Victoria location profile
Paynesville VIC 3880
Paynesville is a relaxed waterfront town on the Gippsland Lakes, known as the boating capital of Victoria. It offers quiet, scenic living with marinas, foreshore trails, and easy access to Raymond Island’s famous koalas.
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Why families consider Paynesville
Predominantly retirees and sea-changers, with a mix of families and holiday-home owners; a close-knit, outdoorsy community centred on boating, fishing, and laid-back coastal living.
Amenities & services
- Supermarket and convenience shopping
- Medical clinic and pharmacy
- Cafes, pubs and restaurants
- Marina services and chandlery
- Primary school
- Boat ramps and fuel
- Bairnsdale Library – 7 Service St, Bairnsdale
Transport & connectivity
- Bairnsdale (V/Line) train station ~14km NW
- Local bus services between Bairnsdale and Paynesville
- Princes Highway (A1) via Paynesville Road (C606)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club and multiple marinas
- Boating, sailing and fishing on the Gippsland Lakes
- Foreshore walking and cycling paths
- Community sports (bowls, tennis, cricket)
- Raymond Island koala viewing trail
- Paynesville Foreshore Reserve
- Sunset Cove Foreshore Reserve
- Raymond Island Koala Reserve
- Raymond Island Foreshore Reserve
Education context
A small number of local kindergarten/early learning options; wider childcare availability in nearby Bairnsdale (~15 minutes).
- Federation University Australia – Gippsland Campus (Churchill)
- Monash University – Clayton Campus (Melbourne)
- Deakin University – Burwood Campus (Melbourne)