2. The Omeo Pump Track.

Omeo is on its way to becoming a mountain biking mecca, with the development of 121kms of trails now underway.

But what’s there already is very cool.

The Omeo Pump Track (see, it spells out O.M.E.O?) is a blast for the kiddos, and for the more experienced riders looking to sharpen their skills.

It’s a beautiful drive to Omeo from the coast, passing through some excellent little towns, including Bruthen and Swifts Creek (bakery crawl, anyone?)

3. Jump on the ferry over to Raymond Island and see the koalas.

Okay, it’s the big secret that Australians are afraid to admit. Koalas are kind of boring and crotchety.

But, it is still cool to see them toodle around.

In addition to the massive koala population, Raymond Island also supports an abundance of kangaroos, echidnas and oodles of native birds.

If you’re lucky you may also spot dolphins at play, jumping from the waters of the lake.

The Raymond Island ferry runs from Paynesville - it’s free if you’re on a bike or are taking Shanks’ Pony.

4. Walk Fairy Dell near Bruthen.

Fairy Dell Flora Reserve is a nature conservation reserve of warm temperate rainforest.

There are picnic tables and BBQs there - it’s a beautiful place for lunch surrounded by the sounds of a unique population of native birds.

5. Rent a boat and get out on the water.

There are several places to hire boats in Lakes Entrance - Google it - as well as boat rentals in Metung and Paynesville.

You don’t need a boat license to take out the smaller boats.

It’s such a simple pleasure - the salt air, the wide open space, exploring beaches and bays you can’t get to any other way.

(Hot tip: if your kid really wants to catch a fish but you’re no expert with the rod and reel, trolling a line and lure behind the boat as you slowly putter around is much easier way to strike it lucky. And if you don’t catch one, hey, you’re on a boat.)

6. Mountain Biking at Nowa Nowa, Colquhoun, or Mount Taylor.

Local tip #1. Colquhoun is a really complicated word that is actually pronounced (at least, by East Gippslanders) “kah-hoon.”

Local tip #2. Nowa Nowa has some really nice gentle runs for the younger kids. If they haven’t tried mountain biking before, or if you are a helicopter parent constantly freaking out about your precious little ones getting hurt, this is your spot.

More info on each of the tracks:
- Colquhoun
- Nowa Nowa
- Mount Taylor

Photo courtesy Venture Out

7. Try Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

These lakes and rivers of ours are perfect for all levels of SUP.

If you’re like 99.999% of the Australian population and don’t own your own stand up paddleboard, no worries, you can rent them at Venture Out. Champions.

(They have bikes and other good stuff too.)

9. The Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreational Centre (the BARC) and the Lakes Entrance Aquadome.

The BARC especially has a great kids splash pool and play area.

The Aquadome often has a very cool water ninja/inflatable jumping castle thingy during school holidays. Keep your eyes on the East Gippsland Shire Council facebook page for that.

At the BARC you can also book courts for basketball, indoor soccer, etc - perfect for working out some energy on a rainy day. Call (03) 5152 5710 for info.

Where The Wild Things Are - Cape Conran is a magic place for kids to be kids.

10. The new playground at Marlo.

We’ve tried this place, and it’s a ripper.

While you’re up that way, you may as well push on another 15 minutes and let the kids run amok at Cape Conran. Camp at Banksia Bluff, explore the rockpools on the western end of East Cape beach.

The good news for parents is that, to get to Marlo, you have to pass through Orbost. Which is where Sailors Grave Brewing is, a place where friendly and interesting people make and sell delicious beer. Winner.

Photo courtesy Visit Gippsland

Okay, 11. Den of Nargun loop walk.

It’s just really amazing down there.

A stunning natural place in the Mitchell River National Park, you’ll feel like you’re in a hobbit movie.

The Den of Nargun is also a good place to introduce your kids to the history and powerful storytelling of the Gunaikurnai peoples, to whom the Den of Nargun was a very special place.
If they want to dig deeper into the history and culture of the original inhabitants of this land, check out the Keeping Place in Bairnsdale.