The best walks and hikes in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park offers nearly 20 hiking trails, catering to various preferences. The majority of these routes, 17 in total, are rated as easy, making the park accessible for most hikers.

The park features a diverse range of terrain. You can expect to walk along the vast sandy stretches of Ninety Mile Beach, through coastal bushland, wetlands, and heathlands. Some trails also offer gentle descents through gully vegetation to swamplands, providing varied scenery and experiences.

Yes, many trails in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park are suitable for families. The park's abundance of easy routes, such as the Sunset View of Lakes Entrance loop from Lakes Entrance, provide peaceful strolls along the lake's edge through coastal bushland, perfect for all skill levels.

While specific trails may have restrictions, generally, dogs are not permitted in most areas of Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park to protect the diverse wildlife. It's always best to check the latest regulations on the Parks Victoria website before planning your visit. You can find more information at parks.vic.gov.au.

Hikers can experience the iconic Ninety Mile Beach, the serene Gippsland Lakes, and significant wetlands. The park also includes the Boole Poole Peninsula and numerous small islands. For a different perspective, Jemmie's Point loop from Rigby Island Gippsland Lakes Reserve offers views over the Gippsland Lakes, traversing parkland, wetlands, and bushland.

Yes, several circular routes are available. Popular options include the Sunset View of Lakes Entrance loop from Lakes Entrance, which is an easy 4.9 km trail, and the slightly longer Lakes Entrance Beach – Sunset View of Lakes Entrance loop from Lakes Entrance, a 7.1 km route that combines coastal bushland and beach walking.

The park offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. However, spring and autumn generally provide milder temperatures, which are ideal for longer walks. Summer can be pleasant for coastal walks, but be prepared for warmer conditions. Winter offers cooler, often crisp days, perfect for exploring the quieter trails.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is rich in wildlife. Along Ninety Mile Beach, you might spot shore and ocean birds like shearwaters, terns, and gulls. The wetlands are internationally important for waterfowl, including migratory waders and breeding colonies of Fairy Terns and Little Terns. Heathy woodland areas are home to species such as the Common Bronze Wing, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, and Wedge-tailed Eagle. The Koala Spot on Raymond Island – Koala Trail, Raymond Island loop from Paynesville is specifically known for koala sightings.

Access to Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is primarily by car, as public transport options directly to trailheads are limited. However, some towns bordering the park, like Lakes Entrance, may have local bus services. It's advisable to check local transport schedules if you plan to rely on public transport for parts of your journey.

Yes, parking facilities are generally available at popular trailheads and access points within Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Specific parking information can often be found on local signage or through resources provided by Parks Victoria. Many management tracks within the park are closed to private vehicles, providing easy access for walkers to explore secluded areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 43 reviews. Reviewers often praise the park's diverse scenery, from the vast Ninety Mile Beach to the serene Gippsland Lakes and coastal bushland. The variety of easy trails, like the Lake Entrance Walking Trail – Sunset View of Lakes Entrance loop from Lakes Entrance, and opportunities for wildlife observation are also frequently highlighted.