Swimming
The foreshore area is reserved for swimmers. the water is calm, the beach is sandy, and it is a good place to cool off. it isn't really the destination for those looking for a spectacular beach or for a beach scene. there are a few small jellyfish around, but they probably won't bother you.
Boating
This is what paynesville is all about. if you have your own boat, you will be right at home here. otherwise you can hire a cruiser for around $200 a day, or a kayak for around $50. you can cross the lake directly to 90-mile beach - which is an ocean beach around 45 minutes away by boat at 8 knots. you can circle raymond island, or you can spend several days or a week exploring the lake and river system.
Cycling
There is no challenging mountain biking here - paynesville and raymond island are almost completely flat. there are numerous bush tracks and a waterfront track on raymond island. you can spot koalas and other wildlife as you cycle around. for the best koala viewing, just cross on the ferry and continue up seventh avenue. you can cycle all the way to the other side of the island, with numerous diversions along the way.