The natural entrance to the lakes was unreliable and often dangerous. After much agitation, work began in 1872 to cut an artificial entrance, west of the natural entrance. Work on the “New Entrance” proceeded slowly and in 1876 was abandoned. Sir John Coode, renowned harbour engineer, advised on improvements but work did not resume until the early 1880s. In 1889, the new entrance was prematurely opened when a severe storm broke through the remaining sand hills. The natural entrance quickly silted up.

This Scenic Flight loops around three islands. The first is Rigby Island, the closest to The Entrance. Part of this island is reserved as a Little Tern habitat. The Little Terns had been a seriously endangered species, but through careful establishment and protection of this habitat, their numbers have significantly increased. The second is Fraser Island, a privately owned resort with a 9-hole golf course and airstrip. It was originally the holiday house for the Syme family (of the Melbourne Age) and the remains of the shed you will see from Rigby Channel was where a train once met the family arriving in a fleet of boats and transported them and their luggage up to the house. The third island is Flannagan Island, also known as, Goat Island due to the large population of goats. As you fly along Ninety Mile beach you will see the Barrier Landing, a favourite destination for locals as well as holidaymakers. The Barrier Landing is part of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, although there are a few private houses that preceded declaration of the Park.