The Top Family Activities and Playgrounds in the East Gippsland Shire Region

The East Gippsland Shire region is huge and is located between a three and a half and six hour drive east of Melbourne and includes the towns of Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, Marlo, Metung, Nowa Nowa, Omeo, Orbost, Paynesville and Swifts Creek.

If you enjoy nature you'll enjoy East Gippsland. There are national parks and reserves which stretch along beautiful beaches and pockets of rainforest such as Croajingolong National Park, Cape Conran Coastal Park, Bemm River Scenic Reserve and Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.

Lakes Entrance has great beaches, water activities and is the epi-centre of mini-golf in Victoria while Mallacoota in the far east has a much more relaxed and undeveloped vibe. Another town on the water, the Gippsland Lakes, is Paynesville which is a ferry ride away from Raymond Island which is well-known for its large koala population.

The region also offers spectacular adventure in the high country with small mountain villages like Omeo and Benambra which were gold rush towns in the past.

Head to the Snowy River National Park for wild adventures including white water rafting or get underground at the Buchan Caves and admire the stalagmites and stalactites.

The region abounds with opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking & hiking, cycling, four wheel driving, caravaning & camping, fishing and watersports.

A map of the region is:



The best playgrounds in this region are:

East Gippsland All Abilities Playground, Bairnsdale



A large fully fenced All Abilities playground which has a range of soft surfaces across the playground area intersected by paths and has equipment which represents highlights of Gippsland.

An area representing the Shipwreck coast includes a ship surrounded by sandpits with a digger and a water tap to have wet sand fun. The ship has a net ladder, twin slides, yacht springer and stand on spinner. Under shade sails is a big sandpit with two more diggers, sand conveyor and water tap. There is a big rope climbing frame with horizontal and vertical rope sections, big spinning stand-up carousel and birds nest swing.

Representing a Saw Mill is a wooden structure with long ramp access. which has a Timber Mill Office, three wave slides, panels on the higher level, horse springer, cow springer and an old fashioned car on springs. This area is great for a game of tiggy.

There is also a Liberty swing, four unshaded tables, four BBQs, water tap and toilets. I am still trying to figure out how the entry and exit gates work but the good news is that we did manage to get in and then managed to get out before it got dark. There are East Gippsland threatened species to find in the playground but we couldn't find any. That could unfortunately mean that they crossed the line into extinction or that we are not very good at searching. Hopefully the latter is true.

Howitt Park Playground, Bairnsdale



Some super elements including the Wormtastic slide and huge flying fox. The playground has equipment in different areas. One area has a small structure comprising a slide, abacus, steering wheel, ladder and shop front. Another area has a structure with scrambling wall, ladder, hanging ladder, walkway, vertical web shaped chain climbing frame, climber and monkey bars. Another smaller structure has a spiral ladder, sloping parallel bars, chain bridge and flying fox. Also a large pyramid climbing frame with lots of climbing possibilities. A separate two person pommel bounce. There is a very long flying fox (more than 50m long) and a huge worm tunnel slide down a big hill. Thankfully the horizontal sections of the slide slow you down a bit or else it would spit you out on the highway. The slide has clear plastic port holes along its length which enables you to see the look of terror (or joy) on the faces of the kids.

At the top of the hill is a BBQ and three tables under a shelter. Toilets. Located on the left side as you exit Bairnsdale towards Lakes Entrance (immediately after the Mitchell River bridge).

Cnr Marine Parade and Princes Highway Playground, Lakes Entrance



The playground has been upgraded and includes many new features including a fenced area with a pirate ship with a wave slide. Inside this fenced area there is also a see-saw, unshaded table, 3 to Connect panel, swing for a toddler and springer.

