LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 99 ORBOST A place to discover history, relaxation and creativity The town of Orbost has many historical buildings, but perhaps the most eyecatching building of all is a historic slab hut in Forest Park, which has been converted into the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. Formerly located some three kilometres from its present position, the distinctive slab hut was originally built in around 1872 to house a local farming family. The hut was moved from its original site in 1970 and stored until 1984, when the local council approved its restoration and relocation as a visitor information centre. To find out more about this historic slab hut, and the Orbost region in general, it’s a great idea to make the hut your first port of call, because the friendly and knowledgeable staff there can fill you in, and ensure you have all the information and resources you need to enjoy the ‘best bits’ of East Gippsland. It’s free to visit, and open daily from 9am to 5pm. Local fishing expertise Husband and wife team, Wendy and Mathew, from fishing store Compleat Angler Orbost, have lots of experience in the East Gippsland fishing scene, having previously run a specialist live-bait supply business in Bairnsdale for 12 years, specialising in sand worms, spider crabs and shrimp. So, after moving to Orbost in 2022, the transition to owning a dedicated fishing store was a natural one. The store is well known in the Orbost region, having been prominently located in the town’s main shopping strip for more than two decades. Part of a network of more than 30 independentlyowned Compleat Angler fishing stores across Australia, Compleat Angler Orbost has access to the collective buying power of multiple stores, enabling Wendy and Mathew to offer competitive prices on a wide range of fishing rods, reels, tackle, outdoor equipment and accessories. And of course, they also have a fantastic range of fresh and frozen baits. Wendy said the main goal of the store is to “help locals and visitors to catch fish and have fun”. The store’s location puts it in close proximity to excellent river, lake, surf and offshore fishing, and Wendy said the store stocks all the gear – and has all the up-to-date local knowledge – you’ll need for catching fish in any of these settings. “We’re happy to share tips, advice and the right gear to make your next fishing trip a memorable one, whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the very first time,”Wendy said. Compleat Angler Orbost is located at 53 Nicholson Street, Orbost and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am-1pm. You can call the store on (03) 5154 2440 Quilting inspiration If you’re a lover of fine quilting and needlework, then your visit to this area must include a stop at Sonia Melville’s Craftbasket store in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Craftbasket is a cornucopia of quality patchwork and quilting supplies, fabrics and accessories, and it’s also the place from which Sonia teaches the techniques of patchwork, appliqué and quilting. Sonia, who believes that anyone can make a patchwork quilt, has developed small and easily achievable projects for newcomers, with her lessons focussing on the allimportant basic skills. She says that once her students have gained confidence in the basics, they’ll be keen to take on larger and more adventurous projects. Sonia Melville’s Craftbasket offers a wide range of wallhanging and quilt patterns and kits, all with instructions, pattern sheets and a colour picture of the finished creation. So, be sure to pop into the store to browse the extensive range of sewing supplies, have a chat with Sonia, and get everything you need for your holiday craft projects. To find out more, visit thecraftbasket.com.au. Sonia Melville’s Craftbasket in Orbost is a cornucopia of quality patchwork and quilting supplies, fabrics and accessories. Compleat Angler Orbost has the right equipment, bait and local knowledge to help you catch a wide variety of fish. This historic slab hut, once the home of a pioneering family, now houses the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. Sonia Melville Craftbasket Open Tues - Fri 9.30am - 3.00pm Saturday 9.30am - 12 noon Check out our fabulous Patchwork fabrics and Quilting supplies 110A Nicholson Street, Orbost Phone: (03) 5154 1151 www.thecraftbasket.com.au PB8336 BAIT & TACKLE SUPPLIES + LIVE SANDWORM 53 Nicholson St, Orbost | 5154 2440 Use your ORBOST & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Gift Card HERE! or BUY one of our Gift Cards to GIVE! PB16611
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