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Boating (self cruise) on the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria
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Aerial view of Gippsland Lakes showing Kalimna Jetty
Imagine an inland sea, sheltered from the ocean by a thin line of sand dunes and bordered by national park and farmlands with wide expanses of water for exhilarating sailing, tranquil rivers for cruising and fishing, deserted beaches, peaceful coves and small lakeside villages.  This area is home to over 140 species of birds; dolphins, kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife and  wildflowers.  The Gippsland Lakes are Australia's largest inland waterway - 400 square kilometres, comprised of three lakes, rivers, creeks, coves and backwaters.  There are three navigable rivers within the cruising limits: the Tambo, Mitchell and Nicholson.  On the ocean side, the Lakes are bordered by the Ninety Mile Beach, sheltering these inland waters from the ocean (there's walking access across the dunes to the ocean beach)  There are two national parks  with bushwalking tracks, wood-fired barbecues and bird hides.  There are dozens of sheltered overnight moorings with easy shore access via public jetties or, in many cases, you can moor your boat right on the beach.  There are seven shore-side towns for supplies, hotels and restaurants and the lake floor is sand/mud with no rocks or reefs.  The lakes are not tidal, making boating even easier, and they are suitable for boating all year round.
  

Map of the Gippsland Lakes
  
A great way to see Gippsland .. in safe hands
A boating trip on Victoria's Gippsland Lakes is an unusual way to see this beautiful area from a different perspective. A range of craft is offered and so this is an option to consider, whether you are a complete novice or an experienced sailor. The company operating them is highly professional with a friendly team willing to share their considerable knowledge and love of the lakes and boating both in the initial briefing (see below for link to Briefing Notes) and right through your holiday. An outstanding on-water service is also given. You may never need this service, but the confidence in knowing that it is available contributes greatly to the feeling of freedom and relaxation. The operator is one of only a handful of businesses to be inducted into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame - Australia's most prestigious tourism award.

Remember, the prices below include your boat (and therefore your accommodation, transport and entertainment), fuel, gas, insurance, stamp duty, linen and continental breakfast provisions.

 

Chinaman's Creek, Metung, Gippsland Lakes
  
Previous experience ..
To charter a cruiser (Honeymoon 32), you need no boating experience at all.  For the yachts (Catalina 28), however, you do need to have some sailing experience. Or you might like to turn your holiday into an opportunity to learn to sail.

Learning to sail as part of your holiday is a great way to gain real skills.  The operator will spend time with you at the start of your holiday to teach you the basics. Then you’re free to keep practising at your own pace and you learn quickly because you’re in charge (and we’re always just a radio call away for more advice). There’s nowhere in the world that matches the Lakes as an ideal place to learn to sail. Sailing lessons are good value, and usually 3 hours with the sailing master is sufficient to get you started.

Click here If you would like to see the detailed Gippsland Boating briefing notes
  

The boats ...
The two vessels below have been chosen as those most likely to suit the size of your party. Larger boats are available on request.
Catalina 28
The perfect sailing boat for a couple looking for comfort and style. 

Length: 28ft/8.4m
Accommodation:  Max 6  (ideal 2-4)
Refrigerator: 1
Hot shower: 1
Diesel engine:  21 hp
Draft:  1.12m wing
Number in fleet : 2

 

 Diagram of Catalina 28 Catalina 28
  
Honeymoon 32 -  6 berth cruiser
Comfortably accommodates a family, yet easily handled by two.
Length:  32ft / 9.6m
Accommodation:  max 6 (ideal 2-4) 
Refrigerator:  1
Hot shower:  1   
Diesel engine:  50 hp
Draft:  0.84m
Number in fleet:  1

Diagram of Honeymoon 32

 Honeymoon 32

 
3 Day/3 Night Package ...
Included
 * Period of hire - 3 days/3 nights 
Arrive late afternoon.  On Night 1and stay on board at marina, with a briefing  the following morning (Day 1). The boat is then due back late afternoon Day 3. (eg arrive on Sunday evening and disembark on Wednesday afternoon 3 pm)
 * Boat charter
 * Insurance
 * Fuel
 * GST (sales tax)
 * Linen
 * Continental breakfast supplies for each morning		 Sunset on the Gippsland Lakes
 
PRICES:  GIPPSLAND BOATING
Per vessel for 3 days/3 nights  		 For dates as specified Truly Ref
Per person per tour 13 Jan '08 - 18 Dec '08
01 Feb '09 - 31 Mar '09		 12 Jan '09 - 31 Jan '09
 Catalina 28:
Three day/three night package A$1380 Request (approx A$1545) 172
Honeymoon 32:  
Three day/three night package A$1380 Request (approx A$1545) 173
To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see our Currency Converter
19 Dec '08 - 11 Jan '09 + Easter:  Not available
Optional full breakfast is approx. A$55 per day for 2 persons
For inclusions, see Included above
This boating break combines well with a stay at the Star Hotel in Walhalla (in our 'Retreats' section for Victoria)
For city accommodation details - click City Hotels/Melbourne or City Hotels/Sydney
Click here for details of How to Book /How to Make a Secure Payment
Please use the Truly Reference Number when making booking enquiries
Bookings made with Truly Australia are covered by our ABTA Bond - this financial protection does NOT apply to bookings made direct with the local operator or hotel.   You are completely free to arrange your own flights to Australia - or, if you are departing from the UK, we can quote separately by Email for competitive flight prices, including in business class.
 
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