Outside the fenced area is a climbing structure with three different walls; a wall with rock climbing holds, a wall made from honeycomb climbing mat and spiders web rope climbing wall. There is also a big pyramid rope climbing frame, nature area with logs and rocks, two person pommel bounce, birds nest swing, standard swings, in ground trampoline, big disk spinner to sit on and spin around, surfboard springer and a structure on the side for younger kids with wave slide, climbing wall, zig-zag bridge, ladders and stepping stones.

There is a basketball court, shelter with two tables and BBQ, sheltered BBQ and another area with two unshaded tables and BBQs.

Playground is located just as you enter Lakes Entrance on the left side near the bridge when travelling from Melbourne. It is located next to the back lake and highway but road noise isn't too bad. The tourist information centre is on the other side of Marine Parade.

Mt Lookout Road Playground, Wy Yung



Apex funded playground which is mostly under shade sails. The main structure has a spiral slide, tunnel, curved ladder, walkway, steps, abacus, shop front and monkey bars. Also stepping stones, stand-on spinner, two person pommel bounce, two person suspended rocker, swings, sandpit with mechanical scoop, spinning orb with hand wheel and speed boat rocker.

Two shaded tables, unshaded table and seats, water tap, small grassy area and basketball court. Located opposite the Wy Yung hotel just out of Bairnsdale.

The best skate parks in this region are:

Lakes Entrance Skatepark (Concrete park which provides challenge for the brave. There is a big mini with hellish spine. There is also a set of stairs, bank and quarter hips, big bowl corner and smaller corner)



Bairnsdale Skatepark (A cutdown steel vert ramp and a metal street course with a lot of decent varied obstacles)



There are also skate parks at Cann River Skatepark, Mallacoota Skatepark and Orbost Skatepark.

The best BMX track in this region is:

Lake Tyers BMX Track (Racing style BMX track with a roughly oval shape. Has five medium jumps, one really high jump with flat top and a banked turn. Nice setting amongst native trees)



Reviews of all playgrounds, skate parks and BMX Tracks in the East Gippsland Shire council region are here:

Family activities in the East Gippsland Shire region include:

Bairnsdale

Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre (Local advice on activities in the region)

Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool (50m outdoor pool, learn to swim pool, toddlers' pool and kiosk)

East Gippsland Rail Trail (94km trail along the former railway route between Bairnsdale and Newmeralla near Orbost)

Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve (Walk along the boardwalk to enjoy the abundant birdlife and other animals that inhabit the morass)

East Gippsland Art Gallery (A dynamic community gallery with a large number of exhibitions a year)

Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place (Displays provide an in-depth look at the Indigenous history of the Gunai / Kurnai people from pre-European settlement through to the present day)

East Gippsland Historical Museum (Has seven main rooms which showcase furniture, furnishings and artefacts from the days of our parents and grandparents)

Mitchell River Walk (5.4 km loop along the river banks within the town)

Sun Bairnsdale Cinema Centre (Shows a selection of current and classic movies)

Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (Indoor 8 lane 25m pool, a learn to swim/toddler pool, spa and sauna)

Bairnsdale Archery, Mini Golf and Games Park (Bairnsdale Fun Park) (Activities include archery, mini golf, golf driving range, bungee trampoline, baseball/softball/cricket batting cage, merry-go-round, jumping castle, lawn bowls, skittles, spaceball, sand art, solar heated swimming pool, and various free novelty games, plus playground, barbeques, and shelter area)

Right Track Tours (Personalized and customized touring experiences in the region)

Lakes Entrance

Blackball & Basket Mini Golf (18 hole outdoor mini golf course)

Esplanade Mini Golf (Outdoor 18 hole mini golf course)

Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre (Local advice on attractions and activities)

Lakes Entrance Surf Shack (Learn to Surf from the professionals with everything provided)

Lakes Entrance Mini Golf (An amusement park featuring an 18 hole mini golf course and pit trampolines)

Lakes Entrance Cinema (Films in a unique retro setting)

Lakes Entrance Camel Rides (Rides along the beach)

Peels Cruises (A range of different cruises on the lake)

