The Alternate Route - Attractions

Glengarry was named by the Gippsland explorer Angus McMillan in 1840 after Aeneas Roaldson Macdonald, Chief of the Glengarry Clan. It was also the first name given to the Latrobe River by McMillan, which was later changed by the explorer Count Strezlecki. Glengarry township came into existence in 1883 when the loop railway line between Traralgon and Bairnsdale was built. When the railway line was pulled up in 1987, the old railway station known as the "Loco Shed" was taken over by the local Art Group and renamed "Heirloom Antiques and Craft Railway Station".

Toongabbie one hundred years ago boasted numerous hotels, stores, blacksmiths, churches and schools being on the main coach road to the goldfields of Walhalla. Whilst the town is much smaller today it boasts a general store and a very pretty golf course. The General Store, which is the hub of the town doubles as a Post Office, takeaway and information centre. Just out of the town is Eaglehawk Creek where fossicking can still be done for gems of gold. On the upper reaches of the creek are the Commonwealth Falls, as well as Oslers Creek Marble Quarries.

As in most nineteenth century towns, community life revolved around the Mechanics Hall. Toongabbie's Mechanics Hall has over the last few years been restored to its natural beauty.

Cowwarr is a sleepy hamlet located to the south west of Heyfield near the Cowwarr Weirs. It offers those who visit an abundance of recreational activities such as fishing and to the north, white water rafting and bush walking in the most magnificent scenery that country Victoria has to offer.

Cowwarr's original Butter Factory built in 1918 has been converted to a contemporary art space. The building is set in beautiful gardens and has a National Trust listing.

Heyfield is a pleasant township of approx 2,000 people situated on the Thomson River. Still a major timber town, Heyfield was once home to eight sawmills. Only two are operational today. Dairying, beef and tourism are all important to the town and it is a base for those visitors enjoying the camping, boating, fishing and water sport activities at Lake Glenmaggie.

Malcolm Macfarlane upon his arrival in 1841, was met with the welcome sight of a broad plain of waving grass and chose the name "Hayfield" as an apt description of the area. This has since changed to "Heyfield". Visit the high country north of the old and long established pioneering districts of Heyfield and Glenmaggie on the southern side of the divide.

As is characteristic of country townships, business people are very helpful and friendly and the needs of the holiday makers are well catered for. Heyfield and Glenmaggie boasts of its B&B's, Camping parks and Devonshire teas which are available.

Tinamba is said to come from the aboriginal word 'TINYAMBO'. Tinamba Township was not a government surveyed town. It became established because of need and coincided with the opening of McCoy's Track from Bald Hills (Seaton).
The Tinamba-Seaton Road was in good position for early settlers to form a market for all kinds of farm produce.

The channels and Dermody's Camp on the Avon River is approximately 16km's from Tinamba. They are ideal camping spots but there are no facilities. The river is confined to a narrow rock channel.

Maffra is the largest of the towns on this route, with a population of approximately 4,000 people. The first visitors to the Maffra area arrived about 1840 when Angus McMillan travelled across the plains. It is the centre of the rich Macalister agriculture, pastoral and irrigation district. Situated on the Macalister River this friendly town has a delightful tree lined main street.

There is a great sense of history surrounding the town. Local attractions such as the Sugar Beet Museum and the Court House built in 1888 which now houses the Maffra Information Centre and the home of the stunning and very valuable "Pino Deriu" Gemstone and Mineral collection.

Take a drive through Boisdale and Briagolong and up to the "Quarry". Next stop at the "Blue Pools" which is on the Freestone Creek. Picnic tables and toilets are provided. A short distance to the north is Lee's Creek Goldfield and walking track, which has some great walking tracks.

Stratford was first settled in the 1840s and now has a population of over 2000 people. Places of interest in the immediate area are the Knob Reserve, Avon River, Stratford Museum and the Highway Park. The Knob Reserve is part of the Koorie Bataluk Trail, which winds its way through East Gippsland, highlighting the places of cultural significance to the first inhabitants. The trail to the historic Crooked River goldfields and the Dargo High Plains can be followed via The Pioneers' Way.

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