Maffra

Enjoy a scenic drive along Maffra's tree-lined 19th century main street and stay a while to explore a town steeped in history.

Heritage town
Named after the town of Maffra in Portugal, some early settlers had reportedly fought in Spain and Portugal during the Peninsula War. In 1862 Maffra started to grow when a punt conveyed hopeful miners along the Macalister River to the goldfields. During the 1890s a sugar beet industry started and operated until the weather and competition for labour from the dairying industry ended it after World War II.

Historic buildings
Visit the Beet Museum, which chronicles the early industry, as well as the cattle and dairying heritage of the district. Experience motoring history at the vintage car museum, or take a stroll to see the town's original shop verandahs and grand homesteads such as the Duart.

Riverside recreation
Fish for seasonal trout along the Macalister and Thomson rivers, or travel north from Heyfield to Lake Glenmaggie for boating, waterskiing and camping. Visit Stratford Village on the Avon River for art and craft shops, antiques and bric a brac.