Traralgon, Gippsland — Victoria

Traralgon is a city located within the Latrobe Valley of the Gippsland region in Victoria. It is considered the regional center of the area and is the location of the largest power complex in the country, the Loy Yang Power Complex.

The city is also the proud location of the Victoria Park Gardens, where visitors and locals head out to when they wish to have picnics and barbecues. The park features a marble sculpture entitled Lars Campatalis and several beautiful gardens that people can stroll along. Another outdoor attraction, the Newman Park, boasts of a huge playground that children can enjoy. Every fourth Sunday of the month, children are also treated to miniature train rides around the park.

There are also several historically significant buildings in Traralgon that are known landmarks in the area. One is the Traralgon Hotel, a Victorian building that was constructed in 1914 and is classified by the National Trust. Older structures include the Post Office and the Court House, both built in the later part of the 19th century.

Attractions in the Hazelwood Dam include the opportunity to indulge in several water sports, like boating, swimming, and fishing. Picnic facilities are also available around the edges of the manmade lake, where numerous trees provide ample shade.

For more urban types of leisure, visitors should head out to the Stockland Traralgon Shopping Centre in South Side Central. This shopping center features different types of shops and other retail outlets that cater to the needs of both locals and visitors in the area. Elsewhere in the city are several pubs, clubs, and restaurants that provide all forms of entertainment. The Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, in particular, has been the constant venue of several musical comedy performances. For those who wish to indulge in a round of golf or two, there is the Traralgon Golf Club accessed via the Princes Highway.

Another unique experience to be had in Traralgon is skydiving, with several skydiving companies making use of facilities at the Latrobe Regional Airport.

A short drive south along the Traralgon Creek Road will lead visitors to the expansive Tarra Bulga National Park. Most of the park is composed of temperate rainforests that are home to numerous animal and bird species. Visitors can take nature walks and scenic drives all over the park, with ideal picnic spots scattered all throughout. One of the highlights of this park is the Fern Gully Nature Walk that includes passing through a suspension bridge. Visitors can also explore the Cyathea Falls and the Tarra Falls.

Visitors can also take scenic drives around the countryside and visit some of the wineries located within the Latrobe Valley. Included in the list of wineries and vineyards in the area are the Narkoojee Vineyard along Francis Road, Holley Hill Vineyard & Winery on Ronalds Road, Belivale Wine along Berrys Creek, and the Lyre Bird Hill Winery in Koonwarra. All of these establishments readily welcome visitors to their wine cellars for tasting and to sell their high quality products.

Every November, the city comes alive with the Traralgon Agricultural Show, where the freshest produce are sold and several agricultural machineries are displayed. Crafts and artworks made my local artisans and artists are also available.