenic picnic spot and views over Ninety Mile Beach and the Southern Ocean. Some of the old construction equipment from the 1880s can still be seen here.

Animal lovers are in for a treat with frolicking seals and pods of the rare Burrunan dolphin, which is found only here and in Port Phillip. There’s plenty of native birds, and possible sightings of rare shorebirds including the Little Tern, Fairy Tern and Hooded Plover.

If you get a chance, check out nearby Raymond Island to spot Victoria's largest koala population snoozing in the treetops. If you don't have access to a boat, jump on a free ferry from Paynesville and explore the island's Koala Trail by bike or foot.

The Lakes National Park makes for another peaceful and wildlife-filled retreat from Loch Sport or via boat from Paynesville. Home to more than 190 species of birds including the rare White-bellied Sea-Eagle and the endangered Little Tern, you'll also see Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies, echidnas and wombats.