The Latrobe Valley attracts visitors with its rich gold rush heritage, stunning gardens and parklands and abundant opportunities to explore and enjoy the natural delights of Victoria’s Gippsland Plains.
Traralgon is the Latrobe Valley’s largest town, replete with stunning boulevards, lovingly tended formal gardens and parklands, and buzzing with eateries, bars, pubs and clubs. With plenty of great choices for accommodation Traralgon offers the natural pleasures of the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region at large, all within easy day-tripping distance.
Orchid lovers should head out to Morwell National Park, just a short drive away. Take the 2.3km Fosters Gully Nature Walk and look out for the more than 40 native orchid species found in the park. The walk starts and finishes at the Kerry Road picnic area, and should take about an hour. If you’re happy to travel further afield, Visit Victoria showcases some of the region’s best walks on its website.
Gippsland’s disused rail lines have been repurposed as cycling routes, allowing visitors to explore the region by bicycles. The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail follows the historic former rail line between Traralgon and Stratford (a total of 67km for the ultra-keen), passing through a number of towns along the way. The first section to Glengarry (10km) passes over four restored bridges, while the complete route to Stratford takes in floodplains, remnant red gum forest, farmland, wetlands and farmlands.
Experienced cyclists will enjoy the Traralgon to Tarra Bulga National Park road cycling trail. This sealed road ride will take you through 15km of open farmland before putting your thighs to work as you climb the mountain towards Tarra Bulga National Park. Take a few pit stops to enjoy the views over the Strzlecki Ranges and Loy Yang Power Station and open cut mine. As you near the park, you’ll become surrounded by temperate rainforest, towering Mountain Ash trees and the cool dampness of fern gullies. While getting here is challenging, the ride back to Traralgon is an easy downhill cruise. For other rides in the Gippsland region, check out Destination Gippsland’s excellent cycling brochure.
Traralgon accommodation
Once back in Traralgon accommodation is easy to come by. The four star Comfort Inn & Suites Latrobe offers visitors a choice of standard, superior or deluxe rooms, with all the luxuries you’d expect from a four-star hotel: free wifi, individual air con, cable TV and room service. If you spring for a deluxe king spa room or suite, you can relax in a private spa bath and ease those aching muscles.
Guests also enjoy free parking, an onsite restaurant and lounge bar, and an outdoor heated pool. If golfing is your thing, then you’ll be pleased to discover the 18-hole course adjoining the hotel – complimentary for guests. With so much to offer, the Comfort Inn & Suites Latrobe is a great choice for visitors to the Gippsland Plains
