Traralgon

Whether it's a thriving regional centre you are seeking or a base for a whole host of nature based activities, Traralgon has plenty to offer. The Gippsland town was a resting place for drovers during the gold rush, and today has grown to service the surrounding energy, agricultural, pastoral, papermaking and timber industries. Visitors now find it the perfect base for exploring the nearby Strzelecki Ranges and cool temperate rainforests of the Tarra Bulga National Park. Another boon for visitors is Traralgon's standing as the entertainment capital of the Latrobe Valley. Enjoy alfresco dining and great shopping by day and excellent pubs and clubs by night. Sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shopping arcades mark the commercial centre of Traralgon and there is also a string of bars, pubs and clubs in the town hosting an array of live bands and entertainment. You can even take in a musical or comedy act at the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre. A favourite destination for picnickers is Victory Park with its marble sculpture Lars Compatalis, historic band rotunda and beautiful gardens. A stroll over the creek along the footbridge leads to Newman Park featuring a huge adventure playground including miniature train rides operating on the fourth Sunday of every month. Try your hand at a round of golf at Traralgon Golf Club or visit the Zanella Estate winery. For the more adventurous, visit the Latrobe Regional Airport to experience the thrill of sky diving and gliding or a scenic flight over the Gippsland region. Take a guided tour of the Loy Yang Open Cut Mine and Power Station south-east of Traralgon, one of Australia's largest engineering projects. Traralgon is approximately two hours' drive from Melbourne on the Princes Highway.