Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance drive: Distance, time & road trip stops

The best road trip attractions on the Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance drive include Adventure Fun Park Gippsland, Lakes Entrance Helicopters and Jemmys Point Lookout. The 40km drive takes around 35 minutes.

The drive from Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance, Victoria, connects the largest town in East Gippsland to the region’s most popular holiday town. It is a short hop down the Princes Highway, around the Gippsland Lakes system.

Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance distance and driving time

The distance from Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance by car is 40km, with a driving time of around 35 minutes.

Shortly after leaving Bairnsdale, you’ll pass Adventure Fun Park Gippsland. This kid-friendly attraction offers a wide range of activities, including archery, go-karting, laser tag and mini golf. It is aimed more at locals – particularly kids’ parties – than it is at overseas visitors, however.

Assuming you don’t want to detour to lakeside Metung, the Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance drive then continues through Nicholson and Swan Reach, which has a nice spot on the Tambo River.

Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance drive: Road trip attractions

Later on, the Colquhoun Regional Park is just to the north of the Princes Highway. The Colquhoun Mountain Bike Park at the southern end should keep mountain bikers happy for a few hours.

Just before arriving at Lakes Entrance, you’ll pass through Kalimna West, home to Lakes Entrance Helicopters. This helicopter tour company offers several options for scenic flights above the Gippsland Lakes and along the coast of 90 Mile Beach.

Bairnsdale to Lakes Entrance drive: Lookouts in Kalimna

There are also a couple of good lookouts in Kalimna before descending into Lakes Entrance. The Lakes Entrance Lookout and Jemmys Point Lookout come right after each other, both offering excellent views over the mazy lakes system.

Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland, Victoria. Photo courtesy of Visit Victoria.

Things to do in Lakes Entrance upon arrival include bodysurfing at either 90 Mile Beach or Lakes Entrance Beach, plus wildlife-focused lake cruises with Lonsdale Eco Cruises . You can also hire a kayak from Venture Out and bounce around the inflatable obstacles of the Lakes Entrance Aqua Park. Accommodation options include the NRMA Eastern Beach holiday park, the well-reviewed Cunningham Shore Motel and the family-friendly Big4 Whiters Holiday Village.