Travel Time: Paynesville

Paynesville Australia

Tucked away on the Gippsland Lakes in eastern Victoria, Paynesville is a relaxed waterfront town that’s all about life on (and by) the water. Just 3.5 hours’ drive from Melbourne, it feels a world away from city life, with quiet canals, bobbing yachts and pelicans gliding over glassy lakes. The town is compact and walkable, with cafes, pubs and fish‑and‑chip shops lining the foreshore—perfect for a lazy lunch with views of the marina. Paynesville is often called the “boating capital of the Gippsland Lakes”, and it lives up to the name. Hire a boat, kayak or stand‑up paddleboard and explore sheltered inlets at your own pace, or join a cruise to discover the network of lakes and waterways stretching for kilometres. Anglers can cast a line straight from the jetty or book a fishing charter in search of bream, flathead and tailor. At sunset, the lakes turn golden, making an evening stroll along the Esplanade or the waterfront walking tracks especially memorable. A standout attraction is the free car and passenger ferry across to Raymond Island, just a few minutes from Paynesville’s shore. The island is one of the best places in Victoria to see wild koalas; follow the signed Koala Trail and look up into the river gums for these sleepy locals. You’ll also spot kangaroos, echidnas and a variety of birdlife, and cyclists can bring bikes on the ferry to explore further afield on quiet island roads. Paynesville makes a great base for longer stays in Gippsland. From here you can take day trips to the Ninety Mile Beach, visit nearby towns like Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale, or venture into national parks for bushwalking, birdwatching and photography. Accommodation ranges from waterfront holiday homes and boutique B&Bs to holiday parks and motels, making it easy to find a spot that fits your style, whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a laid‑back family holiday by the water.

Recommended airport

Melbourne Intl (MEL)

Nearby destinations

Paynesville, Australia

Paynesville Australia