Prior to 1889 the entrance to the lakes was temporary and relied on floods and tides to stay open. Boats only crossed between the lakes and ocean when conditions were assumed to be favourable. Construction began on this project in 1869, temporarily halted in 1872 and recommenced in 1881. The completion of construction of the permanent entrance to the Gippsland Lakes in 1899 at Lakes Entrance, guaranteed access for shipping trade between Melbourne and the ports of Sale, Bairnsdale and Bruthen. Cunninghame Arm at Lakes Entrance. In the early 1900's granite, from the Mississippi Creek Granite Quarry was transported via tramway and barge to replace the original timber pylons at the Entrance. via a section of the present Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail. The April Hamer dredges sand from the entrance to keep the entrance open for larger vessels including fishing boats.