 Visit the Lakes and Wilderness
The Lakes and Wilderness Region of Victoria is broken up into 4 distict areas that offer an absolute abundance of adventure activities for all levels. In all, this region offers 8 national parks, more than any other region in Australia. We then add the largest and most beautiful network of inland waterways in the Southern Hemisphere. Travel into the high country with snowcaps in winter and brilliant wildflowers in summer. As a contrast visit the stunning Ninety Mile Beach and surrounding lakes or undertake the wilderness coast walk in the Sandpatch Wilderness area of Croajingolong National Park. The Lakes and Wilderness region has over three quarters of its area devoted to national parks and reserves.
 The four areas of The Lakes and Wilderness region are... the Gippsland Lakes and river systems, the Great Alpine Road, the Snowy River Country and Croajingalong National Park.
Major Towns
 Bairnsdale
Omeo
Dinner Plain
Paynesville
Metung
Lakes Entrance
Buchan
Orbost
Mallacoota
The Great Alpine Road of Victoria
Approaching from the south, the Great Alpine Road experience starts rising from seal level and reaching Victoria's highest mountains of Mt Bogong and Mt Feathertop, this 160km route starts at the lakeside town of Bairnsdale and finishes as high in the Alpine National Park. If you start your journey from the high country at Bright you make your descent through Hotham Heights and Dinner Plains before reaching Omeo then Swifts Creek before heading to the sea and back to the major lakeside town of Bairnsdale.
Things you can see on the Great Alpine Road include...
East Gippsland Rail Trail (Bairnsdale)
This 30km cycle trail traces the path of an old railway line. The trail begins in Bairnsdale and heads east through grazing land toward the small farming township of Nicholson. After traveling for 8.5 km it crosses and old railway bridge spanning the Nicholson River. Weaving it way through tall forest, the 21.5km undulating section from Nicholson to Bruthen offers spectacular views of the Mossiface flats. Allow 3 hours one way for this journey. The track is rated "good" and starts at Howitt Park, Bairnsdale and finishes at Bruthen.
Den of Nargun Walk (Mitchell River National Park)
This short 1km walk will take you through a spectacular river gorge and sheltered rainforest to the lair of a mythological Aboriginal creature. Spend the night on the shores of the Gippsland Lakes, south of Bairnsdale. Bluff Lookout, a short way along the track, gives and excellent view of the Mitchell River winding through the deep and rugged gorge, as well as the rainforest gullies of Woolshed creek. The path then descends into the rainforest. A small waterfall on Woolshed Creek is said to contain the den of "Nargun", an Aboriginal Dreamtime creature who is said to be a half-stone, half-human female. She is said to be able to repel spears and stones thrown at her. Natural stepping stones lead to the den's opening. Please do not enter the Den itself, as it contains fragile stalactites that are still forming and is a significant cultural site for the local Aboriginal community.
 Mitchell River National Park (Camping, Caravan access, toilets, walking tracks, nature trails, swimming, fishing, 4WD)
The Mitchell River National Park is 12,200ha in size and features a river gorge that contains not only lush stands of warm temperature rainforests but also the Den of Nargun, home of a mythical Koori creature. The Mitchell River is great for white water canoeing.
Victoria Falls (100ha), Oriental Claims (40ha), Mt Wills (900ha) and Cassilis Historic Area (3600ha)
These historic areas are steeped in history of squatters and pastoralists, gold miners, timber cutters and the legendary high country cattlemen. Trout fishing, gold panning, bushwalking and 4WD touring are featured in these areas.
 Alpine National Park (Camping, toilets, walking tracks,)
This 642,200 ha area is Victoria's largest national park. It stretches from Central Gippsland all the way to the NSW boarder and is some of Australia's most stunning alpine scenery. Mountain peaks, sudden escarpment and grassy high plains are the main feature of the National Park. This park is truly a year round playground for any adventurer. You can cross country ski in winter, go bushwalking, horseriding, camping and 4WD touring in the warmer seasons.
Gippsland Lakes and River area of Victoria
Fed by the waters of five major rivers and bordered by the Ninety-Mile Beach, the Gippsland Lakes and Rivers area is the perfect location to experience water based activities. The sustaining waters of the Lakes and Rivers provide a paradise for boating and fishing.
 Surf, swim, sail... and fish! This area was once dubbed by the indigenous people as the "place of plenty fish" and today it still lives up to its reputation. There is an abundance of lake and ocean fishing to be done with many fishing operators based in Lakes Entrance. You can venture into the ocean or hire a boat and fish the local lakes.
The history of Lakes Entrance was founded on boat building and shipping and Paynesville is acknowledged as the boating capital of Victoria. You can windsurf, sail, use a jet ski, water ski, canoe and kayak in this area. With its safe waterways, this is a great area to bring your family and hire a houseboat. Why not hire a yacht or motor vessel and explore the many lakes of this area.
