58' Charter Vessel and Business

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.

The Lonsdale was purpose built in 1974 at Queenscliff, to be commissioned as a passenger service ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento carrying up to 80 passengers per trip. In 1980 the owners, decided to retire and the vessel was sold to the current skipper Tony's father and converted to a fishing vessel to workaround Port Phillip Bay, Bass Straight and Flinders Island.
In 1993 ownership changed again, this time to a Seafood Company in Darwin, to fish for Sea Cucumber. Tony stayed on to skipper the Lonsdale up north where he met Ian, the current owner, who was a diver on board at the time. In 1996 the Lonsdale was sold to some dodgy types who used her to run guns to Timor and return with drugs! Caught red handed the vessel was impounded by the Australian Customs Office and held for over 2 years!
By 1998 the Lonsdale lay in a totally derelict condition and up for sale in Cairns. Tony became aware of the upcoming sale and was on his way to Cairns to buy back the Lonsdale. In November 1999 the Lonsdale started her journey back to Lakes Entrance, via the coast, where she lay for two years idle until Ian returned from overseas to buy the boat and then work with Tony to rebuild her from the waterline up. The refurbishments were completed in 2004 and the Lonsdale started working as a tourist boat, spotting the varied and interesting wildlife throughout the Gippsland Lakes.
The boat is powered by a Gardner 8LXB 8 cylinder diesel engine. We replaced the original Gardner with a fully rebuilt 8LXB in 2019 - an exercise that took over 3 months! We also have the original engine (which needs a rebuild) that will be included as part of the sale.

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.

. Boasting Australia's largest inland network of waterways, Lakes Entrance has long been a popular Gippsland holiday spot, especially for young families. Lakes Entrance is situated on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach where the Gippsland Lakes meets the Southern Ocean, on the lands of the Gunaikurnai People. The town is well equipped with accommodation, services and facilities for those enjoying their coastal getaway.
Seaside charm and lakeside living
Cross the footbridge to the popular Ninety Mile Beach, patrolled by lifesavers during the summer months, to enjoy the pristine surf beach. Explore the lakes in a kayak, join a boat cruise or hire a paddleboat and hit the sparkling waters.
Get the gang together and join the local and visiting boating and fishing enthusiasts who flock to Lakes Entrance all year round. Choose from a wide range of camping spots that surround the calm lake waters and line the shore of Ninety Mile Beach.
Amazing seafood
Lakes Entrance is renowned as a seafood capital due to the large number of fishing trawlers operating in the area. Catch your own fish or savour the catches from fresh seafood shops around town.
Get local
Take to the waterways on a local cruise, fishing holiday or eco tour and make the most of your time in the region. See places only locals know about, find the best spots to cast a line, and minimise your carbon footprint while you travel.

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
Facebook 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.