Car enthusiasts will descend on Lakes Entrance this June for the 2026 Lakes Country Cruise, a four-day motoring event combining show cars, coastal cruising and live entertainment across the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Running from Friday, June 5 to Monday, June 8, the event will once again centre around Lakes Entrance, with displays, social gatherings and organised cruises attracting entrants and spectators from across the region.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with registrations and a meet-and-greet at the Central Hotel Lakes from 6pm, with finger food provided for entrants.
On Saturday, the popular Show & Shine will be held at the Lakes Entrance foreshore near the Rotunda from 10am, showcasing a wide range of vehicles. Music will run throughout the afternoon at the Servo Bar adjacent to the display from 12pm to 2pm.
Saturday evening will feature a social dinner at the Central Hotel Lakes from 6pm, with meals at entrants’ own cost and table bookings recommended. A DJ will provide entertainment throughout the night.
Sunday’s program begins at Apex Park at 10.30am for an 11am departure, with a cruise through to Bruthen for a pub lunch and car display. Entrants will then return to Lakes Entrance for an evening program at the Central Hotel Lakes from 6pm, including dinner, raffles, auctions and presentations, alongside live DJ entertainment.
The event concludes on Monday morning with a farewell breakfast at Apex Park from 9am to 11am, featuring a complimentary egg and bacon breakfast prepared by The Lakesters, along with coffee provided by a local van.
Organisers say the cruise continues to be a highlight on the regional motoring calendar, bringing together car lovers, families and visitors for a relaxed long weekend celebrating classic and custom vehicles along the Gippsland Lakes.
