10 Best Things to do in Lakes Entrance for Families

Looking for things to do in Lakes Entrance, Victoria? This picturesque coastal town in Victoria’s South East offers a perfect blend of natural beautiful and fun filled activities. I have visited a few times over the years, without kids and now with our kids. There is a whole range of things to do in Lakes Entrance for all ages young and old and it is a great spot for a family getaway.

Lakes Entrance Victoria

Lakes Entrance is a charming coastal town located in eastern Victoria and makes a fantastic getaway from Melbourne all year round.

Located at the edge of the Gippsland Lakes, Lakes Entrance is positioned where the lakes meet the ocean, creating a picturesque landscape that offers a diverse range of activities for all ages.

There are lots of water based activities in Lakes Entrance such as fishing and boating. And if you are a seafood lover, there are plenty of opportunities to taste some delicious fresh caught fish and prawns at the numerous restaurants and fish and chip shops dotted along the Esplanade.

Lakes Entrance isn’t just for the Summer. The cooler months bring the winter festival with fire and ice, hot springs and more! In fact on our most recent visit we went to Lakes Entrance over the Kings Birthday weekend, mid winter and it was fantastic.

10 Things to do Lakes Entrance

Here are our top 10 things to do in Lakes Entrance for families or any kind of traveller.

Things to do Lakes Entrance Fish n Chips on the Beach

1. Lakes Entrance Boat Hire

Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lakes Entrance and there are various places to rent a boat and head out on the lakes. You can head out fishing, wildlife spotting, or just to explore the views of the lakes and the town from the water.

You can also hire paddle boats near the kiosk on the lake too. These are great for families to paddle around on the lakes, a big hit with young kids.

2. Lakes Entrance Beaches

The iconic Lakes Entrance beach is a golden stretch of sand perfect for building sandcastles, enjoying beach games, or just soaking up the sun.

In summer the beach is packed with people, (in fact I took this photo mid winter with nobody around). It is generally considered safe for swimming however some of the areas get deep quite quickly and it can be rough in windy conditions.

It’s always a good idea to check with the local visitor centre or lifeguards for up-to-date information on beach safety, including any specific concerns or warnings for the day of your visit.

3. Lakes Entrance Mini Golf

Get ready for some friendly competition playing Mini Golf on the Esplanade! Our kids love any chance to play mini golf, and this is one is heaps of fun! It’s a challenging mini-golf course that is perfect for a family outing. It is a great way to spend a few hours in the morning or afternoon with the kids especially and one of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance with kids.

Putt your way through creative obstacles, navigate tricky slopes, and cheer each other on as you strive for that elusive hole-in-one. Myself and my husband also had fun with it too, bit of family competition was great!

4. Lakes Entrance Cruises

The Gippsland Lakes form the heart and soul of Lakes Entrance, and a leisurely cruise along these inland waterways is an absolute must during your visit. Families can embark on a scenic boat tour, which offers stunning views of the lakes, towering sand dunes, and abundant birdlife. There are various cruise companies operating on the shores to choose from.

If you are wanting some hands-on experience, kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent options to explore the waterways at a slower pace. You can also rent paddle boats which cater for multiple people so it’s a great family activity.

5. Lakes Entrance Fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Lakes Entrance and is great for all ages. There is the opportunity to catch a variety of fish around the lakes. Cast your lines from jetties and piers or hire a boat to explore the channels for the perfect fishing spot.

If you don’t have your own, you can buy or hire fishing equipment, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle from local bait and tackle shops in Lakes Entrance.

6. Big Bears Donuts

While you are in Lakes Entrance you can’t miss Big Bears Donuts located on the Esplanade not far from the Mini Golf.

The donut selection is to die for, and people come from near and far to taste the delicious selection of donuts available. Grab a coffee and a donut for breakie or morning tea and thank us later!

7. Entrance Walk

One of the best things to do in Lakes Entrance with kids or without is the Entrance walk. The Entrance is where the waters of the beach meet the Gippsland Lakes and you can often see wildlife swimming. We got lucky to see a bunch of seals when we went but have heard people have seen dolphins too.

Things to do Lakes Entrance Walk Wildlife watching

Starting across the footbridge towards the beach next to the kiosk, you can take a leisurely stroll along the scenic pathway. It is a 5km walk which takes around 2 hours return. You can do the loop returning along the sandy beach, or simply turn back when you get to the end.

Make sure to bring water and snacks, because other than the kiosk at the starting point, there is nowhere to buy anything.

8. Metung Hot Springs

A soothing relaxation for the whole family, the Metung Hot Springs are a great way to spend the morning or afternoon. Just a 15-20 drive from Lakes Entrance it is a rejuvenating experience where you can immerse yourselves in the thermal pools and just unwind to let the healing waters work their magic. The great thing is, that kids are welcome too.

The Metung Hot Springs are still in the early stages, so at the moment they are much smaller than the Peninsula Springs, however it’s still worth a visit. There is a lot of work planned over the coming months and year which looks like it will be amazing when all finished.

See our full review here>>> Metung Hot Springs

9. Buchan Caves

Buchan Caves Things to do Lakes Entrance

This underground expedition at Buchan Caves is just a short drive from Lakes Entrance. You can explore fascinating limestone formations and witness the splendour of ancient caves. The whole family can enjoy this trip and the kids especially will be in awe.

There are guided tours cater to all ages, giving you an insight to the geological wonders hidden beneath the surface.

10. East Gippsland Winter Festival

Things to do Lakes Entrance Winter Festival

If you happen to be visiting Lakes Entrance in Winter, there is a lot on to keep busy. We absolutely loved the East Gippsland Winter Festival Activities when we visited!

Highlights include Fire and Ice Show for all ages, Lantern workshops for the kids, and lots of winter holiday activities for all ages.
Read More>>> East Gippsland Winter Festival

Accommodation at Lakes Entrance

There are various accommodation options in Lakes Entrance depending on your budget. From the Big 4 Holiday Park, to numerous hotels and motels on the Esplanade.

On our most recent visit we stayed at the Belleview Hotel which had a great location looking over the water and up the road from the footbridge.

Lakes Entrance Family Getaway

With its beautiful natural surroundings, family-friendly attractions, and delicious seafood, Lakes Entrance is a popular destination for a relaxing coastal getaway or an adventurous family holiday.

Whether you want to enjoy the beach, explore the marine life, or indulge in some outdoor activities, Lakes Entrance offers something for everyone and you will want to come back over and over again.