Metung is a village on the Gippsland Lakes in East Gippsland Victoria. It is mainly characterized by the peninsula it sits on that is located between Lake King and Bancroft Bay, and contains a large Marina on which a lot of users of the Gippsland Lakes keep their watercraft.
I did not find much that inspired me at this village except for the wildlife and the marinas. Nearby Chinaman’s Creek held a bit more fascination, but I could not sustain the urge to explore this village and its surrounds for more than an afternoon. In spite of the seeming lack of enthusiasm, it is still worth a visit if not just to photograph the sea vessels and wildlife. However, there is just not much more here besides that, unless you intend mooring your vessel here, or use it as a base to explore the lake. The views of the lake are peaceful and relaxing, and a highlight is to walk along the boardwalk.
Another highlight in the area is Shaving Point. It has a great view of Bancroft Bay and Lake King. There were an abundance of water birds on the shores and they made for great photography subjects. The gentle lapping of the small waves on the shore was also very calming.
Not far from Shaving Point was the Charles Edwards Silhouette. It is a homage to an iron hulled paddle steamer built in Dumbarton, Scotland in 1864. The placard explains that the “129 foot 185 ton ship, with a 60 hp motor, was built for the Gippsland Steam Navigation Company, later to be named The Gippsland Lakes Navigation Company. Having suitable accommodation in the saloon for passengers, she became the first regular steam ship between Melbourne and the Gippsland Lakes. Captain Darby took charge in 1865 and was advertised leaving Queen’s Wharf, Melbourne on Mondays at 8 pm for Sale, Bairnsdale and Stratford via Port Albert. Passengers were informed that Bairnsdale was within one day’s travel of the great gold fields of North Gippsland. The same year two of the crew men lost their lives from a small boat while trying to navigate a safe channel for the Charles Edward through the natural entrance near Lakes Entrance. Surviving several near wrecks on the Victorian coast, the Charles Edward was sold to New Zealand in 1876.”
The Bataluk Cultural Trail runs from Sale in the east through Bairnsdale, Metung, Lake Tyers, Buchan and Orbost to Cape Conran in the west. It follows the trails and trading routes of the local Aborigines and focuses on elements of Kurnai history and culture, including Dreamtime stories, traditional lifestyles, the Den of Nargun, Legend Rock, Aboriginal Keeping Places, archaeological sites such as canoe trees and shell middens, cultural centres of the region, and aspects of European invasion, colonial settlement and present-day existence.
“One day, some fisherman who had hauled in many fish with their nets, ate their catch around their campfire. The women, guardians of the social law, saw that the men had eaten more than enough but had not fed their dogs. As a punishment for their greed the fishermen were turned to stone.” This story is one of many Kurnai stories that were told and retold to show that greed would bring punishment. The Legend Rocks hold great spiritual value to the Kurnai people and the story serves as a great legend for its people to remember the laws of the land.
There were originally three rocks in the formation at Metung, unfortunately two were destroyed during road construction along the shore of Bancroft Bay in the 1960s. The last rock was preserved when community members and Gippsland & East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative had an injuction issued. The Legend Rock continues to be protected under the Heritage Act of Victoria.
Legend Rock From Metung Boardwalk
The Metung and Chinaman’s Creek area does provide a home for a variety of watercraft and has some nice photography opportunities, in spite of hindrances to accessing some private jettys. It is also eye candy for those who dream of the sea wandering lifestyle.
Moored Marina Yachts
A visit to Metung is a breath of fresh air, but has limited inspirations to justify staying very long unless you own a water vessel. If you do, you will really enjoy this calm and peaceful seaside viillage.
From a photography point of view, it offers great wildlife and watercraft subject opportunities but access to those are also somewhat limited. Personally I would not go out of my way to return here for photography as there are much better places and subjects in the area. However, for a restful and recharging afternoon with a nice picnic, or a visit to one of the cafes in the village, it is a nice place to visit.
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