Lakes Coast Visitor Guide

PAGE 20 I LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE LEONGATHA WILSONS PROMONTORY FOSTER TOORA PORT WELSHPOOL PORT ALBERT 10% Free WiFi Close to Agnes Falls, Wilsons Promontory, Waratah Bay, Boat Ramps within 10 minutes. Ask us about many more things to see and do. MENTION THIS AD Come and see Lyn & Pete and book 2 or more nights and receive a 10% discount when you book direct with us TOORA LODGE MOTEL 4930 South Gippsland Highway, Toora 3962 | P: (03) 5686 2104 Consider the delights of Toora Surrounded by natural beauty, Toora is nestled between the Strzelecki foothills and Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Reserve and overlooks the internationally famous Wilsons Promontory National Park. Meaning ‘woman, look after fire’ in the local Aboriginal language, it is believed Toora was reputedly used regularly by the land’s traditional owners when the men in the group departed for religious ceremonies at Wilsons Promontory. Upon European settlement, Toora was initially known as Muddy Creek, established in the 1860s to supply hardwood to Melbourne, the state’s gold mining boom having left the city with a shortage of hardwood following an unprecedented building surge. From the local blue gums, sleepers were produced and used to construct local piers as well as being exported to India for the construction of railway lines. A sawmill on Wilsons Promontory at Sealers Cove was the planned source of timber, however it was quickly realised the supply in the immediate vicinity was too limited and the mill was relocated to Muddy Creek in 1853. With the sawmill on the east bank of Muddy Creek, the sawn timber was transported across the mangrove swamp to Swan Bay where it was loaded onto barges and carried to larger boats anchored in deeper water in Corner Inlet. The mill’s success saw more mills established around the region’s thickly forested hills. Parts of the old tramlines and loading facilities still remain. During the depression of the 1890s the government of the day encouraged settlement of the Toora area under the Village Settlement Scheme. The scheme was not a success with the allocated land allotments deemed too small. The abandoned land was taken up for dairying and the fattening of cattle, industries that remain in the area today. Now, nestled in the hills between Foster and Welshpool, Toora’s natural beauty is its main attraction. Two mountains north of Toora, Mt Best and Mt Fatigue, offer spectacular views of rolling hills, Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. Closer by, the view from Centenary Lookout, up Silcocks Hill Road, is particularly impressive. The Toora Bird Hide is located at the end of the Toora Jetty Road and is easily accessible via a well-maintained boardwalk. It overlooks an expansive wetland area. The Great Southern Rail Trail passes through Toora for more extensive walks or cycling. A short drive from Toora is the beautiful Agnes Falls, Victoria’s highest single span waterfall. It’s a great picnic spot with new shelters and toilet block. The local shire will shortly start building a cantilever lookout over the falls. Keep an eye out – it will be spectacular. Port Welshpool is only a 15-minute drive from Toora while to the north is the stunning Tarra Bulga National Park, a delight to wander through, listen out for a lyrebird or take a walk over the spectacular swing bridge. TOORA LODGE MOTEL Great sightseeing and bushwalking are among a whole bunch of reasons to stay at Toora Lodge Motel to enjoy it all. The motel’s managers, Peter Coghlan and Lyn Latham, welcome their guests with a friendly smile that matches the friendly service they provide. Whether you’re a single, couple or family, there’s a well-appointed room with a garden view waiting for you. Looking for a romantic getaway? Booking the spa suite is just the ticket. Peruse the breakfast menu with a variety of cooked options and enjoy a delicious breakfast the following morning. What better way to start the day than to have someone else prepare your brekkie? Looking to head out for a fish? The waterways around Toora are ideal and Toora Lodge is close to boat ramps, fuel, bait, tackle and maps. There’s on-site boat and trailer parking, too. Peter and Lyn welcome you to South Gippsland and know that you will enjoy your stay with Toora Lodge as the perfect base to explore it all. Toora is surrounded by stunning natural wonders, including Agnes Falls, Victoria’s highest single span waterfall. Photo: Parks Victoria