Set out for adventure on Gippsland's waterways from lively Paynesville – a charming village surrounded by lakes on three sides, with canals and inlets providing plentiful sheltered moorings for boats.
Watersports
Paynesville is the region's boating capital. Anglers, windsurfers, jet skiers, and water skiers flock to the town to take to the water. Waterski the lakes, fish for black bream and mullet, or watch for dolphins playing in the water. Explore the Mitchell River silt jetties, the largest silt jetties in the world. There are good views from Eagle Point Bluff and a vehicle track that provides a closer view and leads to some fine fishing spots.
Lakeside dining
Hit the local walking trails to work up an appetite and then tuck into fresh local seafood and seasonal dishes at one of many excellent restaurants in town with views of the water. Enjoy a cold brew at sunset and then settle in for a sumptuous dinner perched right on the pier at Pier 70 or along the esplanade at Sardine Eatery & Bar.
Koala spotting
Foot passengers can take the free car and passenger ferry to Raymond Island across the McMillan Strait. Raymond Island is one of the best places in Victoria to go koala spotting and is also home to over 60 bird species and many species of ground orchids and wildflowers.
Raymond Island
Raymond Island draws nature lovers for some of the best koala-spotting around. Jump on the ferry from Paynesville, 300 kilometres from Melbourne, and hit the island's Koala Trail. The clearly marked path leads you among the gum trees. Don't forget to look up: the cute creatures are probably fast asleep above you, though you may be lucky enough to spot one out and about. You can walk the trail in 20 minutes, and follow up with a scenic picnic lunch.
Paynesville Farmers' & Makers' Market
The Paynesville Farmer's & Makers' Market on the Foreshore in Paynesville features the finest produce and crafts of East Gippsland. East Gippsland is renowned for its fresh farm produce. Local producers and craftspeople take pride in what they have on offer and are keen to share it with you. The market is held the 4th Saturday of the month from 8.00 am until 1.00pm. 
H2O Tours & Adventures
H2O Tours & Adventures provides scheduled tours to Explore the Gippsland Lakes. Scheduled tours and adventures depart from Progress Jetty in Paynesville and include tours to Paynesville and the Canals, Ninety Mile Beach, Ocean Grange, Rotamah Island, Sperm Whale Head & Metung Village.
H2O also offers private charters for corporate events, weddings and engagements, special occasions and celebrations, Christmas parties and birthday parties.
A private charter is all about you. Choose your own itinerary or let the team design a tour for you. Their experienced Skipper and host will provide you with a day to remember. Their private transfers are able to provide you with transfers to Bunga Arm, also known as 'the Back Lake' and all the other destinations listed. If you would just like to explore these destinations on your own for a few hours or a whole day and want a transfer to get there and back then this is a perfect option.
Sail Safari
Sail Safari has been operating sailing charters on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria for the past 20 years, offering a variety of experiences. From a full 'learning to sail' adventure to a more relaxed canal cruise around the Paynesville estate. The Victorian, Gippsland Lakes region of Paynesville is a comfortable 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne (also serviced by public transport) and is a delightful paradise for anyone remotely interested in boats, wildlife, photography or relaxation. It is simply perfect for relaxing in peaceful surroundings
Ride the Koalas
Ride the Koalas operates a fleet of two and four-seater surrey bikes for hire on Raymond Island's Koala Trail. The island is a natural paradise just waiting to be discovered. 
Koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, dolphins, all manner of birdlife and beautiful flora, including rare orchids, can be seen in abundance. The best way to see all this natural beauty is by surrey bike. You can either follow the Koala Trail on the island or wander as you will. The surrey bikes are an interesting, alternative fun way to get around and spot the koalas high up in the trees. You can have a fun family ride on the four-seater bike or the two-seater bike. The bikes come complete with shade and a very handy route map. An hour-long hire is about the right amount of time to cover the sights.
Where to Eat and Drink in Paynesville
Pier 70
3.5 hours east of Melbourne on the Gippsland Lakes lies Paynesville, often referred to as 'The boating capital of Victoria. Pier 70 is a restaurant situated in an iconic waterfront location on the Esplanade in the heart of town. Lunch at Pier 70 is a relaxed, casual affair. The well-balanced menu is seasonal with seafood dishes and daily specials prominent. The restaurant is air-conditioned and the bar has tri-fold doors opening onto a waterfront deck. It’s the perfect place for lazy afternoon 'sippers where dolphins and seals are often part of the passing water traffic.
Evenings at Pier 70 are something that needs to be experienced. The chef has designed the most mouth-watering modern Australian menu – a particular high point being the South Gippsland beef fillet - it quite literally melts in the mouth.
As well as a well-stocked bar, Pier 70 boasts a new list of hand-selected regional, national and international wines. If something exotic floats your boat, you will also be pleased to hear they have an exclusive cocktail menu personally designed by their passionate restaurant manager. Whatever your reason for visiting, you can be sure of a great welcome at Pier 70.
SARDINE dining
Established October 2017, Sardine Eatery and Bar overlooks Raymond Island in Paynesville. The ever-changing, menu of Gippsland's finest produce by award-winning chef, Mark Briggs compliments the beverage list of local and international wines and beers. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and late lunch on Friday and Saturday.
Sardine dining offers a tasting menu, featuring multiple dishes for $85 per person plus a degustation menu, featuring all of the chef's favourites including exclusive dishes. Choosing from these set menus is compulsory for parties of seven or more.
Sardine Eatery and Bar was awarded One Hat in The Age Good Food Guide 2019 and 2020 and Mark Briggs is the recipient of The Age Young Chef of the Year 2013.
Sardine CANTINA
Sardine CANTINA is a wine bar and store; serving wine, cheese, charcuterie and conserves from Victorian producers and across the globe. From the team behind the popular hatted restaurant SARDINE eatery + bar.
Where to Stay in Paynesville, Gippsland, Victoria
If you have a doggo and want to take a trip to Paynesville, then the perfect place to stay is Captains Edge bookable now on Search and Stay.
This beautifully appointed family home sleeps 9 and has a fully fenced yard and kennel for the furry members of the family. The relaxing holiday retreat is an entertainer's delight. An outdoor entertainment area with a bbq, and outdoor table and chairs let you make the most of the easy backyard space.
Captains Edge offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with plenty of room to sleep the 9 guests in your family or extended family.
Content and Image Credit: VisitVictoria: VisitVictoria, businesses as represented.