If you’re happy keeping things simple, the park makes it easy to cook for yourself. There’s a well set up Camp Kitchen on site along with BBQ facilities and a much loved wood-fired pizza oven, which quickly becomes the social hub in the evenings.

For your morning coffee, we found ourselves wandering into town to Classique Cafe, a proper country cafe that does the basics very well. The coffee is consistently good, but it’s the cookies that really seal the deal. Fresh, generous and perfect for grabbing one to take back for a riverside stroll.

Lunch is a great excuse to visit The Stables Cafe Est 1889, tucked away on Service Street. Set inside a beautifully restored former stable, the space blends exposed brick and timber with soft, modern finishes, making it an easy place to linger. We dropped in for lunch and ordered the chicken teriyaki bowl, served with rice, edamame, carrot salad, smashed cucumber and sesame seeds. It was fresh, balanced and surprisingly filling. If you’re visiting earlier in the day, their breakfast menu is also well worth a visit.

For dinner, Mitchell River Tavern is our pick. Sitting right in the heart of Bairnsdale, it strikes a nice balance between classic pub comfort and something a little more elevated. The MRT burger lives up to its reputation, packed with flavour and clearly made with care. We had a few in the group with specific dietary requirements and the staff were incredibly accommodating, with a range of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

There’s plenty to enjoy without ever leaving the park. One of our favourite ways to start the day is flicking a line into the Mitchell River from the park’s private jetty. It’s peaceful, unhurried, and a great excuse to slow right down. Later on, the swimming pool becomes a hit with everyone. Whether you’re cooling off with a swim or lounging around with a good book, it’s an easy place for a quiet afternoon.

Beyond the park, East Gippsland opens up plenty of opportunities for adventure.

A rewarding day trip is Buchan Caves, located near the township of Buchan. The guided cave tours take you deep underground through vast limestone chambers filled with intricate formations, and the surrounding reserve is just as enjoyable for a picnic or short walk once you’re back above ground.

Closer to the coast, Raymond Island is well worth packing a picnic for. A short ferry ride from Paynesville gets you across, and from there it’s all about slow wandering. Koalas are the main attraction and are often spotted resting in the trees, but keep an eye out as well for echidnas, kangaroos and a wide variety of birdlife along the walking tracks.

If you’re keen to stretch the adventure a little further, jump in the car and head towards Snowy River National Park. The scenery changes quickly, with forested valleys, dramatic river views and waterfalls tucked away along the way. Raymond Creek Falls is a standout and makes for a great short hike. For something truly memorable, you can also arrange a guided rafting trip down the Snowy River, an unforgettable way to experience one of Australia’s most iconic waterways.

If you’re planning to explore Raymond Island or Buchan Caves during school holidays or long weekends, it’s worth getting an early start. These spots are popular and feel much quieter in the morning.