04/08/2026
58' MV Lonsdale and Lonsdale Cruises offer wildlife and scenic cruises around the Gippsland Lakes in Eastern Victoria. The Gippsland Lakes have a resent population of Burrunan Dolphins and a large population of Long Nosed Seals who love to frolic and show off in front of passengers. The Gippsland Lakes also has an abundance of birdlife, including many birds of prey and migratory birds in addition to the numerous shore birds we have on offer year round.., Kangaroos and many other wild animals. Whist we don't see dolphins on every cruise, we do see them about 80% of the time, and the seals and birds we see pretty much every day.
We have 3 types of cruises, offered at different times of the year. The Harbour Cruise, is typically only offered over the summer months, and consists of an hours cruises in the morning around the Lakes Entrance area, looking for dolphins and seals. The Afternoon Cruise, again mainly offered around summer / autumn, which is also an hour and tends to be a chilled cruise heading into sunset.
Our 3rd cruise, the Eco Cruise, is our showcase cruise and one we offer throughout the year. This is a 3 hour leisurely cruises around the islands in the Lakes, looking for wildlife and enjoying our freshly baked on board scones with cream and jam. Tea and Coffee are also offered, all in the same ticket price.
The business is busy all year round with families making up most of the numbers over the summer and school holiday periods, and retired travellers making up the majority of customers for the rest of the year. We also have relations with local Probis clubs, RSL's and Disability services and run specialised cruises for these groups.
The current business was established 22 years ago by Ian Anderson (owner of the Lonsdale and Tony Fredericks. It has taken a few various forms over the years, with the current Pty Ltd company being started in 2018.
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Lakes Entrance, this business would be ideal for a husband / wife, partnership or as a family run business. As a WIWO business opportunity, everything is included in the asking price - boat, permits, inventory and spare parts (as listed separately), forward bookings, TIC booking services, web site and bookings page, facebook account, instagram account, brochures, posters and advertising A Frames.
PERMITS, DOCUMENTS, LICENSES & CREDENTIALS CURRENTLY HELD BY LONSDALE INCLUDE:
Certificate of Operation
Certificate of Survey
SMS - Safety Management System
Fire Certificate
East Gippsland Shire Food License
Victorian Liquor licence.
Web site
page
The boat is staffed with two crew - skipper and deckhand/cook. Requirements for all staff (in addition to Statements of Attainment for First Aid, O2 and CPR) are:
Skipper: MED 2 and Master Class 5.
Deckhand/Cook: Elements of Shipboard Safety
Provisioning of the boat is performed daily by the Deckhand/cook.
Repairs or replacement of equipment is performed as required, generally in the morning before the Eco Cruise. By the skipper.
