Awake at 6:30 the lake was silver with a light mist just beginning to descend. At least 8 black swans glided past looking like little ‘nessies’ as the mist closed in.

 

I’m not sure I can add anything about Lakes Entrance on the South East coast of Victoria that hasn’t already been said or written. This is a great little seaside town and for us it’s the perfect stop over on the long trek from home to Melbourne and then along the Princes Hwy to Eden our final destination. Lakes Entrance is part of our family tradition, the place Dad would pull into late at night or early in the morning with the caravan in tow. We’d wake up to our first real view of the sea, smell the salt and watch the numerous birds as the sun rose. Although the town has grown that moment of joy remains as you descend into the town. This was my first visit in fourteen years. The town has grown but the Esplanade and wharf are much the same; there is usually at least one trawler moored at the wharf. And there are plenty of walks along the inlet.

We stayed at The Lakes Water Front Motel and Cottages, a small motel on the eastern edge of the town that is big on hospitality. I booked unit 8 a twin share Cottage with views over the lake frontage. It has two decent sized bedrooms separated by bathroom, kitchen, and eating area. The veranda has perfect views of the garden and the lake which teems with wild birds. The feeling is casual, private, and relaxing. The cottage is an older building with a homey beach-house feel to it; the sort of place that is easy to unwind in. The beds, one king and one double, are firm which I was concerned about at first as I’m used to a pillow top mattress with memory foam and the arthritic knees and aching muscles didn’t bode well for sleep. However, all was good and the cotton sheets were soft and inviting. Everything was spotlessly clean.

When we arrived I asked about places to eat. Our host Gillian suggested two eateries but once we’d seen the gardens and the lake we opted for fish and chips from Fish Affaire which we brought back to the cabin and we sat on the garden seat overlooking the lake and watched swans, gulls, and pelicans, herons and other species.

Awake at 6:30 the lake was silver with a light mist just beginning to descend. At least 8 black swans glided past looking like little ‘nessies’ as the mist closed in. Ten minutes later the sun set everything golden and the mist lifted again. With our very generous breakfast on the veranda, blue skies and birdlife, we didn’t want to leave.

$134 for twin share cabin. Breakfast is extra.

 

We opted for cooked eggs, bacon, and tomatoes with toast and an egg and bacon sandwich (which is large) with cappuccino; all delicious and well worth the money. Just look at the pics. Veranda closed in for protection but windows open to let cool breeze and nature sounds in. It’s the small things that often make the difference. The hard core of my tomato had been removed – big points for that one.

We recently returned for a two night stay. The garden simply beckons you to slow down, take a chair onto the grass and enjoy your surroundings, the green foliage, flowers, the tranquil waters of the lake, and the birds. It was the beginning of July and too cold to eat on the patio but our breakfasts were just as delicious as we remembered. We cooked our food on our second stay but opted one night for fish and chips, once again from Fish Affaire. They have a sign in the shop that says they cook fresh food not fast food. What they cook is superb.

Because we had more time on our second trip we visited a few of the shops. The knitting and craft shop is great, the pie shop and bakery had nice food and coffee and we happened to catch the weekend of the market. It was the beginning of the school holidays and I thought there would be more people about but apparently most people visit the snowfields during their winter breaks. So, we were blessed with peace and quiet, the birds and amazing sunrises and sunsets with the colours changing minute by minute. Inspiring for me as a poet, writer and artist.

It was cold (there was frost on the grass one morning) but the heater in the cabin worked well. There is also a heater for the bathroom which I used to keep the temperature even in my room as I was recovering from a virus.

Gillian and Peter are friendly and obliging hosts.We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of both our stays. We also booked a night for our return trip. Returning guests receive a discount.

What’s best about Lakes Waterfront Motel & Cottages:

Cabins serviced daily

Breakfast

Value for money

In the warmer months you can open the windows and hear the sea

The lake is tranquil, lovely colours in the morning, lots of birdlife

A place you can put your feet up and relax or use as a comfortable, no fuss or frills base to explore the lakes region

Highly recommended