LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 43 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 annual Shakespeare on the River Festival season doesn't kick off until late April, 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, or the Festival, head to Stratford’s dedicated Shakespeare website at stratfordshakespeare.com.au 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 lush lawns, mature trees and street parking suitable for caravans, boats and trailers, this well-equipped park has playgrounds, sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables, barbeques, seating, public toilets and rubbish bins. Another nice place to stop for a walk or a picnic is the picturesque, pebbled bank of the Avon River – which has proven to be a productive source for gemstone collectors over the years. Avon Hotel Stratford If you're looking to stay, dine and make the most of your visit to Stratford, The Avon Hotel has you covered. Located on the main street, the hotel prides itself on serving delicious and fresh local meals, which have been described as "great country-pub food, with a la carte flair". The Avon's bistro is quickly gaining a reputation for its steaks and meat dishes, which are sourced from renowned local supplier Shaw's Butchers. The hotel's fish and seafood come fresh from Lakes Entrance, and it turns to local Gippsland suppliers for fresh, seasonal vegetables. The bistro prides itself on providing diners with "friendly, professional and welcoming service" and "generously-sized portions, that offer excellent value for money". The indoor bistro dining area has recently been refurbished to provide a brighter and more homely atmosphere – complete with pool table and dartboard – while the outdoor, fully-decked alfresco area is ideal for enjoying time with family or friends. The popular hotel bar has a variety of icy-cold beers on tap, and the hotel offers takeaway food (pick-up only), accommodation and function bookings. It also has a convenient and well-stocked drive-through bottleshop. The Avon Hotel and Bistro is located at 47 Tyers Street, Stratford, and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. To make a function booking, organise accommodation, or find out more, call the hotel on (03) 5145 6205. A colourful town with a love for Shakespeare Stratford’s annual Shakespeare on the River Festival is set to kickoff on 27 April and runs until 17 May 2025. The bar entry at the popular Avon Hotel in Stratford. Stratford 5145 6205 47 TYERS STREET STRATFORD PHONE 5145 6205 Bistro OPEN 7 days Lunch & Dinner Takeaway (Pick Up Only) Drive Thru Bottle Shop Accommodation Pool Table/Dartboard PB11739
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