Footbridge Mini Golf, Lolly Shop and Ice Cream Parlour (A fun and interactive 18 hole outdoor mini golf)

Lakes Entrance Aquadome (An indoor 6 lane, 25m pool, learn to swim pool, toddlers' pool, spa and sauna)

Walk to The Entrance (A 5km return walk along sandy paths which passes a historic precinct)

Victor Hire Boats (A range of fun, safe and reliable watercraft to hire)

Sea Myth Fishing Charters (Ocean charter fishing service)

Tree Stump Sculptures (A chainsaw artist has transformed six Cypress stumps into memorials showing moments and stories from history)

Far Out Charters (Fishing charters on a boat capable of fishing in Bass Strait)

Griffiths Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display ( Features over 90,000 items including a 10 metre coral reef)

Lonsdale Cruises (Eco cruises to view dolphins, seals, birds, wildlife flora and fauna)

Mallacoota

Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve near Mallacoota (A unique accommodation experience in the Assistant Light Keeper's residence or take a tour of the lighthouse)

Sue's Bribes Bike Hire (Explore Mallacoota the healthy way on the new lakeside pathway and surrounding area)

WWII Operations Bunker Museum (A restored RAAF Advanced Operations Base which was part of a chain of high security wartime defence bases located around the Australian coastline)

Mallacoota Coastal Walk (A 9km walk along the coast which can be tackled in sections)

Cruises on M.V. Loch-Ard (Cruise the lakes and rivers of Mallacoota aboard the historic M.V. Loch-Ard)

Mallacoota Hire Boats (Power boats, kayaks, stand up boards and pedal boats for hire)

Mallacoota Surf Shack (Learn to surf from the professionals with everything provided)

Marlo

Cape Conran Coastal Park near Marlo (Heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands. Activities include swimming, diving, boating, fishing, rock pooling, walks and camping)

Metung

Pelican Feeding (Watch the pelican feeding daily at noon in front of the famous waterfront Metung Hotel)

Riviera Nautic (Skipper your own yacht, cruiser or day boat on the Gippsland Lakes)

Metung Visitor Information Centre (Help for visitors with booking accommodation, tours and activities)

Metung Water Play Park (A nice little water play park located next to a playground really hits the spot on a warm day)

Nowa Nowa

Stony Creek Trestle Bridge (Two viewing areas of the historic trestle bridge)

Nowa Nowa Mountain Bike Park (20km of mountain bike trails and 15 km dual purpose tracks for walking and cycling)

Nowa Nowa Sculpture Trail and Walks (A number of walks from 1.4km to 4.3km including one walk with outdoor sculptures)

Omeo

Oriental Claims Historic Area (Walking tracks and interpretive signage guide you through the history of the area and the stories of the Chinese and European miners and their families)

Things to Do in Omeo (List of activities around Omeo)

Omeo Golf Course (Course with grass greens)

Omeo Historical Park and Justice Precinct (Five heritage listed buildings make up the Justice Precinct with the collection housed in and around the Historic Park)

Omeo Region Visitor Information Centre (Local advice about attractions)

Omeo Town Walks (Walks around the town ranging from 1 - 3.4km)

Orbost

Snowy River Cycling (Offers cycle tours through the mountains, forests and tiny communities of far East Gippsland)

Orbost Outdoor Pool (A 50m main pool and toddlers pool)

Orbost Visitor Information Centre (Large array of tourist information, maps, books on the area, local produce and trinkets, while you enjoy the open fire in winter and the natural coolness in summer)

Paynesville

Bulls Cruisers (Self-drive cruiser hire fleet on the largest inland waterway in the southern hemisphere with no boat licence required)

Sail Safari (Variety of sailing charters on the Gippsland Lakes)

Paynesville Maritime Museum (A small museum display which tells the story of maritime Paynesville)

