Gippsland Cruises

Gippsland cruises cover two very different stretches of water: the open Bass Strait coast around Wilsons Promontory and the sheltered Gippsland Lakes. This page covers cruising in Gippsland, Victoria, and sits under things to do in Gippsland.

Cruising the Wilsons Promontory coast

Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park was established in 2003 and covers 155 km2 of water, running from Norman Bay near Tidal River around the tip of the promontory to Cape Wellington and out to the Glennie and Anser island groups. A cruise is one way to see that coastline from the water.

Cruises here, such as the Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise, leave from Tidal River and run along the granite coast to South Point, the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. The route passes Skull Rock and islands including The Glennies, Anderson Islets and Anser Island. That cruise is a 2.5-hour guided trip on custom-built amphibious boats, with a waterproof and windproof jacket and marine park fees included.

Cruising the Gippsland Lakes

The Gippsland Lakes are a network of coastal lakes, marshes and lagoons covering about 354 km2 in East Gippsland, between Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Sale. Lake Wellington, Lake King and Lake Victoria are the largest. The lakes drain into Bass Strait through a short canal near Lakes Entrance, the largest town on them.

Visitors explore the lakes by cruise, water taxi, or boat and kayak hire. Paynesville is laid out along canals and Raymond Island, known for its koalas, is a key attraction nearby. Metung sits on a peninsula almost surrounded by water. About 50 Burrunan dolphins live in the lakes, and the wetlands support about 20,000 waterbirds.

Choosing between a coast cruise and a lakes day

The coast is open water on Bass Strait, so expect wind and cooler air. The Wilsons Promontory cruise asks guests to dress warmly in layers, including a beanie, gloves and a scarf. The lakes are sheltered, with towns, canals and wildlife close to shore. Choose the coast for granite headlands and islands, and the lakes for calmer water with a town to base yourself in.

Cruises run to set departure times and some are seasonal. On the current Wilsons Promontory timetable an 11am cruise runs all year, with a 2pm departure added over the warmer months.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you go on a cruise in Gippsland?

Gippsland cruises run on the Bass Strait coast around Wilsons Promontory and on the Gippsland Lakes in East Gippsland. Cruises such as the Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise leave from Tidal River.

How long is a cruise at Wilsons Promontory?

The Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise is a 2.5-hour trip. The 11am cruise finishes around 1.30pm, with check-in by 10.30am.

What should I wear on a Gippsland coast cruise?

Dress warmly in layers, including a beanie, gloves and a scarf. The Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise provides a waterproof and windproof jacket, and the water is cooler than the land.

What are the Gippsland Lakes?

The Gippsland Lakes are a network of coastal lakes, marshes and lagoons of about 354 km2 in East Gippsland, between Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Sale. Visitors explore them by cruise, water taxi, or boat and kayak hire.

Can kids go on a Gippsland cruise?

Often, yes. The Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise lists adult, child (3-16 years) and infant (0-2 years) ticket types, so check the ticket types on any cruise before booking.

Gippsland's water runs from the Bass Strait coast to the lakes. Book online with Experience Oz, then see more things to do in Gippsland.