We went on the Wyanga Park Winery Cruise today and what a treat that was. Our cruise left the Post Office Jetty in Lakes Entrance right on time at 11am with a full boatload.

Our skipper took us right into the co-op wharf so we could see fishing boats unloading their fresh catch. One of the largest fishing fleets in Australia operates out of Lakes Entrance. The co-op can produce 36 tonnes of ice each day to supply the fishing fleet. 70% of all flathead caught in Australian waters is caught in this area.

Our cruise continued out to the entrance (where the lakes meet the sea) and we were really lucky to see some seals and a pod of dolphins. The entrance was man made to keep a channel open for the fishing fleet and other boats to be able to access the open sea. It was built because the original entrance would block up regularly. The entrance is kept open by huge sand dredges that pump the sand out of the channel and out to sea or onto the beach.

The lakes comprise an area of over 400 square kilometres that makes them 7 times large than Sydney Harbour. You could spend years exploring the lakes by boat.

Then it was a lovely cruise up the North Arm to arrive at Wyanga Park Winery wharf. The skipper gave a great running commentary all the way there.

On arrival at the winery wharf a mini bus was waiting to shuttle people to the top. Some of us elected to walk to the top. It was a very steep 600m climb. Our cruise group was greeted at the entrance to the winery and shown to our booked tables. Covid rules dictate how many people can be seated in the restaurant.

Sally, Kevin, Richard and I had a lovely table on a balcony overlooking the vegetable garden below. We could see vines growing on the hills around us.

Our cruise deal included a main course each accompanied by a wine tasting. We were also given a cheese and fruit board and delicious home made bread.

Our meals were superb. We had fish & chips, a chicken salad, Morrocan lamb and zucchini fritters. I can’t say we enjoyed any of their wines but it was interesting to taste the different wines on offer.

Our return journey seemed to go by in no time at all. It was fun to see the rear of our motorhome parked up in the Caravan Park as we went by. We all thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and thought it was $75 each well spent.