Introduction

The Port of Gippsland Lakes covers 420 square kilometres and is one of Australia’s biggest and most beautiful inland waterways. It stretches from Sale in the west to Lakes Entrance in the east, and covers the lower reaches of the rivers Latrobe, Nicholson, Mitchell and Tambo plus the Lakes of Wellington, Victoria and King.

Access to the Bass Strait is via Lakes Entrance. This man made Entrance was opened in 1889 and has provided an important contribution to the region’s history and economy since

General Information

The waters of Gippsland Lakes are safe and pleasant to navigate but there are areas of shallow water, which may not be identified by navigation aids. For this reason it is advisable to carry a compass, obtain good local knowledge of the Lakes system and avoid navigating at night.

Many parts of the Lakes are only accessible by boat. The area is subject to prevailing southwesterly winds in winter and southeasterly winds in summer.

Public toilets, picnic facilities and fresh water are available at, or in the vicinity of most public jetties.

Public Jetty Berthing

There are numerous public destination jetties for casual berthing throughout the Lakes system,. It should be noted that time limits apply to all public jetties. Marinas are located at Lakes Entrance, Metung, Paynesville, Loch Sport and Sale.

Public Swing Moorings

Public swing moorings are available in Duck Arm (x3) and at Waddy Point (x2)

Tides

Tidal predictions can be found in the current edition of the Victorian Tide Tables

Note: During the period of summer time, 1 hour must be added to the times shown in these tables.

Boat Ramp Locations

(In most weather conditions ramps are operable all year round, located at:)

Note: The above ramps are managed by local councils

Sewerage Pump out Stations

Port of Sale

Loch Sport Marina

Metung – The Moorings

Paynesville – services jetty

Note: Available only during business hours

Sewerage Disposal Hoppers

Bunga Arm

Duck Arm

On Water Fuelling Installation

Metung – The Moorings

Metung - Riviera Nautic P/L

Paynesville - services jetty

Lakes Entrance – Fisherman’s Co-op (LEFCOL) – diesel only.

Note: Available only during business hours.

AREA INFORMATION

Lakes Entrance to Metung

Lakes Entrance is located where Bass Strait is open to the lakes system. This entrance can be extremely dangerous, given certain conditions. Strong tidal influences are experienced in this area.

Vessels navigating in Reeve Channel with the tide have “right of way” over vessels stemming the tide. Cunninghame Arm is navigable up to the footbridge, itinerant mooring are available at the boat harbours. North Arm channel has navigation beacons with an average depth of water of 2 metres in the lower reaches.

Hopetoun and Rigby Channels are navigable, however care should be taken, because of moving shoals. Reeve Channel is well defined. Bancroft Bay has good water with safe anchorages in Chinaman’s and Boxes Creek.

Public jetties in this area are located in Cunninghame Arm, Flagstaff, Drews Landing, Kalimna, North Arm, Barrier Landing Nungurner and Metung, however time limits apply.

Lake King

Provides good depth with well defined navigation beacons. This lake is affected by south west and easterly winds, sea conditions may vary. Tambo, Nicholson and Mitchell Rivers are navigable; all have entrance beacons and provide safe anchorages.

Gergon and Castairs Banks on the southern side require sea room for clear passage. McMillan Strait at Paynesville provides shelter from prevailing winds.

Lake Victoria

The water depth average is 5 metres, throughout its length however, shallowing occurs towards McLennan Strait. At the eastern end the Aurora and Bunga Arm Channels are clearly defined leading to Ocean Grange and Bunga Arm.

Newlands Arm off McMillan Strait, Duck Arm and Picnic Arm in the east, Loch Sport, Blonde Bay and Toms Creek in the west provide safe anchorages.

McLennan Strait

This strait joins Lake Victoria to Lake Wellington. There is an average depth of 4 metres. Beacons mark entry and exit of the strait. Safe anchorage throughtout.

Lake Wellington

Due to the limited depth of water in Lake Wellington it is recommended for vessels with a maximum draught of 2 metres. Changing weather conditions, the shallow depth and lack of shelter, can change the sea state in a short time. A bombing range is defined in the south western corner of the lake.

The Latrobe, Avon and Perry Rivers provide good anchorages.