Stunning Paynesville and Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes District of Victoria

If you have never ventured to the Gippsland Lakes Region in Victoria in the south east of the state, it's time you did.  It is truly beautiful.  We stayed in Paynesville, from where it is just a two minute free ferry ride over to Raymond Island, where you will see koalas roaming wild.

Although I have lived in Australia all my life, this was the first time I had seen them in the wild.  It is just a magical place and such a thrill to see so many koalas thriving in the bush.

Throw in some great eateries and being very close to the Victorian High Country, this is a fabulous region to visit any time of year.

  Take a look around.

The board walk at Paynesville

The Old Pub Paynesville

The family at Paynesville waiting for the ferry

On the ferry to Raymond Island

The car and pedestrian ferry between Paynesville and Raymond Island

Jet skis at Paynesville

Humans and Koalas on Raymond Island

You can hire these surreys with a fringe, as soon as you get off the ferry on Raymond Island.  It's a great way to get around and check out the koalas.

A lovely set of toned pins on Mr Beach House.

I love the black teaspoon that you can hold up to represent the koala's nose.  You just have to love the Australian sense of humour.

Imagine having koalas in your front garden. Can you see her?  Thankfully dogs and cats, dogs are prohibited on the island.

There were also some great eateries in Paynesville.  One that really stood out was Pier 70, which was so cute and very Hamptons,   Australian beach fusion style.

Then there was the Paynesville races, where much to their delight, the kids picked a few winners and we got our picture in the local social pages.

Then there was New Years Eve on the Beach.

Waiting for it to get dark and the fireworks.

It was a terrific working holiday and while Mr Beach House was out sailing and demonstrating boats, we had fun supporting him and checking out the lay of the land.

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