Nowa Nowa, East Gippsland, Victoria

[bucaneer]

Nowa Nowa, which is just 25 klms past Lakes Entrance, is rather a special little spot. Situated on the Princes Hwy on the upper reaches of the Nowa Nowa arm of Lake Tyers, it is a tiny township most traffic just drives through. What it lacks in modern facilities, it more than makes up for in old world character (and people), accommodation, pub, and launching ramp all within 2 minutes of each other. The lake waters here are comparatively lightly fished, with most anglers choosing to launch at Lake Tyers settlement itself. It has a single concrete ramp and several small holding jetties. The lake had just opened to the sea after about 5 years when I was there, and the water level had dropped over a metre. Despite this a 560 Bar Crusher was still launched with no problems at the ramp. The lake can be comfortably navigated all the way to the Tyers beach, about 20 klms away. The water itself consists of wide weed and sand flats flanking deeper channels at the lower end, gradually narrowing as it snakes in between forested hills. Here we have increasing structure in the form of snag piles and rock bars. Some excellent flats on the inside of bends complement some very deep holes that are a complete surprise some 10-12 klms inland. Two that I found measured 13 and 18 metres deep. The lake is no longer commercially fished and is a haven for some monster Dusky Flathead, Mulloway, Tailor, Pinkies, Bream, and Estuary Perch. Like all closed estuary systems, it is also a fish nursery, so plenty of undersized fish should also be expected, though I do believe you stand a better chance of hooking that fish of a lifetime here.
Like all of our waters, it has it's good days and bad days, but if the fish are having an off day, at least you have the benefit of some of the most stunning scenery you are likely to find any where in Victoria. If the wind is blowing, the upper reaches are always calm, and you can always find a sheltered spot round the next bend.
Then of course there is always the option of the Toorloo Arm, or Black Fellas Arm, also both highly reputed fishing destinations, but I have not yet had the opportunity to explore these.....YET!!!


PART 2 The Accommodation

The caravan park where I stayed is very "60ish", and is a strange mixture of rustic/basic, and comfortable. It has your standard powered & unpowered sites, a self contained cabin (where I stayed), a very large comfortable bunk house with over 20 beds, two shower/toilet blocks, under cover gas barbecue, and a huge recreation room that also housed full kitchen facilities with a large side by side fridge/freezer. The self contained cabin had two double bunks and a loft with one bed (5 in total), kitchen with electric frypan and microwave, but no stove, and a big bathroom/toilet with a much bigger than average shower. It also had a full size 2 door fridge freezer. It seems that in peak holiday season while Lakes Entrance is bulging at the seams, this place would be lucky to have 10 people. Though I would need to confirm prices, I paid just $25 per night, and was well satisfied. The caravan park also has a back gate leading directly onto the launching ramp. No need to tow your boat out onto a public road to launch.
The pub over the road is one of the few remaining "old country pubs" remaining. The publicans wife cooks magnificent meals herself, and they are actually still reasonably cheap. She even cooks the vegetables instead of waving them over the steamer. I did not get to look at the hotel accommodation, but I am told it originally consisted of 20 adjoining rooms, but they knocked the walls out of every second room, making it into 10 good sized units. Cost to be confirmed, but I believe it is $40 per night, or $20 each, twin share.
Draw backs would be:
Because of sleeping arrangements, might not appeal to couples, though the pub option maybe better.
Hot weather, or heavy rain might make the park less appealing (see pub option )
25 klm drive to major shopping complex, though basics are available at the park store.

[Drewy]

I'm on my way towards metung this weekend, I might go for a drive and have a looky around. Any landbased options?

[bucaneer]

Hi Drewy,
You can walk a fair way down the system. As you come into town you will see the Mingling Waters General Store and Caravan Park on your right. Immediately after this, there is a gravel road which leads to the launch ramp and carpark. There two small jetties here, and you can walk down stream for a fair way from here. Probably a bit muddy at the moment due to residual mud from the floods.

[Drewy]

Well l will pack the old shoes.

[bucaneer]

I would love to hear what you think of it Drewy, looking forward to your return. The camo worms work well there.

[Drewy]

I don't think I own any.

[bucaneer]

Berkley Gulp sandworm in Camo colour, available at most tackle stores. If you want to veg out with a bait, scrub worms, live shrimp, or prawns were also taking fish.