Attraction for Lakes Entrance - and its FREE!

Much has been written of late regarding a downturn in business and visitation in and around Lakes Entrance. Well here is an attraction and something to claim that is free for all and could I believe be the biggest in Victoria even perhaps Australia. What is it?, where is it? you may well ask.


It is sitting right under our noses and once the works at Bank Jetty area have been completed (due next month), free unhindered public access will be available for all. This particular attraction caters for all ages, all levels of fitness, can be used (mostly) by walkers, runners, those with prams, pushers, mobility scooters, "wheelie walkers" and even yes bikes (with care).

So why don't we all get behind this and put out our claim, publicise our unique individual ready made attraction, claim it as the biggest in Victoria or even Australia and see if anyone can beat it. It is for them to disprove.! Let em try I say!!

"Lakes Entrance has the longest, unbroken, all accessible, most varied waterside pathway in Australia".   Can anyone beat it?   By my calculations, and to be confirmed by anyone with a pedometer, fitbit, (or long tape!!), starting from just East of  Koonwarra Holiday Park, Lakes Entrance has an unbroken and almost flat pathway of  a tad over 3 km to the roundabout at the highway bridge and, if you include the pathway over the highway bridge and along to Kalimna Jetty (which is unsealed) this unbroken path covers over 5kms.

Now if you do a little diversion over the footbridge to see the ocean, and 90 mile beach, that total distance is almost 6 kms. It is also the closest point at which the Princes Highway comes to the ocean between Sydney and Melbourne. There you go, another piece of trivia.

For all you walkers, joggers runners etc this is a great measure for you. For the rest of us normal people, what does it offer, at the start, the calm waters of the upper reaches of Cunninghame Arm, laden with swans pelicans and other bird-life.

As you approach the "footbridge" the scene changes to the more touristy aspect of our town, the local "Bocce" club have a court adjacent to the road, divert across the bridge to the ocean beaches, or simply stand on the bridge and admire the view.  If in need of refreshment there are plenty of options here, eat and drink in or sit outside and enjoy the sea air.

Continue down our Esplanade opposite the shops and view the range of fishing boats and wharves along the way.  If you time it right watch fishing boats being prepared for the next voyage or see the commercial oil/gas supply vessels being loaded or unloaded. A different totally view on the town along here.

Who could forget the almost iconic wood carvings along this pathway, a tribute to our fallen and to those who served and who still serve in the name of freedom, democracy, free speech, our country and way of life.

Now towards the Bank Jetty you pass the old slipway and its shed where the fishing fleet used to be maintained and repaired. Next door is the Coastguard station with its vessel the "Pinky B" moored ready for action. The volunteer crew provide such a great service to mariners in the area.

 

Now for the new bit, the Boardwalk between the Coastguard and Bank Jetty, I am looking forward to trying this out, by the plans, it looks as though another view of the area will be available.

The range of private vessels moored on the jetties are many and varied and extend to the beach area  and more boardwalks all the way to Post Office Jetty passing the newer jetty Cunninghame Quay (opposite the Central Hotel) and moorings, you can even wander its full length and enjoy a relaxing seat on the end overlooking the waters of the "front lake", Cunninghame Arm. From either of these jetties tours can be taken around the Lakes, to Metung, Paynesville and the Winery which can be accessed from North Arm.

 

  

Now again the scenery changes, you pass by floating restaurants and the Western Harbour where  another part of the fishing fleet is moored, further to the west, more private mooring for a range of vessels just waiting to be taken for a trip out.  More opportunities here for refreshment on both sides of the road.

 

Wander further along to the west and you pass the shallow section of the front lake, a sandy beach especially at low tide where swans are often seen feeding from weed on the lake bed, and a spit area which leads to a view of the Fishing Co op wharf. But stay on the pathway and you will pass palm trees and come to the Visitor Centre on the right. Now a choice has to be made.

Either cross the road (Bullock Island Road) and follow the path over the footbridge and then dip down along the shores of North Arm and continue to Kalimna Jetty along the gravel pathway at the waters edge. This will add another 2 kms each way to your journey.

 

Alternatively you could follow Bullock Island Road and make a visit to the Lakes Entrance Fishing Cop-op. If you time it right you can watch the catch of the day being unloaded from the various vessels fishing local waters or just pop in the shop and buy local fish for your dinner.

 

For those who are of the mind what about diverting along North Arm and walking along the waterside pathway to the Recreation Reserve, from here you can cut back through to the main highway at the Post Office. Yet another different view of Lakes Entrance, (a later installment).

 

So there you have it three different walks from 3 to 6 kms each way, do it in stages, take photos along the way, stop for a coffee and cake, or why not have lunch and make it a day out. Explore our own environment, take note of our town, promote it, market it.  It is well catered for with coffee and food outlets, (researching this I have tried most of them!) plenty of parking, it is accessible , (yes I have travelled it on my mini-trike!) and of course when that need arises...yes plenty of well spaced loos too! We have the longest, unbroken, accessible, most diverse, well serviced waterside pathway in Australia.  We have the best one too!  Enjoy it.  Can anyone disprove it?

Footnote: Selected images and many more local scenes are exhibited & for sale at Art Space Lakes Entrance Visitor Centre.
Images Copyright John Munns