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We offer some great Nature Based Cruises on Lake Tyers, renowned for its natural beauty, clean waters and natural forested shoreline situated in Eastern Victoria, Australia. Narrow, meandering arms on this lake present a tranquil backdrop for peaceful cruising.

Cruises are aboard a fully ELECTRIC powered timber vessel RUBEENA for quietness, relaxation and enjoyment. Our cruises are run with the personal touch in mind and are designed for those with a keen interest in nature. These can run from 1.5 hours to 8 hours to suit your desire

Royal Spoonbills Lake Tyers ^EMVRubeena Geater Egret

Lake Tyers bottom lake

Lake Tyers is made up of two main tributaries. From the south, where the black swans feed in the shallow waters, the soothing murmur of the ceaseless surf upon the coast can be heard before travelling North through the meandering and intricate waters of Nowa Nowa arm.

While cruising this arm there are many smaller branches like that of a centipede with which bush of largely untouched forest enfolds its shoreline, this is mirrored in the winding depths of water making you want to resign yourself into her caress, this is a secluded water way of renowned beauty

Reaching the small sawmilling town of Nowa Nowa some 25 kilometers inland ends the navigable water, but the Boggy Creek continues to wind its path further North though a deep gorge, where the silver wattles bloom with profusion. The Extent of the catchment runs its way from Mount Victoria South.

Back southward into the main lake we head North West to enter the Toorloo Arm, itself a succession of branches not unlike Nowa Nowa Arm but with a shorter distance to travel.

One is tempted to believe the legend of the Lake ‘as the sea one day becoming lost in its wanderings and falling asleep amongst the trees’. This is an apt description of the Lake today where the very hills and trees seem to bend over the waters edge to greet you.

Sailing this Lake, one feels like an intruder upon this sanctuary where the picturesque bays, inlets & still coves present a succession of unpaintable pictures as we glide past.

Water and forest inhabitants abound throughout the Lake system. Birdlife is particularly rich and their presence can be heard in quiet reaches of the Arms at most times of the day.

The Lake was named after Charles James Tyers former Gippsland's first Lands commissioner and Surveyor, once this lake was described as the "Gem of lake land".

On the shores of the lake lies Lake Tyers Beach township, a small township much of which either overlooks the ocean or the main lake,

Lake Tyers township (not to be confused with Lake Tyers Beach) lies just north of the main lake situated on 4000 acres of land, this being owned by a number of local Aboriginal families. This land was first set aside as an Aboriginal reserve in 1862. But was handed back to the Aboriginal population in 1971 and a number of industries are run there today.

Lake Tyers is one of the few lake systems that have been relatively untouched by European settlement.

Rubeena This elegant Edwardian style launch was built in Sydney, planked with New Zealand Kauri (one of the top boat timbers in the world), measuring 36 feet in over all length, with a beam of 10 feet.

Brought to Lakes Entrance as a bare hull where she was fitted out for pleasure cruises. Licensed for David Coates and named after David’s wife Rubeena, having a load limit of 45 passengers.

"Rubeena" started cruising the Gippsland Lakes back in 1912. and steam powered, of which type we are unsure. She had the steam replaced with a Frisco Standard petrol motor in 1918, in 1922 this was replaced with a 2 cylinder McDonald.

From 1937 to 1970 The Peel family who run Peels Tourist Ferry Service purchased "Rubeena", changing her name to "Bellbird". In 1958 she sailed in to Lake Tyers via the Bass Strait at a time when the narrow sand bar was breached during heavy rain.

In that same year (1912) Rubeena began her long cruising career a family came to Lake Tyers and settled on the shores of this lake and the Whadcoat family continue to live there today. In 1970 Jack & Grace Whadcoat purchased this grand lady of the lake and returned the vessels original name "Rubeena" back in place. As from 1975 the vessel was powered by diesel a BMC Commander. After a period of 13 years service once again she changed hands to Bob and Julie Whadcoat purchased the vessel in 1983 until 2007. When the present owner Bernie Gomez purchased her, and still running nature based cruises that delight the patrons that sail with her.

After much research into electric powered vessels through out the world it was in 1993 that this vessel became Victoria’s first completely Electric powered vessel "EMV Rubeena".

The open air style of Rubeena allows you to fully appreciate in comfort the infinite beauty of Lake Tyers, with all its subtlety and variety. The quiet motor encourages you to recline at ease, and enhances your enjoyment of a peaceful & relaxing cruise.

Rubeena cruises these placid waters and Bernie invites you aboard to experience this unique water way for yourself. Rubeena is also available for charter for special interest groups, schools, family celebrations etc.