Take one of the numerous walks available where you can view the local wildlife including pelicans, dolphins and sea birds. Or walk along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, Ninety Mile Beach.
Things you can see and do include...
 The Lakes National Park
Camping, caravan access, toilets, walking tracks, nature trails, swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing
This 2,390 ha National Park is surrounded by the extensive and beautiful waters of the Gippsland Lakes. This park has over 190 different bird species and large populations of kangaroos. This is an excellent park for all water sports, fishing, walking and birdwatching.
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
Camping, caravan access, toilets, walking tracks, swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing)
17,548 hectares of sand and water. This area offers fishing, boating, swimming and walking and is ideal for those wanting tranquil lakes and rivers with mountains as your backdrop.
Mitchell River Silt Jetties
Snaking 8 kilometres out into Lake King from the mouth of the Mitchell River at Eagle Point, is a geographical rarity known throughout the world. Second only in size to the immense silt jetties of the Mississippi, this natural wonder is believed to have formed by silt washed down by the river system over a million years ago. You can dive, walk, fish along or go boating around these natural jetties.
Snowy River Country of Victoria
The Snowy River Country is a gateway to seven National Parks including the famous Snowy River and Errindundra. The journey along the Snowy River from its beginnings in the mountains to journey's end at the sea offers a huge variety of activities. Horse ride along the riverbanks following the trails of the cattle drovers or 4WD and tour. Take to the water and experience the thrill of white water rafting, or enjoy the thrill of trout fishing as you wade through the pristine waters of the Snowy.
Cook damper over a camp fire or picnic among the high country wildflowers. And when the Snowy finely meets the sea at Marlo you can conquer the waves, fish from the beach, waterski, or simply enjoy walking along the beautiful coastline.
Bemm River
While Lakes Entrance may be home to the fishing industry, Bemm River is the favourite holiday spot for the more searious recreational fisherman. This tiny hub on Sydenham Inlet offers picturesque camping and peaceful holiday houses.
Buchan
From exploring fantastic million year old caves, rafting, visiting historic spots, Buchan offers all this and more. Head into the Snowy River National Park by 4WD, or tour along the Snowy River Country Trail. Great for longer stays or day trips.
Marlo
Where the Snowy River meets the sea, leisure and recreation is firmly at home in Marlo. This sleepy, non-commercialised fishing village is an anglers haven, and a diverse range of recreation and adventure, from 4WD adventure and trail bike riding to soft touring and estuary water-skiing. Marlo's best kept secret - privacy.
Things you can see or do...
Snowy River National Park
Snowy River NP (98,700 ha) is renowned for canoeing and rafting, and is a favourite destination for those who appreciate magnificent forests, rugged gorges and wild riverscapes.
Buchan Caves Reserve
These ancient caves (260ha) have spectacular limestone formations created by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock. The Royal and Fairy caves can be seen on guided tours. Above the caves, wildlife is abundant in the reserve. Bellbirds, lyrebirds and kangaroos are all commonly seen.
 Cape Conran Coastal Park
In this delightful coast park near Marlo there are heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksias woodlands brimming with nectare feeding birds. Heathlands, which burst into colourful bloom each spring, are also ideal places for birdwatching. Seals and occasionally (further out to sea) whales are seen by the careful observer. The temperate, clear waters hide a wealth of colourful marine plants and animals. The Cape Conran Coastal Park is 16 kms from Marlo and 11,700 hectares in size.
Errinundra National Park
The Errinundra National Park preserves magnificent and ancient tall eucalypt forests and the state's largest remaining stand or cool temperate rainforest. Generally accessible in the drier months, the park offers tranquil walks, including a self-guided walk through the heart of the rainforest at Errinundra Saddle. Located 90 kms from Orbost on the Borang Road the Errinundra National Park is is 25,600 hectares.
Two walks you can do...
Rainforest Walk at Bemm River Scenic Reserve
Wander among giant tree ferns and across pristine streams in one of Victoria's last remaining patches of rainforest on this delightful and easily accessible short walk.
Located right beside the Princes Highway between Orbost and Cann River, this short loop walk through the Bemm River Scenic Reserve meanders through a spectacular pocket of warm temperate rainforest. Unfurling fonds of large tree ferns arch over the track, thriving in the filtered light under the dense canopy of Messmate, Peppermint and Blue Gum. The picturesque McKenzie River can be viewed from swing bridges leading onto an elevated boardwalk. Here, the Kanooka with its lichen and fern covered branches are dominant. As you pass over the bridges a symphony of frog calls resounds along the river. Along the path, you may see lyrebirds scratching in the ground in search of food or hear their remarkable calls as they mimic other forest sounds.