Raymond Island Ferry & Koalas (Raymond Island is well-known for its large koala population and for the Raymond Island Ferry, a chain ferry that links the island to Paynesville on the mainland)

Swifts Creek

Cassilis Historic Area (Walks touch on the history of extensive gold mining operations in the area)

Great Alpine Gallery (A gallery space featuring rotating displays of the work of local artists, as well as a number of special exhibitions each year. Many of the works on show are available for sale)

Tambo Valley Golf Course (Course with nine holes located 15km north of the Swifts Creek)

Swifts Creek Swimming Pool (24m outdoor pool as well as a shaded paddle pool for young children)

Swifts Creek Town Walks (1-2 km walks around the town)

Other Locations

Packers High Country Horseriding at Anglers Rest (A range of trail rides including multi-day)

Benambra Town Walks (Walks around 1.2km in length)

Gippsland High Country Tours at Bruthen (Destinations for small group tours include Alpine National Park, Errinundra National Park, Snowy River National Park, Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland Lakes and Mitchell River National Park)

Bruthen Walking Trails near Bruthen (Walking trails meander through State forest, highlighting local historic features)

Buchan Caves Reserve at Buchan (Cave tours, walks, picnicking and camping)

Alfred National Park near Cann River (An area for the protection of distinct vegetation communities but with limited recreational opportunities for visitors)

Coopracambra National Park near Chandlers Creek (Four-wheel drive access and opportunities for extended remote 'off track' walks)

Bemm River Scenic Reserve near Club Terrace (A pocket of warm temperate rainforest, drier eucalypt forest and a range of plant communities in between with a 1km McKenzie River Rainforest Walk)

Errinundra National Park near Club Terrace (Offers tranquil walks and scenic drives)

Lind National Park near Club Terrace (With limited recreational facilities the best way to experience the park is by traversing the Euchre Valley Nature Drive)

Snowy River National Park (Dominated by the Snowy River and offers spectacular river scenery, magnificent deep gorges, and forests. Activities include canoeing, rafting, walking, 4WD and car touring)

Clarkeville Miniature Railway at Forge Creek (A miniature passenger railway which runs on the first Sunday of the month)

The Witches Garden at Mitta Mitta (Contains common and unusual plants and is place where you can discover how they have been used for healing)

Mount Taylor Mountain Bike Park at Mount Taylor (A downhill track, all mountain track and a cross country track)

Nyerimilang Heritage Park at Nungurner (The homestead is set among semi-formal gardens on a cliff top above the Gippsland Lakes. Picnic spots are surrounded by garden and scenic walks meander along bush and farm tracks)

Pearl Lugger Cruises at Nungurner (Experience a cruise sailing around the Gippsland Lakes aboard the oldest surviving Pearl Lugger from Broome in Western Australia)

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park (A narrow coastal reserve along a portion of the Ninety Mile Beach, from Seaspray to Lakes Entrance. Activities include walking, swimming, camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, horse riding)

Croajingolong National Park (Follows the far‐eastern coastline of Victoria for 100km and features eucalypt forest, rainforest and heathland. Activities include walking, remote coastal camping and all water activities)

Maude And Yellow Girl Mining Site at Glen Valley (The gold treatment plants historic area with signage makes for a nice picnic spot)

Mitchell River National Park near Iguana Creek (Activities include walks, car touring, picnicking, camping, canoeing, rafting and horse-riding)

Colquhoun Forest Mountain Bike Park near Kalimna West (7km and 15km trails plus a pump track)

Lake Tyers Charters (Boat charters on Lake Tyers plus canoe & kayak hire)

Lake Tyers Forest Park (Offers a number of areas for picnics, beautiful bush walks, boating, canoeing, fishing, camping and forest drives)

The Lakes National Park near Loch Sport (Activities include camping, picnicking, nature trail and walks)

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Web Links

→ www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au


The Top Family Activities and Playgrounds in the East Gippsland Shire Region, Bairnsdale, Victoria, 3875