Metung Boardwalk
The Metung Boardwalk is a beautiful waterfront walk following the shores of Bancroft Bay and Lake King in the picturesque Gippsland Lakes village of Metung.
The easy walk meanders through the village, past marinas filled with yachts and leisure boats, along timber boardwalks and waterfront paths with wonderful views over the water.
With swans gliding across the lake, boats passing by and the occasional possibility of spotting dolphins, this is a delightful walk for families wanting to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Gippsland Lakes.
Walk Details:
- Distance: 2.6km one way or approximately 5.2km return for the full waterfront walk.
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes each way, allowing longer for sightseeing.
- Difficulty: Grade 1, easy.
- Start: Shaving Point, Metung.
- Finish: Chinaman's Creek, Metung.
- Track: Sealed waterfront paths and approximately 750m of dedicated boardwalk.
- Highlights: Bancroft Bay, Lake King, boats and yachts, waterfront scenery and birdlife.
- Facilities: Public toilets, seating, parking and cafes in the village and facilities at Chinaman's Creek.
Walk Description:
Starting at Shaving Point, follow the waterfront path along the eastern side of the Metung Peninsula.
The walk provides beautiful views over Lake King and the surrounding Gippsland Lakes.
Continue towards the village centre, where the path passes waterfront gardens, jetties, cafes and the Metung Hotel.
There are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, particularly around the village waterfront and marina.
The route continues along Bancroft Bay past rows of yachts and leisure boats moored at Metung Marina.
A long boardwalk follows the shoreline towards Chinaman's Creek, providing attractive views across the bay.
The boardwalk is approximately 750m long and is particularly appealing because of its waterside location.
At Chinaman's Creek, visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning along the same route.
The walk can also be started at Chinaman's Creek, with the village centre making a convenient halfway destination for refreshments.
Wildlife and Scenery:
Metung is surrounded by water, making the boardwalk a lovely place to watch boats and wildlife.
Black Swans and other waterbirds are frequently seen around the shoreline.
Burrunan dolphins also inhabit the Gippsland Lakes and may occasionally be spotted swimming through the waterways, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The changing light across Bancroft Bay and Lake King provides beautiful scenery throughout the day.
Chinaman's Creek:
Chinaman's Creek is a peaceful waterfront area at the northern end of the walk.
The area has moored boats, a marina and views across the sheltered waterway.
The public facilities have been improved with an upgraded car park and accessible toilet amenities, including baby change facilities.
It is a pleasant place to stop before returning along the boardwalk.
Facilities:
- Waterfront walking paths and boardwalks.
- Seating along sections of the foreshore.
- Public toilets in the village and at Chinaman's Creek.
- Parking at various points along the route.
- Cafes, shops and restaurants in Metung village.
- Fishing opportunities from designated areas.
- Waterfront views and birdwatching.
Getting There:
Metung is located approximately 30km south-east of Bairnsdale.
From the Princes Highway, turn into Metung Road and follow the signs towards the village.
For the full waterfront walk, begin at Shaving Point or Chinaman's Creek.
Visitors wanting a shorter walk can start near Metung Marina and explore the dedicated boardwalk towards Chinaman's Creek.
Important Information:
- The walk is generally easy, although some sections may have slopes or uneven surfaces.
- Much of the route follows sealed paths and boardwalks, but accessibility may vary between sections.
- Closely supervise young children beside the water, especially where there are no barriers.
- Watch for fishing lines and other visitors using the boardwalk.
- Bring sun protection, particularly on exposed sections.
- Wind can be strong along the waterfront.
- Allow extra time for photographs, birdwatching and enjoying the scenery.
Opening Hours:
The waterfront paths are generally accessible throughout the year, subject to maintenance and temporary closures. See boardwalk maintenance and access updates.
Review:
The Metung Boardwalk is one of the loveliest easy waterfront walks in East Gippsland, combining magnificent lake scenery with the relaxed atmosphere of a picturesque holiday village.
The highlight is the dedicated boardwalk beside Bancroft Bay, where visitors can stroll close to the water while enjoying views of yachts and boats moored at the marina.
The scenery changes along the route, from the open waters of Lake King near Shaving Point to the sheltered waters of Chinaman's Creek.
Children may enjoy watching the boats, looking for swans and other waterbirds, and searching the water for dolphins.
Another advantage is that families can choose how far to walk. The full waterfront route is approximately 5.2km return, but shorter walks are possible by starting near the marina or village centre.
The completed 2025 boardwalk improvements have made part of the route safer and more accessible, which is particularly welcome for families with prams and visitors with mobility limitations.
One consideration is the close proximity to the water in some sections, making supervision important for younger children.
The combination of beautiful scenery, easy walking, cafes and interesting waterfront activity makes Metung Boardwalk a delightful free activity for families visiting the Gippsland Lakes.
Location
Metung Waterfront, Metung 3904 View Map
Web Links
→ www.visiteastgippsland.com.au/our-region/gippsland-lakes/metung
