Page 450 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

448  VIC T ORIA

The Gippsland Coastline

The beautiful coastline of Gippsland is equal to any
natural wonder of the world. Approximately 400 km 3 Woodside Beach
(250 miles) of deserted beaches, inlets and coves are  S  7 m
largely protected by national park status. There is the This easily accessible white sandy
largest inland lake system in Australia, Gippsland beach is popular with families,
sunbathers and surfers. The area
Lakes, the pristine sands of Ninety Mile Beach and behind the beach benefits from
rare natural features such as the Mitchell River silt many well-signposted bushwalks.
jetties. Birds, fish, seals and penguins abound in
the area. With little commercial development, the 6 Gippsland Lakes S D 7 m
coastline is a popular location with anglers, sailors, The lagoons, backwaters, islands
and lakes of this region make up
divers, swimmers and campers. Australia’s biggest inland waterway.
Lakeside settlements are home to
large sailing and fishing fleets.

Port Albert, the oldest port in Gippsland,
was used by thousands of gold diggers
heading for the Omeo and Walhalla gold
fields in the 1850s. Quaint buildings with
shady verandas line its streets. The B500
Maritime Museum displays the
area’s naval history.
Bairnsdale
5 . Letts Beach  S D m
This sandy beach benefits from the
ocean on one side and beautiful
lakes on the other. Part of the Lakes Paynesville
National Park, the beach is home to
the endangered fairy tern. GIPPSLAND
The Lakes
National Park
Sale
Sale
2 Corner Inlet S m A1
This small inlet protects some Bass Strait
of the world’s most southerly J
mangroves and seagrass beds,
as well as rare birds such as
the red-necked stint.
C482 B440 Seaspray

Yarram
MELBOURNE B440
Port Albert

J
1 . Squeaky Beach, Wilsons
Promontory National Park
 S D 7 m 4 . Golden Beach
Wilsons Promontory The white sand beach of this  S D m
National Park
former land bridge to Tasmania The calm waters of this stretch
is framed by granite boulders, of ocean make it a popular
spectacular mountain views, destination for water sports
fern gullies and open heathlands enthusiasts. Fishing and sailing
which are a sanctuary for plants are two of the regular activities
Tidal River and wildlife. available in the area.
For additional map symbols see back flap