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East Gippsland Shire

General Information

The choice is yours. From the rugged wilderness of the high country, snowfields and mountain streams to rich river flats, productive agricultural land and world-renowned coastal lakes and estuaries.

Whatever you're looking for, East Gippsland can deliver:

• A waterfront home on the Gippsland Lakes
• Acreage on some of the most productive agricultural land in Australia
• A beachcomber's delight alongside the roaring breakers of the 90 Mile Beach
• A wilderness retreat to appreciate the majesty of our many National Parks and reserves
• Relaxed living in one of the smaller villages in the coastal hinterland and mountain regions, or
• Enjoy one of the many quality residential estates in our welcoming country communities.

The climate varies from the mild coastal plains to the winter chill of the high country providing opportunities for a diverse range of business and farming enterprises. With such an enjoyable lifestyle on offer, there is no shortage of people willing to work for your business.

The region's commercial centre is Bairnsdale – just three hours drive from Melbourne but a lifetime away from the stresses of city living.

Living and doing business in East Gippsland has never been easier!

Isn't it time you considered the Top 10 advantages of living and working in East Gippsland.

1. Better balance between work and lifestyle

2. Reliable and stable workforce

3. Lower establishment costs including commercial and private property

4. Safe place for families

5. Strong sense of community and support networks

6. Growing market opportunities and close proximity to natural resources

7. Efficient transport and communication networks

8. A clean, healthy environment

9. Easy access to major cities

10. Excellent health and education services.

Health and Education

The East Gippsland region is well served by more than 30 primary schools and six secondary colleges within easy commuting distance of all larger centres.

East Gippsland Institute of TAFE offers a wide range of courses through its main campus at Bairnsdale. There are opportunities to undertake tertiary studies in the region with an expanded range of courses being offered by RMIT and Monash University.

Health and aged care services in the region are excellent and include hospitals along with significant health centres and bush nursing facilities. Community services such as "meals on wheels" and Home and Community Care are designed to help older people enjoy retirement in their own homes. Specialised aged care and nursing facilities are available in some centres.

Accident and emergency facilities include a heli-med service, which connects the region to major Melbourne hospitals in less than one hour.

Housing

Housing is more affordable than in metropolitan areas and you won't be trapped into working long hours just to pay the mortgage. You will have more time to enjoy life and there's plenty to do in a region, which is dotted with National Parks and world-renowned wetlands.

The range of affordable lifestyle options is enormous with many quality residential developments catering for the needs of families, as well as retirees. From unit developments to hobby farms, you can choose the housing option, which suits your budget and requirements.

Community Life

Just because you"ve left behind the breakneck pace of city life, don't expect to be bored in East Gippsland – there's too much to do.

Community life revolves around getting people involved and all major service clubs are represented throughout the region. The region has several outstanding golf courses and lawn bowls facilities, along with excellent tennis complexes and quality sports ovals.

The vast natural environment of East Gippsland fosters a variety of artists that are world renown. Or perhaps the wineries, bustling craft markets, restaurants, bed and breakfast accommodation or chartered boat cruises are more to your liking.

Water is a part of life in East Gippsland the boating; sailing and fishing opportunities are unlimited. Weekends are a time to get out and explore nature with lakes, rivers, rugged wilderness and miles of unspoilt beaches waiting for you. At times you will feel like you are the first person to set foot on a remote stretch of coastline – no crowds, no hassles, no worries!

Townships at a glance

Bairnsdale: The commercial and retail hub of the region, Bairnsdale accommodates the head offices for many regional bodies, including the Shire Council.

A regional service center with excellent education and health services, Bairnsdale is surrounded by a wide range of farming enterprises including the highly productive Mitchell River flats at Lindenow and the Red Gum Plains. Rural residential properties are popular in the area with residents in smaller towns such as Swan Reach, Johnsonville, Nicholson and Sarsfield accessing main services in Bairnsdale.

Lakes Entrance: The major tourism centre for the region and home to a large commercial fishing fleet.

The Princes Highway meets the 90 Mile beach with Spectacular Ocean and lake views to be enjoyed on the western approach to town. There is a wide range of accommodation, restaurant and retail services to meet peak tourism season demands. The development of a privately owned, sealed airstrip has improved access for travelers from Melbourne and interstate.

As a service centre for the fishing industry, Lakes Entrance features quality education and sporting facilities including an indoor pool, basketball courts and several ovals. Neighboring township of Lake Tyers Beach is growing in popularity as a residential and holiday destination

Paynesville: Paynesville offers unique lakeside and canal living with easy access to Lake King and Lake Victoria. A vehicular ferry service links Paynesville to the picturesque environment of Raymond Island.

Orbost and district: Set on the banks of the legendary Snowy River, Orbost is renowned for its timber industry and productive farming areas. The pleasant year-round climate, along with easy access to prime coastal and wilderness attractions, such as Marlo and Bemm River, has made the town popular with retirees seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Further east at Cann River, the Princes Highway intersects with the Cann Valley Highway, which provides a direct link to Canberra.

Mallacoota and district: Home to a flourishing abalone industry, Mallacoota is located at the far east of the region and enjoys a reputation as an outstanding family holiday destination. Clean beaches, excellent lake fishing, productive river flats and a wilderness setting add to the charm of the Genoa/Gipsy Point and Mallacoota district

Metung: Quality resort-style village set on the shores of Bancroft Bay on the Gippsland Lakes. Extremely popular with the sailing fraternity, Metung also offers an excellent lifestyle for younger families and retirees.

Omeo and the Tambo Valley: Omeo is an historic gold mining town offering easy access to excellent snow skiing resorts at Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. A service centre for surrounding grazing land, Omeo and the nearby township of Benambra, are both well located to capitalise on increased through traffic on the Great Alpine Road. The sealed road is a popular and scenic link between East Gippsland and the north east of the state. The small townships of Swifts Creek and Ensay are also featured on the route via the Tambo Valley to Bruthen. Located at the junction of the Great Alpine Road, Bruthen has grown in size as a smaller country town with easy access to Bairnsdale and the high country.

Buchan and district: World famous for its limestone caves, Buchan is nestled on the banks of the Buchan River in a picturesque valley. The town provides services for surrounding farmland and is an important stopover for travellers heading into more remote regions such as Gelantipy, Tubbut, Bendoc and Bonang.