The rainforest walk at Bemn River Scenic Reserve is 3 km long and should take around 45 minutes. The track is good and the grade is gentle. You start and finish this walk at Bemm River Picnic Reserve which is located on the Cann River near Orbost.
Cape Conran Nature Trail, Cape Conran Coastal Park
Oustanding ocean views, plentiful wildlife, coastal heathland and excellent diving and fishing make this scenic cape a popular haven for both nature lovers and holiday makers.
Sailors Grave Beach, named in honour of the victims of shops wrecked long ago on nearby Beware Reef, marks the beginning of this short but stimulating walk. Follow the trail to the top of the headland, where excellent views take in Point Hicks and Mt Everard to the east, Mt Bemm to the north-east and Mt Raymond to the north-west. Continue along the clifftop, deviating slightly inland to Botany Bowl and Sunset Peak. Or you can take the track down to the pebble beach at secluded Cowrie Bay. To rejoin the main trail, you can rock hop from here to Joiners Channel.
This walk is approximately 1.5km and should take around 1 hour one way. The track is in good condition and the grade is flat. Start your journey at Sailors Grave and finish at West Cape Car Park. You'll find this walk near the coastal town of Marlo.
Croajingolong area of Victoria
Croajingolong stretches for 100km along the wilderness coast of East Gippsland from Bemm River to Cape Howe on the New South Wales border. This landscape is bold and vivid with bronzed heathlands, warm temperate rainforests and rough lichen-red granite boulders jutting out of golden beaches. You can get the best vantage point to view this expanse from Genoa Pak in the east or a visit to Point Hicks Lighthouse where the sea and sand disappear into the distance.
The beaches of Croajingolong beckon you with easy walks to sheltered coves or challenge you when you embark on the Wilderness Coast Walk where you take in the vastness of the seascape as you cross rocky headlands and wind-rippled dunes.
You could witness migrating whales, soaring sea birds and curious goannas as you take this adventurous walk or if your looking to get away from the beaches you can refresh yourself with a swaim after a walk to Wingan Rapids, or stroll through the ferny pockets of rainforest. For the canoeist you can discover the tea-coloured esteries will entice you to venture on. Launch your kayak or canoe at Gypsy Point and explore the tranquil waters of the Genoa and Wallagaraugh Rivers.
Dive on reefs or take the 4WD along Jones Creek Road and WB Line though the rugged Coopracambra National Park, stopping to see the Beehive Falls. Go fishing for flathead at Bottom Lake near Mallacoota. Soak up the solitude of bushcamping at Shipwreck Creek in Croajingolong National Park.
Cann River
The Princes and Monaro Highways meet here, offering travelers a stop over point. Stay an extra day to day-trip into Croajingolong National Park to Thurra River. Tamboon, and Pt Hicks, and use Cann River as a base for general supplies if bush camping.
 Mallacoota
Croajingolong National Park surrounds this small fishing village, which pretty much turns Mallacoota into one big wildlife park. Explore a large slice of Croajingolong from a base in Mallacoota, day trip to or camp at Shipwreck Creek and Wingan inlet.
Genoa Peak, Croajingolong National Park
Climb to the top of a Croajingolong lookout for sensational views over the wilderness coastline, Gabo Island and surrounding forests. This section of the national park is a nature lover's heaven with more than 200 species of plants are exclusive to the region, and nearly a third of Australia's known bird species live here. The short but demanding walk to Genoa Peak offers superb views over this natural wilderness.
This walk is 1.5km long and will take approximately 1 hour one way. The track is good but the grade is moderate to steep. You pick up this walk at Genoa Peak Carpark and finish at Genoa Peak.
Thura River Walks, Thura Dunes
Soaring sand dunes that tower 30m above the Thurra River can be reached by a track winding to their summit through coastline banksias and heathland. You can either retrace your steps or wander through the river to the camp ground.
This is a 4km return trip and you should allow 2 hours return. The track is sandy with a moderate slope. You start this walk at Thurra River Camp Ground and finish at Thura Dunes.
Coopracambra National Park
Coopracambra National Park is 38,800 ha and presents some exciting and challenging terrain for experienced bushwalkers. The remote and rugged park contains the spectacular Genoa River Gorge and Mount Kaye with its striking granite outcrops. The park border also forms part of the state border (NSW & Victoria). This park is 39kms north from Cann River.
Croajingolong National Park
This 87,500 ha national park follows the wild and unspoilt far eastern coastline of Victoria for 100kms. Secluded coastal campgrounds at Shipwreck Creek, Wingam and Thurra River offer a perfect base for short or long beach walks, birdwatching, boating and fishing.
For more information regarding your next visit to Victoria, go to Visit Victoria.
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