Bairnsdale is the largest city in the East Gippsland region, situated on the Mitchell River where it flows into the extensive Gippsland Lakes system. The beach resort town of Lakes Entrance is located 34 kilometres to the east, while the boating holiday village of Paynesville is a 17 kilometre drive south.

Bairnsdale's large and busy commercial centre is built around the Princes Highway which opens up into a wide boulevard featuring trees, gardens and a rotunda in the central strip. Landmarks in the commercial centre include the impressive St Mary's Catholic Church, the town's water tower, and a number of historical buildings.

Several parks front the Mitchell River, including the park at the old river port behind the post office, offering BBQ and picnic facilities as well as a jetty. Fishing and boating jetties are also located on the west bank of the Mitchell River, just south of the Princes Highway on the road to Paynesville.

The McLeods Morass State Game Reserve is a 520 hectare park situated in wetlands, rich in animal life and featuring a boardwalk, birdhide and a number of walking tracks. Access is via Saleyards Road.

Bairnsdale is at the southern end-point of the Great Alpine Road which traverses the Great Dividing Range, and passes through the peaceful village of Bruthen, ascends to the remote Snowy Mountains town of Omeo, the alpine resort of Mount Hotham, the all year round holiday town of Bright, and finally ending up at the large north-eastern Victorian regional city of Wangaratta, over 300 kilometres away.

Bairnsdale Clocks Antique clock sales and repairs featuring a museum containing over 600 clocks on display

	Mitchell River National Park Surrounding the spectacular Mitchell River north-west of Bairnsdale, it features gorges, forests and long walking tracks
	East Gippsland Rail Trail An almost 100 kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding trail along the old railway line from Bairnsdale to Orbost via Bruthen, passing through grazing land and forests

Walkabout - Bairnsdale A travel guide with information on the history of the area and things to see

The Great Alpine Road 300 kilometre touring route from Wangaratta in Victoria's north-east, across the Great Dividing Range into alpine parks and resorts, then through timbered and pastoral land down to Bairnsdale on the Gippsland Lakes

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