Find Your Zen on the Entrance Walk
- Step Into Gippsland
- Feb 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30, 2023
☑️ Child friendly
❌ Wheelchair friendly
❌ Pram friendly
❌ Bicycle friendly
⭐⭐⭐ Stair rating – Approx 180 stairs
Duration/Length:
Approx. 5km return
Time/Date:
7.00 pm 24 Feb 2023
We all know how chaotic life can be. It seems like there's always something that needs to be done, whether it's work, school, or taking care of the family.
It can be hard to find time to relax and clear your head. But what if I told you that there's a place where you can do just that? It’s called The Entrance Walk, and it's the perfect spot to find your zen.
The Entrance Walk is a beautiful, serene path that runs from the Footbridge to the Entrance, funnily enough. And, trust me, after a few minutes of walking and taking in the scenery, you'll feel your stress start to melt away.
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take a walk on the Entrance Walk. You might just find the peace and tranquility you need to get through the day.
Today I have parked beside the Footbridge as it is mostly empty at this time and is a convenient short walk across the Footbridge to begin the walk.
It’s approaching dusk as I begin today’s walk. This time of day is ideal for a couple of reasons, there is far less foot traffic, and you are usually rewarded with amazing sunset views at the end of your walk.
It never ceases to amaze me, the immediate peace this walk provides. This evening the weather is dead calm, however, the path is enclosed on either side by thick trees and shrubs which provide shelter even on a windy day. The air is thick with the scent of tea tree and banksia; the silence is broken only by the songs of the local birdlife and the waves crashing a short distance to your left.
It is important to note up front this walk has its literal ups and downs, so be wary if stairs and steep inclines and declines aren’t your things. However, the walk begins smoothly, on a sandy leaf-littered path. I hate having sand in my shoes so usually walk barefoot or if the sand is hot, in sandals.
The path continues for some time interchanging from dirt, soil and honeycomb rubber surfaces, and sections of ascending and descending stairs and boardwalks. There is ample signage along the path to keep you on track. However, for a change, some signed paths will detour you through the shrubbery to the left, taking you to the main beach.
The sun begins to set as I walk, casting stunning reflections across the lakes. There is so much natural beauty on the Entrance Walk. My children have always enjoyed walking through one area they affectionately call “The Fairy Garden”, a path flanked by moss-covered tree branches, small ferns and a curved boardwalk. It’s an exciting and imagination-filled walk for children as every turn has a new layout of shrubbery or terrain, or a new viewpoint over the lakes.
As you approach “The Entrance” a grassed section of land emerges on your right, with a jetty tacked on the side. There is a public gas BBQ, water fountain, picnic tables and toilet (drop dunny), so an ideal lunch stop for the family.
Following this, the Entrance awaits and a steep incline ramp leads to spectacular views of the Entrance, beach and lakes. Once you’ve drunk in the sights, you have 3 options for your return;
Return the way you came;
Snake your way along the lake (risking getting your feet wet!) for a glimpse of the historic homesteads; or
Continue and walk the beach towards the surf club.
Pro-tip if it’s a windy day I recommend option 1 to avoid an earache! Tonight's weather leads me to choose option 3 and return along the beach. After descending the ramp in this direction, there are relics dotted through the area with interesting stories connected to them, and a sturdy pier to walk out on to get a closer view of the crashing waves, seals and dolphins which frequent this area.
The sunset views behind the pier are spectacular as I trek through the sand towards the mirage of the surf clubhouse. The sea birds soar overhead as waves roll in beside me, and the walk comes to an end just as the day also comes to an end.
Summary: This is a sometimes-challenging walk, but ALWAYS a worthwhile walk. Some advice for the fainthearted, many tiger snakes, brown snakes and lizards inhabit this area, so take caution.
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