Guide at a glance: Paynesville

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This was published 10 years ago

Guide at a glance: Paynesville

Fisherman's Wharf Pavilion in  Paynesville.

Fisherman's Wharf Pavilion in Paynesville.

Lee Atkinson hits the water in search of wildlife, beautiful landscapes and small-town tranquillity.

Why go? The sleepy lakeside town of Paynesville is in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes, the largest inland waterway in Australia - a network of lakes and lagoons covering more than 600 square kilometres.

What it's known for Most people go to Paynesville to mess about on boats. There are countless moorings and lots of islands and hidden coves to explore, as well as some great picnic and camping spots in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and The Lakes National Park that are only accessible by boat, including the vast expanse of 90 Mile Beach on the ocean side. It's great for novices with few places you can run aground, so if you don't have your own boat you can hire one for a few days or a week from Bulls Cruisers: no licence is needed and tuition is included in the fee. bullscruisers.com.au.

What you didn't know ... The Mitchell River silt jetties at Eagle Point, about a 15-minute drive from Paynesville, are the second-longest silt jetties in the world (the longest are on the Mississippi). Silt jetties are long, thin strips of land that have been built up over millions of years, and these are more than eight kilometres long. You can drive out to the end and will get great views all the way, with the river on one side and the lake on the other. There are plenty of good fishing spots along the way. For a good look from above, head to the lookout at Eagle Point Bluff.

What's new A new cruise operated by Bulls Cruisers means you don't need to get behind the wheel of your own boat to explore the lakes. The MV Discovery runs daily three-hour cruises out of Paynesville and highlights include visits to pelican breeding grounds, Ocean Grange, 90 Mile Beach and Sperm Whale Head, where you can go for a short walk or a swim. If you're lucky, you may see dolphins. Cruises cost $35 for adults, $17.50 for kids, or take a private charter and plan your own itinerary for $110 an hour (minimum three hours). It leaves from the jetty outside Fisherman's Wharf Cafe. Departure times vary, so check when booking. (03) 5156 1200, bullscruisers.com.au/day-hire.

Don't miss Raymond Island is home to one of the largest koala colonies in Victoria, and with 300 or so koalas on the tiny island (about six kilometres long by two kilometres wide) it's one of the best places to see koalas in the wild.

There's a marked koala trail you can follow with brightly painted bollards leading the way, and a $2 koala-spotting guide available at the information board in the park opposite the ferry wharf. The entire trail takes about half an hour, but you'll probably spend longer as chances are you'll see dozens - they rest in the trees in people's front gardens, and you'll sometimes see them prowling along fences and ambling along footpaths. Watch where you are walking, though - it can be very easy to trip over when your eyes are focused on the creatures in the treetops.

The Raymond Island ferry departs every 20 minutes from Paynesville and the crossing takes about three minutes: the ferry is free for pedestrians and cyclists, $10 each way in a car, but you'll see your first koalas only a block or so away from the wharf so you don't need to drive.

Where to eat The deck at Fisherman's Wharf Cafe is a great place for breakfast or a casual lunch in the sun on the waterfront, right beside the Raymond Island ferry wharf in Paynesville. It's open daily (except Monday) from 8.30am, but closes at 4pm. (03) 5156 0366. For dinner, try the Boathouse in the main street: they do good pizza, steak and seafood. (03) 5156 0071. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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Where to stay A 10-minute walk from the town centre, Captains Cove Resort has spacious two-storey three-bedroom apartments on the canal, each with their own private jetty. Rates start at $145 a couple, midweek. captainscove.com.au. Lake Gallery B&B is on the water's edge just a short drive from town. There are two rooms and both feature original artworks from the owner's extensive collection, which is also on show in the gallery space inside the main house. Rates are $200 a couple and include breakfast. lakegallerybedandbreakfast.com.

How to get there Paynesville is 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne via the Monash Freeway (M1) and Princes Highway. It's about a 3½-hour drive from the city.

More information visitpaynesville.com.au.

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