Metung, Australia

If the commercialism of Lakes Entrance turns you off, head for the more refined charms of METUNG, a pretty, upmarket boating and holidaying village just 10km west along the shoreline. To get here, take the highway towards Bairnsdale, then turn south on the side road at Swan Reach. There is a visitor office at 50 Metung Rd (daily 9am–5pm; Tel:03/5156 2969, Web: www.metungtourism.com.au ) which books accommodation and hires out boats.

A good accommodation option is McMillans of Metung (Tel:03/5156 2283, Web: www.mcmillansofmetung.com.au ; Price: $131–200), at 155 Metung Rd, which has very comfortable, fully equipped cottages of different sizes in a garden setting, with a solar-heated pool, tennis court and a private jetty. The Mooringsat Metung, 28 Main Rd (Tel:03/5156 2750, Web: www.themoorings.com.au ; Price: $131–200), are luxury apartments with sun decks and barbecues overlooking Bancroft Bay. Cheaper is the Metung Hotel (Tel:03/5156 2206, Web: www.metunghotel.com.au ; Price: $76-100), which also offers food (noon–2pm & 6–8.30pm daily) and a fantastic outdoor table area on the water. The Seasonsrestaurant in the Kings Cove Club (part of the golf-course development; Wed– Sat dinner, Sun 9am–2pm; Tel:03/5156 2927) on Kings Cove Boulevard, serves modern seafood in a chic setting. The bright and pleasant Metung Gallery at 59 Metung Rd serves great breakfasts, lunches and tasty dinners daily at excellent prices.