The Entrance Walk - Lions Park, Lakes Entrance, Gippsland, VIC

The 5 km (return) walk to The Entrance comprises of sandy trails, steps, boardwalks and beaches.  Commencing at the car park at the bridge that crosses Cunninghame Arm, to the Surf Life Saving Club and surf beach, the path diverges off the the westward and begins to meander its way along the sand dune – taking in forested areas, views across the lake to the town of Lakes Entrance, and then more snippets of views across to the open ocean . . .

There are many tracks that diverge in various directions for exploration, as well as a few lookouts to achieve a sense of one’s location and the beauty that surrounds.  As one nears ‘The Entrance‘, the remains of the historical town of New Works are revealed.  A lovely picnic area provides BBQ’s, toilets and seating overlooking the jetties and lake.  A series of sign posts reveal some interesting historical facts.

The trail continues onwards, across the sand dunes towards the ocean.  The walk takes in one of the most challenging and intriguing engineering feats of its time which succeeded in opening Gippsland to the World.  In a time when water highways were the only feasible form of transport, ‘The Entrance’ achieved relatively safe passage of sail and steam craft in and out of the Gippsland Lakes system, minimising the enormous risks and unpredictability endured prior to 1889.  Today, little evidence survives to remind us of the paddle and screw steamers that busily traversed Gippsland’s 400 km² of lakes and rivers until rail and motorways rendered them redundant . . .

Observing the fast, swirling waters at ‘The Entrance’, it is overwhelming to think of how skilled the ships crews must have been to navigate these tricky waters in a time when steam and sail were their only form of propulsion – and this on a calm day.  Imagine the challenge when the tremendous southerly gales would whip up the seas producing waves metres high ? . . .

Whilst taking in the structure, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals sunbathing on the rocks, the stunning birdlife.  Continuing along the beach, the reality of ‘The Entrance’ and the force of the waters continuously pounding the structure really sinks in.  Then, turning away, a gentle stroll along the surf beach leads back to the Surf Life Saving Club.  Progressing over the dune the relative calm of the lakes return to view, as well as a Kiosk which offers refreshments in a beautiful setting . . .

 

Helpful Hints:

– Close Proximity to the Town Centre – obtain Directions here

– Car Parking available on the Town side of the Bridge

– The Trail features:

– Approximately 5.2 km Return

– Multiple Beach & Lake Access Points available along the way

– Difficulty = Easy

– Gradient = Minimal

– Unsealed Gravel, Sand, Boardwalks, Bridge, Beach

Discover Lakes Entrance:

– Nearby Features:

 – Points of Interest

 – Things to Do

 – Dining Out

 – Shopping

– Places to Stay

– Facilities available at Lakes Entrance include:

– BBQ’s

– Picnic Tables

– Public Toilets

– Sheltered Pavilions