Lakes-Explorer Water Taxi

Posted on Feb 28, 2021

Hours were updated.

Testimonials

3 months ago

Our boat trip with Skipper Pete was the best thing we did in Lakes Entrance! Perfect for a small family, we took our almost 2yo and it was entertaining enough to keep him still for over an hour and really interesting for us adults. We saw dolphins, lots of birds and learnt a lot about the area from Skipper Pete. Excellent value, and an experience we would recommend to everyone!

- Natalie S

2 months ago

The 1 hour tour is value for money, very informative especially a good way to learn about the history of lakes entrance and wild life around.

- Leo M

8 months ago

Fantastic morning out on the boat with Pete, very informative too! Lucky enough to have seen some seals as well!

- Tine V

DEPARTURE based on suitable weather...

MARCH 2021: UPDATE.

No tours available Monday 1 - Tuesday 9 March at this stage.

Water-Taxi available most days if weather suitable..... Please book ahead.

WATER-TAXI service:

A one-way trip between 2 locations. Up to 3 Adults and 1 child or 2 adults and 2 children per trip (if known to each other). $20-$60 per trip depending on distance. Operates around Lakes Entrance and Metung as required.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: 7am - 8pm (Close)

Pickup points include Post Office Jetty, Myers Street Jetty, North Arm (Aldi Store) Boat-Ramp and Skate-Ramp Boat-Ramp or as required....

Water-Taxi designed for access to remote beaches, jetties and houses, also bushwalkers and photographers looking for unique locations or wildlife. Details and fee structure below.

Payment options: Cash on board, SQUARE (Mobile Phone Credit Card transfer) or invoice.

Please check in advance via 0458511438 (or SMS) or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au to see when service is running.

WATER-TAXI destinations and fees:

LAKES ENTRANCE to/from OCEAN ENTRANCE (Flagstaff Jetty): EACH WAY. $20 (cash) for 2 persons ($10pp each way). $25 for 3 persons. Various pickup locations.

LAKES ENTRANCE to/from:

• Kalimna Jetty

• North Arm Jetties

• Rigby Island

• Nyerimilang Homestead Jetty

• West Entrance Jetty

• Fraser Island Retreat: Guests only.

• Barrier Landing Jetties

• Wyanga Winery Jetty

$30 for 2 persons ($15pp): $35 for 3 persons ($12pp): per trip each way.

Lakes Entrance to Nungurner Jetty. From $50 per trip each way.

Lakes Entrance to Metung Jetty/Hotel. From $60 per trip each way. 20 minute stopover on return trip option available ($90).

Service closes at 9pm (Summer); 6pm (Winter); 7pm (Autumn & Spring).

Discount for multiple trips on same day. Subject to suitable weather and availability..

SHORT BOAT TOURS.

Ocean Entrance Sea-Safari (1 hour). $50 per Tour (includes all passengers). Educational Lakes Entrance Harbour & Ocean Entrance boat tour when weather is suitable.

Maximum 2 adults (& 2 young children under 10 yo or 2 adults and 1 child under 16yo) or 1 adult and 2 children under 16yo.

$50 per trip (couple/family).

We prefer to run tours early or late in the day as wildlife can be more obvious, compared to the middle of the day. Includes Pelicans and commercial fishing fleet... occasionally seals and dolphins.

Booking essential via text 0458511438.

Pickup either Post Office Jetty, Myers Street Jetty or as required.

PRIVATE CHARTER: Research & Contractors: For up to 3 passengers.

$70 per operating hour, $30 per standby hour. Approx. $200-$250 per half day. $300-$400 for full day.

Available at Lakes Entrance, Metung, Paynesville, Bairnsdale, Boole Poole, Lake Tyers, Nowa Nowa and major rivers. Transport to departure destination via waterway or our road trailer. Price On Application (Departure point, time of day, total time etc...).

Subject to suitable weather and availability.

COVID-19 Safe Plan.

* Regular cleaning and sanitising.

* Hand sanitising station.

* Wearing a face mask is optional

* Designated personal space

* No enclosed seating

* Register of passengers

* Maximum 1.5 hour travel time

Wearing of face masks is optional. We have no enclosed spaces and only one family or group (single booking) per trip or tour. We do ask that passengers bring/carry a mask when on-board. Our vessel has been modified to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

This website will be updated when things change...

Also on Facebook:

Lakes-Explorer Water-Taxi

LAKE TYERS: NOT AVAILABLE

2 hour Sea-Safaris (Wildlife Eco-Tours on the water). 2 hour = $50 per person. Book at least 3 days in advance.

Booking & Fees:

To organise suitable departure time contact Skipper Pete on 04585 11438 (SMS) or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au

Pay cash on board (preferred). Option to use SQUARE (Mobile Phone Credit Card Transfer) on board. Invoice by prior arrangement. Please book ahead via SMS 04585 11438

Wildlife:

The Gippsland Lakes attracts a wide range of wildlife including.... Burranun Dolphins, Australian & Long-nosed Fur Seals, Hog Deer, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Pelicans, Spoon-bills, Sea-Eagles, Egrets, Herons, Cormorants (5 species), Lapwings, Terns (Caspian, Crested, Fairy & Little), Coots, Teals, Oystercatchers, Gulls (Pacific & Silver), Ducks, Grebe, Hooded Plovers and others.....

We conform to all Government regulations for viewing of wildlife. We are a Licensed Tour Operator (Parks Victoria DELWP) and active members of Wildlife Tourism Australia and Birdlife Australia.

Skipper Pete:

Owner/Operator, Commercial Coxswain, Certified Eco-Guide (Eco-Tourism Australia), Licensed Tour Operator - DELWP Parks Victoria, former National Park Ranger (Coastal and marine), qualified Tour Guide, WWC Card, qualified Cartographer, member of Birdlife Australia, member of Wildlife Tourism Australia.

Lakes-Explorer: UVI 446091 (AMSA)

2016 Polycraft 5 metre built to commercial standard NSCV. AMSA Survey 2E (NS). Max. 4 passengers (+ Coxswain/Skipper). Mercury 90 Sea-Pro (2018). Cruise in main lakes at 37kph (20knots). Maximum speed in harbour is 10kph (5knots). Some weather protection. Stormy-Sea/Marlin weatherproof PFDs available. No toilet on-board however public toilets are often near jetties. Vessel trailable to various locations.

AWARD WINNER: Lakes-Explorer won the 2018 East Gippsland Business Award for best Marine based business.

For your safety:

Water-Taxi services and Sea-Safaris are often to remote locations that do not have vehicle access. Please bring suitable clothing, footwear, water and any medical requirements. First Aid kit on vessel. Regular COVID-19 cleaning as part of COVID Safe Plan. Most areas are covered by Telstra Mobile Phone Network. The Skipper has the right to change or cancel an activity at any time.