Lakes Entrance & Gippsland 26

DAY 1

ALBURY / WODONGA – LAKES ENTRANCE WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH, 2026
Welcome aboard Martins touring Coach for our 5 day scenic escape through Lakes Entrance and Gippsland – where coastal beauty, charming towns and nature -filled adventure await. Departing Lavington Shopping Centre Griffith Road at 6.45am, Albury Railway Station 7.00am, and Wodonga Plaza Smythe Street 7.15am, our journey takes us via the Omeo Highway through some wonderful scenery over the mountainous areas through the Alpine National Park. We travel through Mount Hotham at a peak of 1825 metres on the highest, year-round accessible bitumen road in Victoria. To take advantage of our wonderful viewpoint, we make our way to Dinner Plain for a comfort stop and time to purchase morning tea. Arriving in Omeo, we can look at the unique and quirky German Cuckoo Clock Shop before lunch at the Golden Age Hotel Motel. After lunch, continue to Bairnsdale, an idyllic garden town with many reminders of the booming gold rush days. Some of Bairnsdale’s architecture is also of interest. The most striking building in the town is the Court House which was opened in 1894. The local Visitors Centre is right next to St Mary’s Catholic Church. Take a quick look inside as the murals on the ceilings and walls of the church are quite stunning! We then travel into Lakes Entrance to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Bellevue on the Lakes, Lakes Entrance Ph: (03) 5150 6400 (2 Nights)

DAY 2

LAKES ENTRANCE THURSDAY 19TH MARCH
For anyone who likes a walk before breakfast, take a stroll along the promenade to see some unique wooden sculptures. A local wood carver has taken the stumps of trees and carved them into six World War I images. After breakfast we will be met by our local guide for a tour of Lakes Entrance. Late morning we visit Wyanga Park Winery overlooking the north arm of Lakes Entrance. It is the oldest vineyard in East Gippsland. Try some of the excellent wine this mild, maritime climate helps produce and enjoy the eye-catching exhibition of native art that decorates the winery walls. Return to Lakes Entrance and board the Thunderbird Catamaran for a scenic cruise of the Gippsland Lakes to Metung for lunch at the Metung Hotel. This afternoon we make our way to the remarkable Nyerimilang Heritage Park. Situated by a tranquil lake, this homestead served as a retreat for fishing enthusiasts during the late 1800s. Today the homestead, which features a display on the history of Nyerimilang, the natural resources and history of the Gippsland Lakes, is protected by the National Trust. The semi-formal garden and lawns, with views to the water, contain an interesting collection of exotic and native species. We return to Lakes Entrance via a stop at the Jemmys Point lookout for great views of the lakes and Bass Strait.

DAY 3

LAKES ENTRANCE – SALE - WARRAGUL FRIDAY 20TH MARCH
This morning takes us to the historic Port of Sale. Here we stroll down memory lane and visit the Museum of Timeless Memories. From hats to harvesters, pumps to pots, bikes to beaters and toys to traps there is something for everyone at this eclectic museum. Onboard Port of Sale Cruises, you can drift back into a time when waterways were highways. From here we head to Port Albert for our takeaway fish and chips lunch overlooking the water. After lunch we visit a true Gippsland identity at Beloka Kelpies Stud. Paul Macphail has been breeding and training dogs since the early nineties and here you’ll get to witness him and his four-legged co-workers in action. From veterans to pups it will be a fun and intriguing afternoon. Continuing on to Warragul, we have time to freshen up before our dinner next door at Newmason.
Accommodation: Mercure Warragul, Warragul Ph: (03) 5618 3500 (2 Nights)

DAY 4

UNIQUE WALHALLA EXPERIENCE SATURDAY 21ST MARCH
Today the circular trip takes us to historic Walhalla. Hidden away deep in a valley in the Victorian Alps, it was one of Victoria's great gold mining towns in the late 19th century. Now home to fewer than 20 permanent residents they are determined to keep the spirit and memories of this once thriving village alive. Embark on a fun ride on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway and experience the spectacular scenery and beauty of Springers Creek Gorge through to the Thomson River. Pass signs of the gold era, foundations of homes long gone, untended garden beds and exotic European trees. After our train ride, we have lunch at the Goods Shed Café. This afternoon we continue to Moe for a visit and guided tour of Old Gippstown, a historic township showcasing a collection of authentic buildings dating back from the 1840's through to the 1930's, with displays telling Gippsland history. We then return to our hotel and relax before dinner at Newmason.

DAY 5

WARRAGUL – YARRA VALLEY – WODONGA / ALBURY SUNDAY 22ND MARCH
Our journey this morning takes the scenic drive through the picturesque towns of the Neerim District via Noojee and Powelltown. Our farewell lunch will be enjoyed at the Beechworth Bakery in Healesville. From here we return to our home destination arriving into Albury approximately 6.00pm from an amazing tour exploring Lakes Entrance and the West Gippsland Region.

INCLUDES

Coach travel for duration of tour
Accommodation on basis as booked
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Entrances to attractions and cruises as per itinerary
Goods & Services Tax

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner