Maxxis Man here, and I’m super excited (as I know many of you Maxxis-er’s are!) to be able to get back on track with those wheels of yours — enjoying some of Australia’s great outdoor places that have been off limits for way too long! With a special nod to Victoria, my first road trip back takes you for a weekend ride from Melbourne into some of Gippsland’s simply spectacular and scenic Lakes’ countryside. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s check those tyres are pumped and ready for action and get that rubber on the road!
Where are we going?
Heading to Paynesville, just three and a half hours on the Monash to the M1/A1 – it’s a 295km drive that’s a breeze. The perfect family weekender destination or even a Sunday drive, it’ll take you right into the heart of the Gippsland Lakes and canals. Whether you like to fish, go boating, take an easy or more strenuous walking trail or just settle in with your binoculars under a shady tree, this natural wonderland ticks all the boxes when it comes to some pretty special wildlife combined with watery views!
The all-important question of vehicle and tyres
Whatever your vehicle, Maxxis has you covered with a tyre that’s just right for any adventure! If yours is an SUV or 4WD, why not use the opportunity to cruise to the Gippsland Lakes on a brand-new set of recently released RAZR AT811s? A next generation, robust all-terrain tyre, the AT811 has this (and every other on- and off-road journey) perfectly sorted – with absolutely no compromise when it comes to comfort and style!
Where to stop along the way…
As you leave the city (getting well out of your 5km zone!) and start seeing the wide-open spaces and remote tree-lined farmsteads – it won’t take long for you and your tyres to feel the “post lockdown” freedom of this ride. And while you may be committed to getting to your destination quickly, there are some pretty awesome places en route if you’ve got the time to break up the trip.
Yarragon Village, just 90 minutes from Melbourne is a well-known landmark along this route – an awesome little town, that has some of Victoria’s best coffee and pies, wonderful cafes, gift shops and more – a great place to get out, stretch your legs and support the local economy. Or, if you like the idea of picking your own fruit, take your picnic with you on a little 16-minute detour off the M1 and down Sunny Creek Rd to Sunny Creek Farm Gate. Known for fruit such as farm-fresh strawberries, blackberries and home-made jam – it’s a tasty winner as well as being lots of fun. Check before you head off for opening times and dates and the in-season fruits and other produce ready to be picked!
Destination Paynesville and what to do when you get there
Pretty as a picture — Paynesville is far enough away from Melbourne to make you forget about everything city and suburbia — without being so far you need to take a week off to get there! Plus, of course it goes without saying that when you’re travelling on Maxxis tyres, every kilometre you travel is at least as exciting as the last. Being quietly spectacular, Paynesville offers lots to do and view – with some of East Gippsland’s freshest fish and chips and local produce cuisine expertly prepared and just waiting to be enjoyed!
Along with doing some local exploring and soaking up the lake views, here are a few ideas of where to get started:
- Take a ferry ride (about 5 mins) to Raymond Island. Leaving every 20 minutes from the Paynesville Ferry Terminal over weekends, a quick 5-minute trip (free if you leave your car at the terminal) will have you on the island in a jiffy. With walking trails, heaps of koalas in the wild along with kangaroos, birds and other wildlife, getting back to nature couldn’t be easier.
- The Paynesville Sunset Cove Walking Track takes you along the lake with fabulous views across to Newlands Arm. With a playground and picnicking area, it’s family friendly and versatile for walking, bike riding and or just generally enjoying a sunny summer Sunday!
- A magnificent “must see” natural masterpiece, and just over 10 minutes’ drive from Paynesville at Eagles Point, the Mitchell River Silt Jetties are naturally formed silt banks (the second largest of their kind in the world!). With water on both sides (river on one and lake on the other), they’re a great spot for fishing, swimming and kayaking – plus the scenery is stunning and teaming with birdlife!
- No visit to Paynesville is complete without sampling some of the region’s best and freshest fish n’ chips straight out of the lakes. Stop in at the Ferry Café, or one of the town’s other cafes, restaurants and eateries and see for yourself!
What to take with you
Walking shoes, fishing rod, boat, eskie, BBQ utensils, sunnies, sunscreen and don’t forget the hand sanitiser! Plus, it goes without saying …you and your Maxxis tyres, your partner, family, friends and maybe your dog!
Until next time – remember to check your tyres before you go.
Have an awesome trip!
