Surrounded by the expansive Gippsland Lake system, Explorer Feather found the sweet town of Metung, overflowing with watery adventures.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Metung is a small town, located four hours’ drive east of Melbourne. It’s part of the Gippsland Lakes catchment, nestled on the banks of Lake King. This small, humble town provides a haven for boaters of any kind, plus access to nearby walking and ocean adventures on Ninety Mile Beach.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

About Metung

Located between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance, visitors to Metung are also able to access the mighty roaring ocean, often empty, a nudist paradise, via Ninety Mile Beach, which stretches from a spit in Port Albert to Lakes Entrance.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

Once abundant with sea life, one could never throw a line in without snapping something up. This has changed in recent times, with the lake being somewhat fished out.

However, the ocean is still abundant with seals and dolphins, hugging the entrance from the lake to the ocean, a sighting is guaranteed. Metung still feels like a bit of a secret.

 

 

The highlights are the access to any kind of water adventure, be it water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, jetskiing, cruising on an old steamboat – you name it, the lake will provide. Close by is the seaside town of Lakes Entrance, which offers boating tours of the lakes, mini golf, a giant jumping castle in the lake, and a bigger selection of shops and restaurants than Metung, if you desire more exploration.

Read more: Your Adventure Guide to an East Gippsland Getaway

 

History of Metung

The town was originally called Rosherville, but officially changed its name to Metung in 1888. It has a rich history, with First Nations occupants from the Gunai and Kurnai tribes. The name Metung is a Tatungooloong Aboriginal word meaning ‘mainland’ or ‘ti-tree river bend’.

There’s an Aboriginal story about Legend Rocks, which you can still see today when walking along the wharf, just outside the Yacht Club, about the rocks being formed as punishment for greedy fishermen.

Geothermal water was also discovered in the 1920s, which led to the development of hot spring bathing.

The sailing club was formed in 1934, and continues to be a popular destination for all boating activities.

How to Get to Metung

By car

The easiest way to get there is to drive and Metung is about a four-hour and 350km drive east of Melbourne.

By train

However, there’s also a really easy V/Line train that takes you directly from Spencer Street Station to Bairnsdale. However, once in Bairnsdale, there are no buses to Metung, so hiring a car is a must.

Where to Stay in Metung

There’s a selection of Airbnbs in Metung which are great to rent, especially if you’re coming along with your whole family. There are also a number of places to stay that are in town or directly on the water.

 

 

The Moorings offers great accommodation within walking distance of town, and being right on the waterfront certainly adds to the experience.

Just next door is 5 Knots Metung, which also offers lakeside accommodation.

A little further out of town, though still situated on the lakefront, is McMillans Resort, which, despite being a slightly longer walk from town (around 20 minutes), backs onto bushland and is quieter than being in the hustle and bustle.

Nearby Accommodation

Where to Eat in Metung

For a local experience, head to the Metung Hotel (is an Australian town ever complete without a pub?). It has a lively atmosphere, great people watching, and delicious food. There are tables right on the water and it’s within walking distance of most accommodation. It’s a real local experience, and in summer it gets busy, so make sure to book ahead.

Cafe Chez Joe is a great little cafe in town, offering all your usual cafe needs. The Metung Bakery is a great place for a meat pie and bread (get in early!). The Metung Yacht Club also offers dinners on certain nights, just check ahead for opening times.

If you’re looking for more variety, Lakes Entrance has an extensive array of seafood restaurants.

Essential Gear for Visiting Metung

Pack for any Victorian holiday – be prepared for sun, rain, and wind.

  • Rain coat
  • Swimmers and a towel
  • Fishing rod, bait, and VIC Fishing License
  • Binoculars for bird watching
  • Watersport toys e.g waterskis, donut
  • Dog gear! Lots of people bring their pooches

Things to Do in Metung

Boating & Watersports

The main things to do in Metung all centre around boating and water sports. Having access to your own boat is optimal; otherwise, hiring one in Lakes Entrance is possible.

 

 

Once a boat is obtained, Metung and the surrounding lakes are your playground! Fishing, water skiing, SUPing, kayaking, and wakeboarding are just some of the activities you can do. You can also simply explore the lakes and surrounds, drive up the Tambo River or to the Barrier Landing, a stunning beach situated between Lakes Entrance and Metung.

Read more: Kayaking Melbourne – 10 Places to Put Your Paddle in Around the City

 

 

At ‘The Barrier’ you have access to both Lake King and the Ninety Mile Beach, giving you the best of both worlds – a serene lake and the raging coastline.

Please note! As the beach is so long, lifeguards aren’t present the full length of Ninety Mile Beach, so be careful swimming in the ocean as the tides are strong as it’s known for drownings. If you’re looking for a calmer swim, best to keep to the lake or find some flags during summer. Lakes Entrance has some!

Metung is also great for sailing, with a variety of options available throughout the Yacht Club.

 

Bird Watching

Metung is alive with various bird life, especially pelicans. As the whole town is situated hugging the lake, various bird species are abundant. Whether you’re parked up on the beach at Lake King, out on a boat, or at the pub, you’ll be able to spot both land and sea dwelling birds, including sea eagles, swans, pelicans, kingfishers, Yellow-faced honeyeaters, rosellas, lorikeets, galahs, robins, Brown thornbills, and mynas.

Read more: Best Birdwatching Binoculars

 

 

Relax in Hot Springs

The Metung Hot Springs is also the latest addition to the town! This incredible multi-million dollar complex has all your spa needs for those wanting to maximise their holiday time!

Read more: Top 6 Hot Springs in VIC for a Relaxing Weekend Escape

 

Your Adventure Guide to an East Gippsland Getaway, Ben Savage, Metung Hot Springs. women, ocean

Metung Hot Springs | @ben.savage

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

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Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

Tips for Visting Metung

  • Find a boat, whether this is hired, borrowed from a friend, or you have your own
  • Book early during summer as it’s a popular summer hangout
  • Enjoy a beer on the water’s edge at the local pub
  • Have a go at fishing in the lake or on the beach
  • Bring some binoculars for optimal bird watching

Metung FAQs

How hot are the Metung Hot Springs?

Water temperature at the Metung Hot Springs differs depending on the pool size, but on average, the water is 42ºC when it reaches the pool.

What does Metung mean in an Aboriginal language?

In the local First Nations language, Metung means ‘ti-tree river bend’ or ‘mainland’.

Does Metung have a beach?

There’s not a beach directly in Metung town, but across the other side of the lake lies Ninety Mile Beach.

Keep the Gippsland Adventures Going

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.