Things to do with kids in Gippsland Lakes

Kangaroos laze around the campground and visitor centre at this riverside reserve, about 45km north of Lakes Entrance. Bring a torch for the 30-minute Moon Hill Walk, which stops at the entrance of Moon Cave. The 2km FJ Wilson walk passes caves and limestone formations on its way to the Fairy Cave entrance.

Guided tours lead through Fairy Cave's ornate chambers of stalactites and stalagmites. Royal Cave, the other show cave, has glassy calcite-rimmed pools, and tours of both run daily. Bookings are essential and must be made at least 24 hours ahead.

A five-minute ferry from Paynesville, free for people on foot or bikes, takes you across to Raymond Island. The 1.2km Koala Trail loop starts at Ferry Park and takes about 40 minutes; look up into the gums for sleeping koalas. Kangaroos graze along the way, and family bikes can be hired behind Ferry Park.

The main beach is a 400m walk over the footbridge from town, at the eastern end of Ninety Mile Beach. Lifesavers patrol it on school holidays and weekends from December to Easter, and Visit Gippsland warns of strong currents. For a calmer paddle, take a kayak onto Cunninghame Arm behind the dunes.

The 4.6km Hummocks Walk follows the lake's edge from the footbridge to Flagstaff Hill, about 90 minutes return. From the hill, watch boats crossing the bar, and look for seals lazing on the rocks. Come back along the sand to make a loop, cutting through the dunes at the surf lifesaving tower.

These natural silt banks stretch 8km into Lake King, and are the world's longest. Drive down the southern jetty, then walk the shoreline, bring bikes, or fish for bream and flathead. Pelicans and swans are easiest to spot at sunrise and sunset.

Gabo Island has Victoria's only operating island lighthouse, 47 metres of pink granite built between 1858 and 1862. Getting there depends on the weather, by boat from Mallacoota or by licensed charter plane from Merimbula. Families staying in the assistant lightkeeper's residence, with a three-night minimum, can watch little penguins come ashore after dark from August to December.

In Gunaikurnai legend, the Nargun, half human and half stone, lives in this cave behind a waterfall in Mitchell River National Park. The picnic area, about 40km north of Bairnsdale, has toilets, tables and a gas barbecue, and the walk starts there. Please respect this special place by staying out of the cave.