Take the time to delight in the enchanting and unspoilt natural world that is Victoria's Lakes and Wilderness region of East Gippsland. From deep gorges and rugged mountains to sandy beaches and pounding surf, Lakes and Wilderness covers a diverse landscape.

Discover gems where land and water meet by meandering along waterways, edged by the Ninety Mile Beach.

Discover the Great Alpine Road, and reminisce of days gone by, bustling goldfields and heritage towns. From snow-capped mountains to carpets of wildflowers, activities range from the extreme to the serene.

Snowy River Country is a magical place where the Snowy River meanders through national parks and farmlands on its journey to the sea.

The jewel in the crown of national parks, Croajingolong, is precious with diverse ecosystems that envelop you in natural beauty. The national park features a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Escape in this place is perfect for nature lovers.

Discover the islands in the Lakes including Raymond and Rotamah Islands.

Raymond Island, easily reached by ferry, is home to a koala colony and a rich array of flora and fauna.

Bird lovers should not miss Rotamah Island, part of the Lakes National Park with its bird observatory. This field study centre offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the variety of birds and their behaviour as well as courses on mammals, plants, nature photography and art.

Cruise around the unique waterways of Lake Victoria and Lake King, then continue your journey to Metung. Metung is a picturesque maritime village on the tranquil waters of the Gippsland Lakes surrounded by gentle green hills and sandy beaches. It seems only natural that it should be home to one of Victoriaís largest pleasure-boat flotillas ó with over 400km2 of water to explore the region is a haven for anyone seeking aquatic leisure. Metungís neat, gregarious meeting place centres on a few essential shops, restaurants and craft stores radiating from a neat village green. All along the waterfront, a multitude of classy resort accommodation and holiday homes share expansive water views.

From Metung return to Highway One and make your way to Lakes Entrance ó the heart of the Gippsland Lakes. Lakes Entrance lies where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean and there is an abundance of lake and ocean seafood to be caught. Australiaís finest stretch of pristine sands, Ninety Mile Beach lies in the foreground, while a short drive away is the Alpine National Park.

With its lakes and oceans, Lakes Entrance provides the perfect setting for all water activities ó intense or relaxed. The lakeís waters are ideal for water skiing, canoeing or paddleboating, while the ocean offers great challenges for wind and body surfers.

The Great Alpine Road
Total Distance: 306km ó Wangaratta to Bright 75km, Bright to Omeo 110km, Omeo to Bairnsdale 121km

Stretching over 300 kilometres, discover the splendour of valleys, mountains, forest, rivers and ocean; one of the finest and most diverse combinations of scenery imaginable.

Pass through Victoriaís largest national park, the Alpine National Park, which contains 10 of the 11 highest mountains in the State. Travel on the highest altitude road in Victoria, peaking at 1,750 metres at Mount Hotham.

Throughout the journey become aware of the special heritage of the region, forged through Aboriginal culture, European settlement, gold fever, the ski industry and the legends of the mountain cattlemen.

Information panels are regularly located along the route. They also suggest other interesting side trips from the Great Alpine Road.

The Alpine National Park
Linking with national parks in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, this protected area covers most of Australia's alpine environment. The snowfields are the primary winter attraction, with the warmer months revealing stunning wildflower displays. There is even the 655km Australian Alps Walking Track stretching from Walhalla to Canberra.

The Alpine National Park is one of the eight parks that make up the Australian Alps national parks. These eight parks are managed co-operatively to ensure that Australia's mainland alpine and sub-alpine environments are protected in a similar way and that policies and guidelines across state and territory borders are as consistent as possible.