PAGE 68 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE PAYNESVILLE/RAYMOND ISLAND A quaint, quirky and colourful lakeside village The small village of Paynesville is a popular holiday destination for lovers of boating, fishing and other water-based sports, from kayaking to kitesurfing. Located just a 15-minute drive south of Bairnsdale, the township has been set-up for outdoor family enjoyment, with expansive waterfront lawn areas, stretches of sand, chairs and paths. There are also two different playgrounds on Paynesville's waterfront, as well a large and clean toilet block, and a skate park that's walking distance from the water. Along the foreshore, the Paynesville farmers and makers market (held on the third Saturday of each month) features a colourful array of local characters, produce and hand-crafted creations. Paynesville's commercial centre is located on the inland side of the Esplanade, overlooking the water. It includes a small supermarket, post office and an array of excellent cafés and eateries, some specialising in fresh local seafood. The gentle Paynesville Sunset Cove Walking Track (three kilometres return) winds its way around the foreshore, with showstopping views across the water. With saltwater lakes on three sides, a network of sheltered canals and inlets, as well as numerous boat ramps and jetties, Paynesville is the perfect place for boaters to launch their way into Gippsland's vast network of inland waterways. In fact, it's possible to travel by water from Paynesville all the way to Lakes Entrance, roughly 25 kilometres to the east (as the crow flies). Island koala spotting Across the water, just 200 metres away from the Paynesville foreshore, is Raymond Island, which is home to a significant koala population, as well as a small residential population that co-exists with many native birds and animals, offering ideal bushwalking opportunities. The five-minute vehicle and passenger ferry to Raymond Island departs Paynesville regularly and is free for pedestrians and cyclists. The best way to see the koalas is to take the Koala Walk from the Raymond Island Ferry Park (where bike hire is also available). Just follow the signs...and remember to look up! Ancient silt jetties Just north of Paynesville, at Eagle Point, the Mitchell River enters Lake King. Bluff Lookout provides good views over the lake, river and surrounding countryside. At the mouth of the Mitchell River there are two, eight-kilometre-long and narrow peninsulas of land known as the Silt Jetties, which stretch out into the lake. They are believed to be the second largest of their type in the world, and visitors can drive on a narrow dirt road along one of the jetties to a carpark at its end. Floating tin shed On public holidays and weekends, if the weather is fine, you might be fortunate enough to catch some live music being played from the town’s iconic floating tin shed – a watercraft fashioned to resemble a rusty stockman’s hut. The shed often plies Paynesville’s waterfront and canals, with amplified singers and musicians on board, much to the delight of locals and visitors. Paynesville Community Craft Centre Situated in a prime position on the beautiful Paynesville foreshore is a truly special collection of craft at the Paynesville Community Craft Centre. Here you will find an array of locally handmade products, including knitted and crocheted beanies, scarves, baby wear, wooden crafts, bags, jewellery, ceramics, candles, hats and souvenirs. The handmade cloth dolls are superbly crafted. The knitwear is beautiful. There is also a good stock of tourist maps and visitor information guides. Since opening in 1979, the centre has been staffed entirely by volunteers, with profits donated to local projects. Paynesville Community Craft Centre is open daily from 10am. Pictured clockwise from top left: Paynesville is located right on the water. Photo: Visit Victoria The town’s floating tin shed is a live music venue on the water. Paynesville has a popular farmers and makers market on the foreshore once a month. Take a short ferry trip to see Raymond Island’s resident koalas. The colourful Paynesville Community Craft Centre donates all profits to local community projects. PB13947 Quality locally hand crafted goods for sale. Woodwork, art, garments, needlework, toys, baby wear. Foreshore, Paynesville. Phone 5156 7479 Find us on f MAIN RD BAKERY T H E E S P L A N D E OPEN EVERYDAY 10AM TO 4PM
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