Melbourne to Lakes Entrance
Australia is a land of wonder and beauty, and there is no better way to experience this than by exploring the different cities and towns scattered around the country.
Recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on a road trip from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance, passing through two key towns along the way: Traralgon and Bairnsdale. Here is a brief account of my journey and some interesting things I discovered along the way.
Traralgon: Traralgon is located in the Latrobe Valley and is an excellent place to stop for a break or an overnight stay. One of the highlights of this town is the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve, which is home to a beautiful lake surrounded by picturesque walking trails. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature photography. I also visited the incredible Traralgon post office for a chance to view some of the town’s original architecture dating back to the 1800s. Our visit to Traralgon also included a fantastic lunch at Potraits Café and Tearoom with a fantastic array of cakes, sandwiches and incredible interior pink décor and floral arrangements.
Bairnsdale: As I continued my journey towards Lakes Entrance, I made a stop at Bairnsdale. This town is situated on the Mitchell River, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here. One of the highlights is the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which has a range of facilities including an indoor pool, spa, and sauna. I also visited the East Gippsland Art Gallery, which showcases a collection of contemporary and traditional artwork from the local area.
Lakes Entrance: Finally, I arrived at my destination, Lakes Entrance. This beautiful coastal town is situated on the edge of the Gippsland Lakes, and there are plenty of things to see and do here. One of the highlights of my trip was the Lakes Entrance Lookout, which provides a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding waterways. The walk on the Entrance Track and back along the beach was well worth it and a great way to enjoy the Gippsland nature.
There are also some incredible mini golf courses which are great fun for families each with their own theme! We chose Esplanade Mini Golf which proved to be great fun for my wife, 5 year old daughter and myself.
No visit to Lakes Entrance is complete without a visit to Sodafish restaurant. Known for its locally sourced, sustainable seafood and innovative culinary creations, Soda Fish Restaurant has become a must-visit destination for foodies and seafood lovers from all over the world.
The restaurant’s ambiance is relaxed and inviting, with a modern and minimalist decor that complements the coastal setting of the town. The dining room features an open kitchen, which allows guests to watch the chefs in action as they prepare their meals. The outdoor dining area is also popular, offering a stunning view of the waterfront and the iconic entrance to the Gippsland Lakes.
The Menu The menu at Soda Fish Restaurant is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to sustainable seafood and innovative cuisine. The chefs use only the freshest locally sourced seafood, including the signature Soda Fish, to create dishes that are both creative and flavourful. The menu features a variety of small plates, entrees, and sides, all of which are designed to be shared.
We tried an array of Fresh Oysters, Squid and scallops all washed down with a delicious glass of the area’s local pinot noir.
In conclusion, my road trip from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance via Traralgon and Bairnsdale was a truly memorable experience. Each of these towns had something unique to offer, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a unique and authentic Australian adventure.
Want to take this adventure with all the must- see attractions programmed into an interactive app with push-button navigation and all the planning and hard work done.
Check out our Sydney to Melbourne itinerary below which can be driven in both directions and get in touch with one of our team, by clicking the image below
