Overview
Paynesville is a resort town built around boating and water activities on the Gippsland Lakes system. The town features a man-made canal system and natural harbour, making it an ideal base for exploring hundreds of kilometres of lakes and rivers.
Cycling · Day Trips · Nature · Wildlife
Before you go
Activities
Boating is central to Paynesville - cruisers hire for ~$200/day, kayaks ~$50/day. Koala sightings on Raymond Island are practically guaranteed. The silt jetties are the second longest in the world.
Connectivity
Telstra 4G available in town centre. Optus and Vodafone have very limited coverage. WiFi availability unknown.
Safety
Small jellyfish present in the lake during summer. Salinity drops after heavy rains causing shellfish die-offs and unpleasant odours.
Transport
V/Line buses run 5 times daily between Paynesville and Bairnsdale. Trains from Melbourne arrive in Bairnsdale 3 times daily. Cycling the 14km flat route is popular. The Raymond Island ferry costs $13 return for cars and is free for bicycles and pedestrians.
Weather
Summer (Dec-Feb) is peak season for boating and water activities. Winter is quieter but suitable for cycling and wildlife spotting.