OH! Magazine - Australian Version December 2018 | Page 4

( OH WOW )
A HEALTHY HOLIDAY AWAITS IN
EAST GIPPSLAND
There’s a healthy getaway ready and waiting,
just a few hours east of Melbourne, Victoria.
If you’re looking for a holiday that
combines some much-needed
R&R with a healthy dose of
activity, then look no further than East
Gippsland.
B
Located around three and a half hours
east of Melbourne, East Gippsland is fast-
becoming Victoria’s premier destination
for healthy holidays, boasting a vast array
of outdoor activities, from kayaking and
paddleboarding to cycling and trail
walking.
The area’s outdoor activities can be
enjoyed independently, or as part of an
organised group or tour, or increasingly,
by getting involved in the area’s ever-
growing list of major public events and
challenges.
East Gippsland’s calendar of public
events includes the East Gippsland
Adventure Challenge at Lakes Entrance,
on 1 to 2 December, where participants,
including children, can paddle, run or
ride their way on and around Australia’s
largest lake system; and the Mitchell
River Trail Run, on 9 December, with
three distances to suit trail runners of all
fitness levels.
In May 2019, there is the Gippsland
Lakes Paddle Challenge, run by Surf Life
Saving Victoria, starting at Paynesville for
the elite paddler and Metung for the
recreational paddler, and finishing at the
iconic Lakes Entrance footbridge.
Of course, you can get active in East
Gippsland all year round, by hiring your
own bikes, paddleboards and kayaks, or
taking part in a range of guided bike and
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OH! MAGAZINE ( DECEMBER 2018 )
paddle tours hosted by local adventure
businesses, including Venture Out in
Lakes Entrance, who also offer ‘ride and
dine’ and ‘ride and paddle’ packages,
which combine spectacular trail rides and
lake paddles with some of the region’s
best gourmet food.
With the summer holidays fast
approaching, we’ve compiled a list of our
favourite ways to combine a healthy
holiday retreat with some R&R in East
Gippsland, including some of the best
places to eat, sleep, see the sights and
get active.
EAT
Albert & Co, Lakes Entrance
This light-washed, waterfront café
overlooking the magnificent Gippsland
Lakes is a must-try for great coffee and
food that favours locally-sourced produce.
www.facebook.com/albertandcocatering
Sardine Eatery & Bar, Paynesville
Former head chef of Vue De Monde and
Waterfront Southgate, Mark Briggs, brings
his award-winning style to Paynesville’s
newest eatery, complemented by a wine
and beer list that highlights the best of
Gippsland. www.sardineeaterybar.com
Northern Ground, Bairnsdale
Originally from Yorkshire, in the UK, chef
Rob Turner, brings years of experience
working in country house hotels in the
north of England to East Gippsland where
he has turned his focus on the area’s
regional produce.
www.northernground.com.au
SLEEP
The Riversleigh, Bairnsdale
Located in the heart of Bairnsdale’s
central business district on a quiet street
over-looking the Mitchell River, The
Riversleigh combines the warmth of a
country hotel with the luxury you expect
from
a
contemporary
boutique
accommodation. www.riversleigh.com.au
Captains Cove Resort, Paynesville
You can’t go past this place when you
visit Paynesville. With 15 beautifully
appointed apartments, located right on
the water, it’s a setting that will lift your
spirits and inspire you to celebrate the
region’s finest offerings. You can enjoy
the indoor pool, tennis court kayaks,
bikes, private jetties and the peacefulness
of water from your deck.
www.captainscove.com.au
SEE & DO
Koala Trail, Raymond Island
Take the 200m ferry ride from Paynesville
across to Raymond Island and follow the
signs to walk the leisurely hour-long koala
trail. Be sure to look up to spot these
sleepy Australian icons, and keep an eye
out for other native wildlife such as
echidnas, kangaroos and birdlife.
ridethekoalas.com.au/raymond-island
Fishing at Metung
Grab some fishing supplies from the store
behind the Metung pub and drop a line
from the jetty in front of the village green,
overlooking picturesque Bancroft Bay.
Lakes Explorer Sea Safari
Board a cruise with Skipper Pete for an