The park
Lakes Entrance is an easy four hour drive from Melbourne or eight hours from Sydney, and serves as a gateway to both the Gippsland Lakes and the wider Gippsland region. The holiday park occupies a tranquil stretch along what is known as the Cunninghame Arm and is within walking distance of Ninety Mile Beach. It’s one of the best equipped holiday parks in the state, with kids’ facilities including a playground and a jumping pillow, plus go karts, a heated pool and kayak hire. Parents will love the free children’s activities during school holidays, while those want to stay connected will appreciate the free wifi hotspots and free Foxtel in the villas.
The accommodation
Whether you’d prefer to pitch a tent or stay in luxury in a large private villa, you’ll find the right type of accommodation for you. Both the powered and unpowered camping sites are generously proportioned, while the ensuite sites are ideal for campers who’d prefer a private bathroom with shower. There are two types of villas to choose from: deluxe villas, which sleep four and offer plenty of room to stretch out, and waterview villas, which sleep up to five. All villas come equipped with air conditioning and spacious modern kitchens, plus living rooms with TVs, DVD players and Foxtel. Best of all, each villa boasts a private verandah with barbecue.
The neighbourhood
Lakes Entrance is a charming seaside town with plenty to keep adventure junkies, couples and families occupied. The undisputed highlight is pristine Ninety Mile Beach, which is patrolled by lifesavers during summer and is popular with both casual swimmers and dedicated surfers. Inland, the Gippsland Lakes offer endless opportunities for exploration, whether you grab a kayak from the holiday park, hire a paddle boat from the nearby Lakes Entrance Paddle Boats and Catamaran Hire, or book a boat tour with a local company such as Lonsdale Eco Cruise. If fishing is your thing, be sure to ask the locals at one of the several gear stores, including the Leftrade Gear Store, where the best catches can currently be found. Unsurprisingly, there’s great seafood to be had in town, don’t miss the floating Ferryman’s Seafood Cafe for a casual feed and Miriam’s for a white tablecloth experience. Six Sisters & A Pigeon serves the best coffee in town.