2023/24 - 5 Days: Tour of the East Gippsland

Featuring 4 Nights at Lakes Entrance

Lakes Entrance is situated on the Gippsland Lakes and Ninety Mile Beach. It’s near here that the Gippsland Lakes – Australia’s largest inland network of waterways - meet the Southern Ocean. Our 5 day “stayput” tour on the Esplanade at Lakes Entrance is an ideal way to experience some of the beauty of East Gippsland.

Day 1 (LD): To Lakes Entrance

Our deluxe, seat belt equipped touring coach will meet us at the club for the beginning of our tour. Once loaded we are ready to go. Sit back and enjoy the comfort and facilities on board as we make our way along the Princess Freeway towards Sale. Our morning tea stop is at Yarragon before arriving at the historic Port of Sale, first opened to shipping in 1890 as the westernmost port in the Gippsland Lakes.

The cutting of the Sale canal in 1898 linked the town to the Thomson River and established Sale as a busy port for steamers. Its prosperity grew from nearby mountain gold rushes and its strategic location on the route between Port Albert and the gold diggings. We have arranged a brief stop at the Sale Water Tank. Built in 1888, the Tower supplied water to the town’s 3,000 residents replacing carted water from the Thomson River. Designed and built by English born architect and civil engineer, John Harry Grainger (1854-1917), the 54 foot-high (16.5 meter) tower supports a 40,000 gallon (151,000 litre) wrought iron tank. Nearby Bairnsdale is an idyllic garden town with many reminders of the booming gold rush days. Some of Bairnsdale's architecture is also of interest. The most striking building in the town is the Court House in Nicholson St which was opened in 1894. It is recognized as one of Victoria's finest examples of late 19th century architecture and is considered of some significance to the development of an Australian style. Lunch today is at the Grand Terminus Hotel before a stop at St Mary’s Catholic Church to see the murals on the ceilings and walls of the church, which are quite stunning. From here we continue into Lakes Entrance – our base for the next 4 nights. (Meal inclusions: Club lunch at Bairnsdale RSL/Welcome dinner on arrival)

The Esplanade Motel, Lakes Entrance 03 51551933 – 4 nights

Day 2 (BLD): Lakes Entrance

We will be joined today by a local guide Greg Savchuk who will tell us about the area. Midmorning we head to the Wyanga Park Winery. On arrival, why not try some of the excellent wine this mild, maritime climate helps to produce and enjoy the eye-catching exhibition of native art that decorates the winery walls. Wyanga Park Winery is the oldest vineyard in East Gippsland. After a pleasant lunch we take a short cruise from the winery back to the centre of town. There will be some free time this afternoon, before dinner. Perhaps visit the Griffiths Sea Shell Museum just down from our motel? (Meal inclusions: breakfast & dinner in the motel/Winery Lunch)

Day 3 (BLD): Nowa Nowa & Bruthen

We have an interesting “circle drive” today – first to Nowa Nowa with a stop to inspect the Ramsdell Museum Collection, a unique display of gemstones and natural wood sculptures. Then we are off to Bruthen – a small village on the Great Alpine Road. The Tambo River winds through the pretty township which has long been the spot to refresh and replenish – and therefore a good spot for a brewery! Lunch today is at the Bull Ant Brewery. This afternoon we drive to the coast at Metung and join Peels Thunderbird for a 2 hours cruise back to Lakes Entrance. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch at Bruthen)

Day 4 (BLD): The Buchan Caves

Today we drive north to Buchan – a small timber town renowned for a group of spectacular limestone caves located here. We have arranged a guided tour of the Royal Cave, including ‘Niagara Falls’ and the ‘Font of the Gods’ followed by morning tea from the coach. After a light lunch in Buchan Pub we make a stop at the Nicholson River Winery before heading back to Lakes Entrance for a free afternoon. (Meal Inclusions - Breakfast & dinner in the motel/Light lunch)

Day 5 (BL): Lakes Entrance/Paynesville/Home

This morning we visit a very special place - the Nyerimilang Heritage Park – a lakeside homestead that was used in the late 1800s as a base for fishing and shooting holidays. Today, the homestead is protected by the National Trust and features a display on the history of Nyerimilang and the natural resources and history of the Gippsland Lakes. The semi-formal garden and lawns, with views to the water, contain an interesting collection of exotic and native species. From here we continue to Paynesville – the “Boating Capital of East Gippsland!!” We take a look around and enjoy lunch at the Motor Cruising Club before heading home. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the motel/light lunch)

Tour Price

$1,150 per person (sharing a twin or double room)

The tour price is dependent on a minimum of 40 paying customers. Should the number of bookings not reach the minimum of 40 the following prices apply –

  • Minimum 35 - $1,180 per person

  • Minimum 30 - $1,220 per person

  • Minimum 25 - $1,280 per person

  • Minimum 20 - $1,360 per person

Add $210 for a guaranteed single room

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended

Tour Inclusions

Tour Price includes accommodation as per the itinerary, meals as indicated (B= Cooked breakfast, L= Light or packed lunch, D = Buffet or limited choice dinner), deluxe touring coach with seatbelts, attractions/entries as noted.

Next Steps

To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.

Read some testimonials from past groups here.

Tour Conditions

A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.

Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.