Raymond Island walking track

Project status

June 2022: Complete

The project

Visitors to Gippsland Lakes Reserve can now experience a better understanding of Gunaikurnai culture with a newly installed 1.7km walk through the beautiful landscape of Raymond Island on Tatungalung Country. The walk passes through coastal banksia forest and features a yarning circle and interpretive signage that reflects the knowledge held by Traditional Owners, with a focus on traditionally used plants in the area.

Accessible only by ferry, Raymond Island is one of ten parks and reserves jointly managed between the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Parks Victoria. Completion of this project means visitors now have better access to more of the island, which has been a favourite location for spotting koalas and enjoying the native flora and fauna.

The Gunaikurnai have a deep connection with Raymond Island and the Gippsland Lakes. The lake waters in particular were abundant in food and resources and enabled people to travel to the open ocean and up and down the coast.

The upgraded nature trail connects with the existing Koala Walk that goes through the township and into the edge of the park. In addition to upgrading and connecting existing tracks and visitor carparking, improved and directional signs has been installed to make the track easy to follow.

The yarning circle and interpretive signage at Raymond Island that reflects the knowledge held by Traditional Owners, with a focus on traditionally used plants in the area.

Project funding and partner

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) were the partner for this project. Work to upgrade the track was completed by the GLaWAC Natural Resource Management Team.

The project received $350,000 in funding as part of the government’s broader Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan. It was the first project to be delivered under the Victorian Government’s $120 million Flagship Tourism Projects program aimed at building better visitor infrastructure to entice more tourists to Victoria’s regions.

Related items

For more information about Gippsland Lakes Reserve on Raymond Island from GLaWAC or Parks Victoria.