Major upgrades at Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance are complete with visitors now able to better enjoy this stunning location close to the famous entrance to Bass Strait.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook said it has been great to see the completion of Stage 1 of the Bullock Island Masterplan.

“Bullock Island is now - with its shared trail system, picnic tables, seating, accessible boardwalk and toilets, a destination with infrastructure that complements its iconic location and supports people to stay and enjoy the area,” Cr Crook said.

The special values of the island and Entrance, and the opportunity to create an iconic destination for tourists and locals have been well documented. The work follows many years of planning and advocacy. A major step was completed in late 2019 with Council taking on management of a large portion of Bullock Island, allowing Council to seek funding opportunities and progress planning and designs.

“The design process recognised that views and access to the spectacular waterfront and Entrance are what locals and visitors value about Lakes Entrance. This project has been designed to complement the natural beauty of Lakes Entrance by improving accessibility and providing high quality amenities,” Cr Crook said.

Included in the project was replacement of the ageing bridge (incorporating a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists), formalised car parking, public art, solar lighting, drainage, signs and telecommunications.

"Council would like to thank our lead contractor, Whelans Group Investments, for their collaboration on this project. Whelans' professional conduct resulted in a smooth delivery of works without delay or challenges," Cr Crook said.

“Council also appreciates the community’s patience during the construction period, and also the businesses who were affected by road closures and delays: Lakes Entrance Fishermen's Co-op, Gippsland Ports, TAFE Gippsland - Lakes Entrance (Seamec),” Cr Crook added.

The Bullock Island Masterplan Implementation Project Stage-1 was funded by generous grants from the Australian and Victorian Governments. Council also made a substantial contribution.

CLICK HERE to read the Media Release

It’s finally tools down at Bullock Island which is set to be an all-important recreational destination.

The North Arm Boardwalk is complete.

The North Arm section of the boardwalk is complete and open to the public.

Seating is also available for you to rest while enjoying the sunshine and the fantastic views of the Gippsland Lakes.

Works on the central boardwalk continue to move forward, and this project is anticipated to be completed by mid-March 2024.

The Bullock Island boardwalk is nearing completion.

The deck grating arrived a few days ago and the contractor has commenced installation.

We look forward to opening the boardwalk for public use by the end of February 2024.

The disturbed grass areas were recently topsoiled and seeded and are now growing vegetation.

Our Parks and Gardens crew will soon commence maintenance of these areas.

The completion of this project is anticipated mid-March 2024.

Additional photos are available for viewing in the Photos section.

The central carpark and toilet block are now complete.

We are now waiting for final connection approvals from SP Ausnet and East Gippsland Water.

Construction of the North Arm boardwalk is progressing as scheduled. The reinforced fibre grating for the boardwalk deck is on back order, with delivery expected in February 2024.

The boardwalks are now under construction.

Let there be light

The new solar lighting provides sustainable, cost-effective, and improved safety for pedestrians, visitors to the water's edge, and wildlife.

The solar lighting system will ensure consistent illumination even during power outages, and demonstrates Council's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with our growing emphasis on green infrastructure and eco-friendly urban development.

Works in the central carpark are close to completion, and we will soon commence work on the North Arm and central boardwalks.

Elite Concreting and Landscaping are completing the final sections of concrete, and Whelans Group Investments have commenced the installation of the solar overhead lighting.

These current works are scheduled to be completed by the end of next week, and we expect the solar lighting will be operational at the same time.

The central car park is nearing completion.

WOW ! Two ocean buoys have been installed on Bullock Island. Weighing approximately five tonne each and 12 metres in diameter, these two buoys have been transformed into stunning art pieces by Melbourne artist, Lukas Kasper.

The buoys are painted with unique artistic flare which has an amazing wow factor due to the vibrant colours and realism of the nature subjects. The artwork is designed to encourage the viewer to walk around the buoys with a surprise on either side. As the buoys are great in size, they will intrigue people from afar while also inviting them to move up closer to walk around and see the whole design.

There is one main focal point on each side of the two buoys; on one of the buoys we see the Black Swan and the Pelican floating on the water aside the sunset, and on the other buoy is the Marlin and the Snapper swimming amongst the water with greenish/blue hues.

The two buoys, originally located off Port Welshpool, were generously donated by Gippsland Ports. After four weeks of sandblasting and treatments and another two weeks to complete artwork, the buoys arrived at Bullock Island on 18 September and are located on traffic island on the south side of the carpark facing the ocean opening and the entrance to the crabbing jetty carpark.

About the Artist: Lukas Kasper is a professional mural artist who specialises in painting murals with a focus on mental health, animals, and the environment. He has developed a series of painting techniques and distinct visuals which seamlessly merge these worlds to showcase a unique display of traditional street art style, adaptive colour usage, native flora and fauna, surrounding inspirations, and flowing line work. Lukas currently resides in Melbourne and creates designs and high-quality art video productions for major corporations and prominent enterprises. He has also created and facilitated workshops in various parts of the world, including Australia, America, Canada, Indonesia, and Thailand. To read more visit - Lukas Kasper

Council contractors, Whelans Group Investments, have completed the final footpath pour in the Entrance carpark. The new Gippsland Ports steel valve covers have been installed, and the Central carpark works are underway.

Click here to view the artworks being created