East Gippsland Shire encompasses a total land area of about 20,930 square kilometres, and features substantial areas of national park, state park, lakes, rivers and coastal areas. Approximately 75% of the Shire is held in National and State reserves. East Gippsland Shire is a predominantly rural area, with many townships and small communities. The population is unevenly distributed, with a concentration around the Gippsland Lakes in the south-west, and relatively sparsely settled areas elsewhere. The largest commercial centre is Bairnsdale, while the largest tourist centre is Lakes Entrance. Other significant townships include Orbost, Paynesville, Omeo and Mallacoota. Land is used mainly for pastoral and agricultural purposes, particularly forestry and grazing, with some vegetable growing. Tourism is also an important industry.

NOTE: The land use shown in the map is derived from ABS Mesh Block categories. Mesh Blocks broadly identify land use and are not designed to provide definitive land use. It is purely an indicator of the main planned land use for a Mesh Blocks. For more information please refer to ABS Mesh Block categories.