Discover Bairnsdale: Howitt Park and two trails

Bairnsdale between a riverside park and trails

Bairnsdale is a practical base for different travel plans: on the Mitchell River, a shady park is home to a striking canoe tree, and two trails raise different planning questions about suitability, length and destination. The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail can start in Bairnsdale; the East Gippsland Rail Trail starts at Howitt Park. There is also a playground there for families with children. This mix can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. The Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail ends in Lakes Entrance and is also suitable for walkers. The East Gippsland Rail Trail runs from Bairnsdale to Newmerella and is 96 km long. The key considerations therefore differ: for the Discovery Trail, its destination and suitability for walkers; for the Rail Trail, its destination and total length. Check the conditions on the relevant trail before setting off.

Howitt Park on the Mitchell River

Howitt Park is a scenic, shady reserve on the Mitchell River. A canoe tree stands there, notable for the size of its scar. The tree adds a striking standalone feature to the riverside landscape. There is also a playground for children in the park. If you are travelling with children, you can include it in your day’s plans; as facilities may change, check the current amenities before your visit. A visit to Howitt Park offers a different focus from the two trails. The Mitchell River scenery, the canoe tree with its large scar, and the playground are all within the park; on the trails, by contrast, the distance between the start and destination matters. This is a tangible difference when planning with children: a park visit brings several experiences together in one place, while a route is shaped by its course and destination.

Tours in the Gippsland Lakes region

If you are considering other activities in the Gippsland Lakes region, the Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre offers a free booking service for tours by land, water and air. This lets you consider different types of tours alongside the two trails. The scope and availability of the service may change, so check in advance.

Choose a hotel based on your plans

When looking for hotels in Bairnsdale, you can start with the trailheads and experiences. First ask yourself whether the park, a route specifically noted as suitable for walkers, or the 96 km-long route should shape your stay. Bairnsdale is a possible starting point for the Discovery Trail; the Rail Trail begins at Howitt Park.

Discover more destinations

Penshurst, Cobden, Tourello, Ballarat, Neerim, Kardella South, Burnley, Benalla

For the main travel overview: Victoria.