A scenic walk along the shores of Lake Cunningham, to the artificially constructed Entrance of the Gippsland Lakes. Seals and dolphins are often spotted frollicking in the tidal pulls at the Entrance.

Cross the footbridge then follow a signposted track to the right (west) and take the sandy track until you reach an intersection.

Around the site of the construction of the Entrance, known locally as the ‘New Works’, scattered artefacts remain that speak to the original infrastructure required for the project providing an insight into the scale of this design and engineering achievement over 100 years ago.

Turn right (north) and follow the track to water. Head west along the shoreline to view the ten heritage New Works cottages. The New Works cottages are surviving links with the construction of the Entrance. Built to house the construction workers and fishermen, this township was for a short time named after the first contractor, John Carpenter. On licence from the Crown, the cottages have for many years been restricted to same family ownership, and have been passed down through the generations. A series of interpretative signs with a brief history of each cottage/site now in place on the New Works Village Walk along the lake shore.

Continue along the walk, until you arrive at the Entrance. Return via Lakes Entrance Beach. Exit at the Surf Lifesaving Lookout tower to follow the path back across the Footbridge.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the dolphins traversing the Entrance as you take this tour along the shore.

CAV | OHM reminds participants to be aware of their surroundings and to adhere to road-safety guidelines at all times. When following this tour, participants must assume personal responsibility for any liability, injury, loss or damage in any way connected with the tour.

Tour content courtesy of Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society, Lakes Explorer and lakesentrance.com. Waterfront is proudly presented by Centre for Architecture Victoria | Open House Melbourne, in partnership with DELWP and East Gippsland Shire Council. Waterfront is part of Melbourne Design Week 2021, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.