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

First settled in the 1840s, the town was named after Maffra in Portugal because some early arrivals had fought in Spain and Portugal during the Peninsula War.

The town started to grow in 1862, 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 Gippsland Vehicle Collection, 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.