The Gippsland Lakes Classic Paddle in Paynesville, Victoria, offers an adventure where calm water and wild nature meet. Stretching across the largest inland waterway network in Australia, this multi-day paddle challenges your endurance, wiring you directly into the heartbeat of eastern Victoria’s wetlands and lakes. The total route covers around 70 kilometers across flat to gently undulating waters, inviting paddlers to engage with a landscape that shapes itself silently but insistently around your craft.

The journey begins from Paynesville, a small town with direct access to the serene deep-blue waters of the Gippsland Lakes. The lakes dare you forward with their current’s subtle push, weaving past expansive reed beds where birds dictate the rhythm, and over open stretches where the horizon leans wide and untamed. The terrain beneath your paddle shifts from sheltered bays to exposed waterways, requiring both steady technique and mindfulness about changing weather and wind patterns.

You’ll face no towering elevation gains, but the steady distance tests stamina and focus more than hill climbing. Expect roughly 6-8 hours of paddling daily, with breaks to refuel, set camp, or explore small islands and wildlife refuges tucked quietly away. The shoreline is spelled out with eucalyptus and swamp gum that seem to breathe alongside the movement of the water.

Preparation is key: a well-fitted paddleboard or kayak that handles flatwater efficiently is mandatory. Footwear should be quick-drying, and layered clothing will guard against shifting coastal temperatures and oncoming breezes. Hydration is essential—pack sufficient water or a filtration method, as access is limited during open water stretches.

Each stop along the route offers practical anchorage points, but respect the environmental rules that protect this fragile ecosystem. The lakes command respect, fiercely defending their tranquility and supporting a rich birdlife community including pelicans, swans, and black swans that ferry their presence on the waves. The paddle reinforces your connection to an environment that resists rushing, offering instead a steady, rolling challenge that keeps you present and responsive.

Timing your paddle between late spring and early autumn maximizes calm weather windows, though mornings often bring mist that floats above the water like a slow-moving companion. Early starts are recommended for the best light and wind conditions, giving paddlers hours of smooth passage before the breeze asserts itself. Along the way, the local landscape hints at a history of indigenous custodianship, with the Brataualung people having long lived and thrived amid these waters and forests.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Gippsland Lakes Classic Paddle delivers an approachable yet engaging adventure. It’s a travel experience that balances the practical demands of endurance with moments of quiet discovery—where the water seems to whisper stories, and the landscape invites you to listen.