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.
Things to do in the area
Australia’s southern coast is unique. There is no other east-west expanse of temperate shoreline in the southern hemisphere. Some of Victoria’s marine species, such as the eastern blue groper, occur nowhere else in the world.
Little Tern & Fairy Tern
Threatened species that breed on the beaches, mud and sand islands of the Gippsland Lakes area. Littler Terns migrate from southern Queensland and parts of New South Wales to the lakes in early November and stay until about March. Please help these birds by avoiding the sand bars on the islands and keeping your dogs away.
Burrunan Dolphins
The lakes are home to about 50 of the recently described species of bottlenose dolphin, the Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis). The other 150 or so of this rare species are to be found in Port Phillip
Bunga Arm
Beaches
Bird watching
Boating and sailing
How to get there
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (East)
Jetties are also available at Barrier Landing, Drews Jetty, Ocean Grange, Silver Shot Landing and Steamer Landing.
If you're going past Lakes Entrance, stop off at Nyerimilang Heritage Park en route for a picnic or walk. Boasting magnificent views and a rich variety of plant and birdlife, don't miss the homestead set in a delightful garden on a clifftop above the beautiful Gippsland Lakes.
When you're there
When to go
Need to know
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (East)
Accessibility
Beach access along 90 Mile Beach is poor at all sites for people in wheelchairs because of steep paths over dunes and steps.
There are no steps on the path to the viewing platform at Golden Beach and it is wheelchair accessible.
Picnic and camping areas have moderate to good accessibility.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Red Bluff Campground (Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park)
Beacon Swamp Track suitable for 4WD access only
Beacon Swamp track in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is suitable for 4WD access only. Track conditions include soft loose sand. Those wishing to camp at Red Bluff Campground should consider this information prior to planning there stay.
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Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
Pines Track 4WD access only
Pines Track is a minor vehicle access track in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Pines Track is recommended for 4WD use only. Sections of track can at times be boggy, sandy or inundated with water. Track is not suitable for 2WD or low vehicles. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.