2026 Bairnsdale Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Ready for an unforgettable getaway? My Lakes Entrance trip was straight-up dreamy with chill days, adorable wildlife, and the kind of scenery that slaps. Here’s how I vibed out on Raymond Island and made the most of every single minute! 📅 Itinerary Day 1: Koala Spotting 🐨 Kicked things off by wandering down the Koala Trail (5 Devon Rd, Paynesville VIC 3880, Australia), open daily from 6am–7pm! Spotted koalas just chilling in the trees—literally heart-melting. Pro tip: Go early for koala cuteness overload and that fresh Aussie sunshine ☀️. Day 2: Metung Hot Springs & Pure Relaxation 😌♨️ Spent the day melting stress away at Metung Hot Springs, surrounded by lush greenery and that blue water backdrop. The vibes? Immaculate. Perfect for a mood reset and that main character energy. (Hot tip: Swim + soak + selfie = must do!) Day 3: Beach Hang & Viewpoint Magic 🌊🏖️ Hit up the local beach for some sun, splash, and nature shots. The views from the lookout points were next-level—think endless ocean and Insta-worthy panoramas. Honestly, this spot is pure OOO goals. 🏨 Accommodation Found a comfy spot on Raymond Island (Victoria 3880, Australia), with easy access to all the sights—open all day, year-round. Super chill for unwinding after adventures. 🍴 Food Recommendation: Fish and Chips! You *have* to try the local fish and chips—it’s sooo good! Crunchy, golden, perfect after a day of exploring. Absolute chef’s kiss for foodies and snack lovers alike. If you’re craving sunshine, koalas, and down-to-earth Aussie vibes, Raymond Island and Lakes Entrance is where it’s at. Don’t forget to use trip.com for all your bookings—let the adventure begin! 🚀🌴#KoalaWatch

Let’s talk about the ultimate chill trip in Victoria 🐨🌊 — Lakes Entrance and Raymond Island are basically a nature-lover’s dream! Highlights? Watching wild koalas, bird-spotting (like those adorable white parrots perched high in the trees), relaxing in a hot spring, eating classic fish & chips, and soaking up the sunny coastal vibes. Just be ready to bring lots of sunscreen — that Aussie sun is intense! Top Spots to Visit: Lakes Entrance Lookout (Unnamed Road, Kalimna VIC 3909) — 📸 Killer ocean views and top spot for snapshots. Raymond Island (Victoria 3880) — Free entry, open all day! Hop the local ferry and explore the island’s famous koala walk. Besides seeing koalas, keep your eyes peeled for parrots and other native birds. Tips: Definitely pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun is relentless, especially when you’re out watching wildlife or lounging by a hot spring or the sea. Go early for koala spotting — they’re easier to spot before it heats up. Enjoy fresh fish & chips from a local takeaway for lunch. It’s kind of a must in Lakes Entrance! Getting Around: Drive in if you can; rental cars are the easiest way to explore both Lakes Entrance and escape to Raymond Island. Local ferries to Raymond run regularly and are super convenient. Key Details: No visa stress for domestic travel. Most places take cards, but bring some cash for smaller eateries. Weather: bring layers! It’s sunny but breezy by the water. #LakesEntrance #RaymondIsland #AustraliaNature #KoalaWatch #TravelTips

During this 13-day self-guided trip to Australia, there was a truly unforgettable treasure travel memory for both adults and children: a wonderful encounter with 18 wild koalas on Koala Island✨ In the town of Paynesville, Victoria, there is a small island full of surprises—a hidden gem called Raymond Island. This is not a popular tourist spot, with no hustle and bustle. When you land on the island, you have to use your own eyes👀 to find the wild koalas quietly resting in the eucalyptus trees🐨 There are almost no tourists on the island, and being there feels like you are just an ordinary islander👩🏻‍🌾 We took a leisurely stroll around the island and found a total of 18 koalas! 📍Navigation: Paynesville Ferry Service 🎫Tickets: Pedestrians ride the ferry for free; vehicles must pay a $14 round-trip ferry fee (card payment only). If you’re not in a hurry, it’s recommended to park your car in the free parking lot at the pier and walk to find the koalas, which allows you to enjoy the leisurely pleasure of strolling around~ The whole trip is not tiring, just a casual walk. 🗺️Koala Finding Guide: After getting off the ferry, you can see a sign on the right side pointing to the “Koala Trail.” Just follow the path. We personally found two spots where koalas gather more frequently, so you won’t come up empty-handed. I’ve marked them in the third photo for you to reference. 🦘A hidden surprise on the island is a large group of wild kangaroos! (Photo 4) Although they are shy and will run away if you approach, you can still take great photos from a distance. The kangaroos will just stare at you straight on😂 The kangaroo location is also marked in photo 3. 🦢The number of black swans by the lake is simply overwhelming. If you bring biscuits or bread, you can feed them. 🏨Accommodation: Mariners Cove (Photos 7-9) This was a hotel we booked on a whim but turned out to be a complete surprise. It’s just a one-minute walk from the pier! The loft room was very satisfying—especially clean with good bedding, and they even provided some snacks. From the balcony, you can go straight to the pier, see various families’ speedboats, and feed many wild swans🦢 ☕️Dining: Sips and Chips Returning from the island to town, after getting off the pier, walk about ten meters to the left and you’ll find a fish and chips takeaway shop. It’s incredibly delicious and very cost-effective, with large portions that fill you up. Highly recommended! (Photo 10)