Raymond Island- Koala Trail
Raymond Island draws nature lovers for some of the best koala-spotting around. Jump on the ferry from Paynesville, 300 kilometres from Melbourne, and hit the island's Koala Trail.
Raymond Island is located across the McMillan Strait from Paynesville, on the Gippsland Lakes. The five minute ferry to Raymond Island departs Paynesville regularly and is free for pedestrians or those arriving by bike.
The Island draws nature lovers for some of the best koala-spotting around. The clearly marked path of the Raymond Island Koala trail leads you among the gumtrees where koalas can be spotted asleep above you (or out and about if you're lucky), the trail is 1.2km and can be finished in around 20 minutes. The area also supports an abundance of kangaroos, echidnas and native birds, and if you're lucky you may spot dolphins in the lake.
Aside from nature spotting, the Island is also relaxing place to hang out by the shore after a swim, and there are plenty of good spots to fish for bream, flathead and prawns.