Raymond Island Koala walk

Raymond Island Koala walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Catch the free ferry over to Raymond Island from Paynesville to enjoy this gorgeous little loop through koala habitat before heading back along the boardwalk with views over the Gippsland Lakes.

Description

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Raymond Island is a unique place, managed jointly by Parks Victoria and traditional owners the Gunaikurnai people, who maintain a strong connection to Country.

While most people visit Raymond Island to catch a glimpse of notoriously reclusive koalas, its also a great place to spot local and migratory bird species and rare native orchids (but please stick to the walk tracks!)

If arriving at Paynesville by car, a good place to park is at the reserve car park next to the Yacht Club (point #1 on our map). This is a good idea because the ferry trip is free for pedestrians but $13 per vehicle. There is no need to time your trip as the ferry departs about every 20 minutes (see link above for timetable).

You'll make your way to the ferry along the Paynesville waterfront, where signage tells much of the maritime history of the area.

Dogs are allowed on the ferry and on this koala walk, but they absolutely must be kept ON LEASH at all times to protect native animals, and are not permitted at some other locations on Raymond Island.

Once on the island, the Koala walk itself is a short 2-3km loop past the island's charming homes and through wooded areas populated by koalas. You're pretty guaranteed to see the sleepy creatures up in the forks of trees (we saw 10-15 on our walk). Be warned, this walk can be a pain in the neck because you will spend so much time looking up!

Drinking water can be found along the Paynesville waterfront, and toilets are located in a small park opposite the ferry jetty on Raymond Island.

Note: In June 2022 (after this digital walking map was created) Parks Victoria completed some upgrade works to the walking trails on Raymond Island to improve wayfinding . The new trails (1.7km) are interconnected to the route shown here. Look for signage.

If you do not have a car, there is a bus service that runs to Paynesville.

Enjoy.

This walking map was created with support from VicHealth .

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Points of Interest

1. Arriving by car?

There is a generous car park at the Paynesville Boat Ramp, just by the small playground.

2. Maritime walk (Visit Victoria)

Make your way past the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club to the Paynesville Esplanade where you will find a pleasant walk path along the water's edge, and signage detailing the area's Maritime history.

3. Ferry to Raymond Island

The small ferry departs regularly for the 200m trip across the water to Raymond Island. It is free for those on foot. See link for more details.

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4. Playground and walk start

Once you depart the ferry at Raymond Island you'll see the sweet little koala trail markings on the ground to direct you to the Koala Loop, which begins in Ferry Reserve.

5. Toilets

These are the only public toilets on the walk, so you may wish to make use of them now!

6. Through the streets

The koala trail actually begins through Raymond Island's residential streets. There are often koalas in these areas, so don't rush through.

7. First koala sighting

The best sign of a koala is of course other people standing stationary and looking up!

8. Koala awake!

While koalas sleep through much of the day, we were lucky enough to come across this bright-eyed, hungry marsupial.

9. Into the reserve

As you make your way into the reserve area, away from homes, koalas are easier to find.

10. Better shot

As you make your way into the reserve area, away from homes koalas are easier to find. Image: Visit Victoria

11. Short or longer route back?

When you get to this point you can decided whether or not to take the longer route back to the ferry (as we did) - which provides a longer walk by the water.

12. Beautiful big trees

We loved looking at the beautiful, cosy looking homes along this route, and the impressive banksia with their large, healthy-looking canopy. We also saw a house boat home!

13. Take a right at the water

When you get to the water front, head right through the trees (or along the shore line).

14. Mini beach

Or you can walk along the shoreline. What a peaceful place.

15. Boardwalk

This is a beautiful part of the walk, with the light shimmering off the water and lots of birds to spot. Stick to the path to protect this lovely habitat.