LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 43 STRATFORD / MAFFRA Big experiences in small-town charm Maffra Nestled in the heart of Gippsland, Maffra is a town that perfectly blends rural charm with modern conveniences, making it an ideal stop for travellers exploring Victoria’s east. Known as the “Dairy Capital of Victoria,” Maffra has a rich agricultural heritage, and visitors can experience the region’s thriving farming culture firsthand. The town is surrounded by lush pastures, and local dairies produce some of the finest cheeses, butter, and cream in the state, offering tastings and farm tours for curious travellers. Maffra’s historic streetscapes are full of character, with beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th century. A stroll along Main Street reveals quaint shops, cosy cafés, and specialty stores selling local produce and handmade goods. The town is also home to a number of parks and gardens, providing peaceful spots to relax or enjoy a picnic. For those with an interest in history, Maffra doesn’t disappoint. The Maffra & District Historical Society showcases the region’s past through engaging exhibits and stories, highlighting the town’s development from a pastoral settlement into the vibrant community it is today. Art enthusiasts will enjoy exploring local galleries and workshops, where Gippsland artists often display their creations. Nature lovers can venture just outside the town to explore the surrounding countryside, including scenic drives, bushwalking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching. The nearby Great Alpine Road provides access to some of Gippsland’s most breathtaking landscapes, from rolling farmland to forested ranges. Maffra may be small, but it offers big experiences for visitors seeking an authentic taste of country life. Whether you’re savouring local dairy delights, wandering historic streets, or exploring the natural beauty of Gippsland, Maffra provides a welcoming, memorable stop on any East Gippsland adventure. Stratford Situated on the banks of the beautiful Avon River, Stratford has adopted a connection to poet William Shakespeare, who was born in Stratford-on-Avon in England. On the trail of Shakespeare While the town’s April Shakespeare Festival season has been and gone, you can still immerse yourself in all things Shakespeare, thanks to Stratford’s year-round, interactive arts trail and sculpture walk, aptly named ‘Shakespeare through the Ages’. The free, three-kilometre trail can be guided by a preloaded MP3 player (available for hire in the main street), providing a fun and informative way to learn about the arts and festival culture of the town. The trail links interactive ‘thought spaces’, and unites many art forms through story, song, history and sculpture. To find out more about the arts trail and sculpture walk, go to stratfordshakespeare.com.au/arts-trail. A mix of old and new Many of the heritage buildings in Stratford were constructed from the money made by providing supplies for gold diggers travelling to Omeo and Dargo during the 1860s. The burgeoning sophistication of the town has seen the emergence of live music venues, galleries, gift shops, modern eateries and funky cafés making excellent food and coffee. Stratford’s leafy Memorial Park, in the centre of town, is an excellent place for a pitstop on your journey to or from East Gippsland. With a playground, toilet and barbecue facilities, Stratford’s leafy Memorial Park is a popular pit-stop for travellers. Information correct at time of publication. Source: toiletmap.gov.au Here’s a list of all-abilities public toilets in this region. All toilets are open during daylight hours, unless otherwise specified. More info at toiletmap.gov.au CENTRAL GIPPSLAND ALL-ABILITIES PUBLIC TOILETS Need a stop? comfort Rosedale CBD Car Park Reserve, 9 Queen Street, Rosedale (24 hrs) Sale Sale Railway Station, Pettit Dr, Sale (Venue hours) Port of Sale, Canal Road, Sale (24 hrs) Wellington Centre, 70 Foster Street, Sale Gippsland Centre, 37-39 Cunninghame Street Little McMillan Park, McIntosh Drive, Sale (24 hrs) Longford Hall & Tennis Courts, 6-8 High Street, Longford Botanic Gardens, Guthridge Parade, Sale (24 hrs) Maffra Macalister River Regional Park, McMahon Drive, Maffra (24 hrs) Maffra Old Court House, 96 Johnson Street, Maffra Lions Park, Boisdale Street, Maffra (24 hrs) Stratford Apex Park, 23 McMillan Street, Stratford (24 hrs) Soldiers Memorial Park, Princes Highway, Stratford (24 hrs)
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