Summer is the perfect season for crabbing, so why not plan a trip to Lakes Entrance with the kids? Before arriving, take a break in the town of Traralgon. The shopping centre here is extensive, and there are plenty of delicious foods to enjoy. The drive to Lakes Entrance takes about two hours.
Crabbing and boat trips in Lakes Entrance have already been well-explored by many. Here are some more leisure and family-friendly activities to consider.
Things to do in Lakes Entrance with kids
Crabbing
hen crabbing in Lakes Entrance, make sure to have a fishing license. Choose three days, two weeks, or one month based on your needs. We opted for a 3-day fishing license, which cost $10 AUD. Each person can catch up to 30 crabs, and it’s important to release any too small.
Fishing licenses can be obtained on your phone through Service Victoria. See the image above, the second-to-last picture. Open Service Victoria, select the circled area in red, click ‘Get started,’ and follow the prompts to fill in the information and make the payment.
We used crab nets from Anaconda. Because crabs like to eat chicken, we recommend using chicken frames to lure them, or you can buy chicken thighs from the local supermarket. Unfortunately, we arrived late, and the tide was too high. It’s generally better to go two hours before high tide for a more successful crabbing experience!
Raymond Island
There are indeed many koalas on Raymond Island! You need to take a ferry to the island, with frequent trips and long opening hours, making it convenient to visit anytime during the day.
The ferry fee for vehicles is $6 one way, and pedestrians are free. You can park your car at the port and walk across; the two sides are very close. The island is not very large, with few vehicles and not many people, helping to preserve the local ecology. The farther you go, the more koalas you’ll find, making it a fun family activity to search for koalas together.
Mini Golf
Mini golf is undoubtedly a popular activity in Lakes Entrance. There are three mini golf establishments on just one street! Adults: $12.5, children are free (exact age for free entry unknown, my three-year-old went for free). 18 holes, no time limit. It is fun, and children can actively participate. The ball travels magically on various tracks, where luck is also part of the game. Our three-generation family spent a satisfying two hours; everyone enjoyed it.
Metung Hot Spring
Melbourne can be chilly even when it’s supposed to be warm, and with summer approaching, it’s still not warming up. We decided to spontaneously go for a hot spring soak. Metung’s hot springs are quite new, and the entire area is still under development, only the first phase is open. There are about four hot pools, one cold pool, sauna rooms, and some relaxation areas. Compared to Peninsula Hot Springs, it’s definitely less elaborate. However, with kids, you can’t soak for a long time, and with fewer people, the environment is decent, not disappointing. The pool at the top of the hill offers a view of the sea, perfect for photos. Beautiful ladies without kids can book a personal tub at the top for a better view.
Big Bear Donuts
If you’re visiting Lakes Entrance, make sure to try them – always freshly baked! You can even buy a box to take home, and they offer a buy five, get one free deal. Classic flavors like custard and jam are absolutely delightful – not greasy and just the right level of sweetness.
By far the tastiest donuts we’ve had in Victoria! Google rating: 4.7/5. The owner started from a small cart and now has a full-fledged store. Located on the main street of Lakes Entrance.
Address: 521B Esplanade, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but you can stay updated on Facebook. You never know when they might surprise you.
