Port of Bairnsdale Master Plan - Share the stories that shaped this place, and help imagine what comes next

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The Port of Bairnsdale is more than a place on a map. It's a local spot where memories have been made, connections formed, and moments shared. For some, it evokes memories of morning walks on a crisp autumn morning, a family picnic by the river on a summer afternoon, or the thrill of competing in a school rowing and swimming regatta. Whatever the port means to you, we want to hear it.

We are planning for the future of the Port of Bairnsdale, and we want to start by listening.

Objective and scope

The Port of Bairnsdale Master Plan will guide the long-term vision for the port as a contemporary public open space for the East Gippsland community and visitors.

The master plan aims to:

  • Identify opportunities to re-energise the port of Bairnsdale for ongoing community use
  • Improve connection between the Port and the Bairnsdale CBD
  • Shape a welcoming public space that supports recreation, gathering and events

This master plan starts with our community, our community, experiences and connection to the Port of Bairnsdale.

How to get involved:

We're inviting you to share your stories. You might like to reflect on:

  • A memory from the Port of Bairnsdale - a family picnic, a celebration, a quiet moment, or a time you felt connected to the place
  • How the Port feels to visit today, and what has influenced that feeling
  • A future story you can imagine - "A day at the Port of Bairnsdale where I would feel…"
  • Experiences at other community open spaces that made you feel relaxed, safe, joyful or welcome - and why they felt that way

There are no right or wrong answers. Every story helps us plan for a Port that the whole community can enjoy for generations to come.


Our commitment to you: inform to consult – we’ll keep you in the loop and make sure your voice is heard. We’ll share updates, listen to your ideas and feedback, and use what you tell us to shape the Port of Bairnsdale Master Plan.

Once decisions are made, we’ll let you know how your input made a difference.

You can share your story by:

  • Share your story
  • Visiting one of our customer service centres
  • Telephoning 5153 9500
  • Emailing feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.

Feedback is open from Friday 8 May 2026 until Friday 5 June 2026.

What's Next

All stories and reflections shared through this engagement will be carefully reviewed and analysed to identify common themes, values and emotional needs.

These insights will help inform the Port of Bairnsdale Masterplan, ensuring that:

  • Future planning is grounded in lived experience
  • The design supports feelings of safety, belonging and pride
  • The Port’s next chapter reflects the community’s collective vision

  • By listening to the past and present, we can help shape a future where the Port of Bairnsdale is once again a place people love to visit and are proud to share with others.

We welcome your continued interest in this initiative. Updates will be provided on Your Say. Please click 'Subscribe' at the top of the page to follow this project and receive important information directly to your inbox.




The Port of Bairnsdale is more than a place on a map. It's a local spot where memories have been made, connections formed, and moments shared. For some, it evokes memories of morning walks on a crisp autumn morning, a family picnic by the river on a summer afternoon, or the thrill of competing in a school rowing and swimming regatta. Whatever the port means to you, we want to hear it.

We are planning for the future of the Port of Bairnsdale, and we want to start by listening.

Objective and scope

The Port of Bairnsdale Master Plan will guide the long-term vision for the port as a contemporary public open space for the East Gippsland community and visitors.

The master plan aims to:

  • Identify opportunities to re-energise the port of Bairnsdale for ongoing community use
  • Improve connection between the Port and the Bairnsdale CBD
  • Shape a welcoming public space that supports recreation, gathering and events

This master plan starts with our community, our community, experiences and connection to the Port of Bairnsdale.

How to get involved:

We're inviting you to share your stories. You might like to reflect on:

  • A memory from the Port of Bairnsdale - a family picnic, a celebration, a quiet moment, or a time you felt connected to the place
  • How the Port feels to visit today, and what has influenced that feeling
  • A future story you can imagine - "A day at the Port of Bairnsdale where I would feel…"
  • Experiences at other community open spaces that made you feel relaxed, safe, joyful or welcome - and why they felt that way

There are no right or wrong answers. Every story helps us plan for a Port that the whole community can enjoy for generations to come.


Our commitment to you: inform to consult – we’ll keep you in the loop and make sure your voice is heard. We’ll share updates, listen to your ideas and feedback, and use what you tell us to shape the Port of Bairnsdale Master Plan.

Once decisions are made, we’ll let you know how your input made a difference.

You can share your story by:

  • Share your story
  • Visiting one of our customer service centres
  • Telephoning 5153 9500
  • Emailing feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.

Feedback is open from Friday 8 May 2026 until Friday 5 June 2026.

What's Next

All stories and reflections shared through this engagement will be carefully reviewed and analysed to identify common themes, values and emotional needs.

These insights will help inform the Port of Bairnsdale Masterplan, ensuring that:

  • Future planning is grounded in lived experience
  • The design supports feelings of safety, belonging and pride
  • The Port’s next chapter reflects the community’s collective vision

  • By listening to the past and present, we can help shape a future where the Port of Bairnsdale is once again a place people love to visit and are proud to share with others.

We welcome your continued interest in this initiative. Updates will be provided on Your Say. Please click 'Subscribe' at the top of the page to follow this project and receive important information directly to your inbox.



Share your Port of Bairnsdale story and/or photo

Do you have a story or photo you'd like to share about your time at the Port of Bairnsdale, or experiences from another community space that matter to you? We’d like to hear from you. Your lived experience and local knowledge will help shape the Port of Bairnsdale Masterplan, ensuring it reflects how the community values, uses and wants to enjoy this space now and into the future.

Feedback is open from Friday 8 May 2026 until Friday 5 June 2026.

Collection Notice – Port of Bairnsdale Masterplan

East Gippsland Shire Council collects your information to seek feedback on the options for the development of the Port of Bairnsdale Masterplan. The information you provide will be used to enhance Port of Bairnsdale public spaces and community facilities over time. This project allows you to submit your feedback anonymously however, if you choose to include any personal information, or make reference to where you live, it may be possible to identify you given the specific nature of this project. Please note your feedback will be visible to Council staff, including the Project Supervisor and external contractors or consultants for the specific purpose of developing this Bairnsdale project. Words provided in your feedback will not be used or repeated in any public communications or reporting. For more information on Council’s Privacy Policy, please visit the EGSC Privacy Policy link at the bottom of this page or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au if you have any questions.
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    Lovely Lunch spot

    by KMac, 3 days ago
    When working in Service Street i used to go down to the Port all the time to meet my sister for lunch. we would sit in the car mostly and look at the river. its a cool spot in summer but it was very rare that we would get out because there wasn't seats to sit on, or if there were they were taken. There was often people who were drinking at the rotunda so we stayed away from there as it didnt feel safe.

    I would love to see some public art down there - interactive artworks or GOOD... Continue reading

    When working in Service Street i used to go down to the Port all the time to meet my sister for lunch. we would sit in the car mostly and look at the river. its a cool spot in summer but it was very rare that we would get out because there wasn't seats to sit on, or if there were they were taken. There was often people who were drinking at the rotunda so we stayed away from there as it didnt feel safe.

    I would love to see some public art down there - interactive artworks or GOOD sculptures along the walk. More seating or picnic tables along the river would be lovely.

    I believe there was diving boards and swimming and a pool. It would be great to have some entry and exit points that are accessible and safe for wild swimming.

Page last updated: 15 May 2026, 09:45 AM