PAGE 78 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE CRUISES ON THE GIPPSLAND LAKES No boat? You can still cruise the lakes this spring! The Gippsland Lakes form the largest navigable inland waterway in Australia, so it's no surprise that boaters flock from all over the country to experience this natural wonder. If you are fortunate enough to have your own boat, the area has an abundance of public boat ramps and mooring facilities, as well as boat service centres, boat accessory shops, fishing and bait stores, and fuel outlets (some right on the dock) to keep you on the go. And if you don't have a boat, you can hire one, book an on-water tour, or charter a boat through one of the region's many established operators – turning your holiday into a cruisy and scenic adventure! Whether you'd like to charter a yacht on your own, learn to sail, or join an organised, guided sightseeing cruise, there are lots of friendly and helpful operators who can help you get out onto the Gippsland Lakes in style, safety and comfort, including... Riviera Nautic The team at Riviera Nautic in Metung provides a variety of stable and comfortable yachts, cruisers and day boats for charter, enabling virtually anyone to enjoy a sailing adventure on the Gippsland Lakes. Riviera Nautic's boats have been carefully selected for their ability to safely take holiday makers to all corners of the Gippsland Lakes and provide quality accommodation for you to holiday in comfort. A boat licence is not required to charter any of the vessels, and help is never far away should you need it, with 24-hour support available throughout your charter to keep you safe. To find out more, visit rivieranautic.com.au Peels Cruises Departing from Lakes Entrance, Peels Cruises offers a variety of ways to explore the Gippsland Lakes. Peels' cruisers, the Thunderbird and the Stormbird, provide regular lakes sightseeing tours. To find out more, see page 85 or visit peelscruises.com.au Sail Safari Based in the heart of the Gippsland Lakes at Paynesville, Sail Safari offers a variety of sailing experiences, from a full 'learning to sail' adventure, to a more sedate and relaxed canal cruise around the Paynesville waterways, all aboard the Calypso, a 34-foot fibreglass, fractional-rigged yacht. The yacht can carry up to 11 passengers, and special group packages are available. The minimum package is a two-hour cruise, with four- and six-hour packages available, as well as overnight stays (with land-based accommodation provided). All cruises are accompanied by a fully-qualified skipper with coxswain and sailing endorsements. For more information, visit the website at sailsafari.com.au or call skipper Doug on 0418 343 622. Peels provide regular sightseeing of the Gippsland Lakes. You can take a skippered cruise or learn to sail on Sail Safari’s yacht ‘Calypso’. There is plenty of beautiful waterways to explore in the Gippsland Lakes. A boat licence is not required to charter a yacht from Riveria Nautic - making it an exhilarating way for anyone to get out onto the Gippsland Lakes. Photo: Visit Victoria PB21821
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