Activities & Attractions

Mitchell River Silt Jetties

On the drive into Bairnsdale, turn off to the Mitchell River Silt Jetties - a beautiful drive out to the end of this natural phenomenon.

The area was used to grow hops around the turn of the century, and you will still be able to see the old shedding and racks along the way.

Gippsland Lakes and Paynesville have a unique character, defined by the presence of the Mitchell River Silt Jetties just off the mainland. These naturally formed silt banks run for over 8 km, making them the second largest silt jetties in the entire world, and the longest in the southern hemisphere.

● Unique viewpoints for anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers.
● Easy access from Paynesville and Bairnsdale.
● Pair with cruises across the Gippsland Lakes for a full-day itinerary.

Duration

30 Minutes

Location

Eagle Point

Distance

8 km

Grade

Level 1

Distance from Paynesville

13 Minutes

How to Get There

Paynesville Road and Point Dawson Road from Eagle Point to southern silt jetty.

Access Information

A few minutes along the Bairnsdale to Paynesville Road, on the left, is the turn off to Eagle Point and the Silt Jetties. Follow the sign to the Eagle Point Caravan Park, when the road turns sharply right continue straight ahead. The jetties have a gravel track for those interested in seeing first hand this renowned geographic rarity.

History & Background

“The origin of the Mitchell River silt jetties has been the subject of some debate and sever hypotheses have been advance to account for the unusually large deltaic tract of a relatively small river. It seem likely that the silt jetties are a true deltaic form consisting of silt, clay and minor sands and are comparable in configuration with those built by distributaries of the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico. The major factors in their growth were the virtual absence of tidal currents in Lake King and the presence of a shoreline reed swamp fringe able to trap a large proportion of the river sediment and affording protection from wave attack. The elongated digitate form of the Mitchell silt jetties compared with the smaller cuspate deltas of the other river is a reflection of the fact that the north-western part of the other rivers is well sheltered from both westerly and easterly winds.” (1)

1 - http://vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/egregn.nsf/pages/eg_lf_sites_significance_gl19

Use the map above to get directions to this experience.

Gippsland Lakes Escapes

Call & Email

Mitchell River Silt Jetties