Burrunan Day Boat: A 28' Pontoon Cruise Through the Gippsland Lakes to Raymond Island

PAYNESVILLE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Burrunan Day Boat: A 28' Pontoon Cruise Through the Gippsland Lakes to Raymond Island

Spend a full day (7 hours) aboard Burrunan — a 28' pontoon licensed for 12 — cruising, fishing and visiting Raymond Island’s koala sanctuary.

Burrunan Day Boat: A 28' Pontoon Cruise Through the Gippsland Lakes to Raymond Island.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Paynesville
Operator
Bulls Cruisers
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Burrunan Day Boat puts the Gippsland Lakes within easy reach: a 28' pontoon that seats a dozen, a calm day of fishing and cruising, and a short hop across to Raymond Island where gum trees host East Gippsland’s largest koala population. It’s an uncomplicated, convivial way to spend seven hours on the water with friends or family.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

A roomy 28' pontoon — no licence required

Burrunan is a 28' dayboat with a front ramp, licensed for up to 12 passengers, designed for comfortable cruising of the Gippsland Lakes without the need for a boat licence.

THE WILDLIFE

Raymond Island’s koala sanctuary

A short cruise from Paynesville drops you at Raymond Island, where you can wander among gum trees and view East Gippsland’s largest koala population in their natural habitat.

THE DAY

Cruise, cast a line and picnic

The dayboat is set up for a relaxed day on the water: cruise the lakes, drop a line to fish, and enjoy a picnic from your esky or hamper while the boat’s safety gear takes care of the essentials.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You’ll spend a seven‑hour hire aboard your own pontoon, easing across the glassy channels of the Gippsland Lakes at your own pace — stopping to fish, to moor and picnic, and to make the easy crossing to Raymond Island for koala viewing — all from a boat that’s licensed for a dozen and doesn’t require you to hold a licence.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this day boat suits — and who should consider alternatives.

1
Active FamiliesFamilies are a strong match: the pontoon’s room, front ramp access and no‑licence requirement make boarding and short excursions to the island straightforward for mixed ages.
2
Small Groups & FriendsGroups of up to 12 can share a casual day of cruising, fishing and picnicking without the need for specialised boating experience.
3
Wildlife ViewersVisitors focused on wildlife will appreciate the easy access to Raymond Island’s koala sanctuary and the chance to explore shorelines where koalas are commonly found.
4
Novice BoatersThose new to boating can still helm Burrunan without a licence, while the boat’s safety equipment and stable pontoon layout make it an approachable introduction to the Gippsland Lakes.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & Booking

The standard full‑day hire is seven hours; multiple‑day bookings are available with reducing rates.

What to Bring

Bring your esky and picnic hamper for lunch and snacks; the dayboat is supplied with required safety gear.

Capacity

Burrunan is licensed for up to 12 passengers.

Location

The trip operates from Paynesville, with short crossings to Raymond Island and cruising across the Gippsland Lakes.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Do I need a boat licence to hire Burrunan?

No — the Burrunan dayboat can be hired and operated without a boat licence.

How long is a full‑day hire?

A full‑day hire is seven hours; multiple‑day bookings are also offered with reducing rates.

How many people can the boat carry?

The pontoon is licensed for up to 12 passengers.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring an esky and picnic hamper for food and drinks; the boat comes with the necessary safety equipment.

Can I visit Raymond Island on the hire?

Yes — Raymond Island’s koala sanctuary is a short cruise from Paynesville and is commonly included on the day’s itinerary.

Are multi‑day bookings available?

Yes — multiple‑day booking options are available, with reducing rates for extended hires.