The Pioneer's Way - Attractions

Stratford on the Avon

Situated on Highway One less than 3 hours east of Melbourne, Stratford is the site of the first permanent settlement on the plains of Gippsland. A monument on the Avon marks the site where Gippsland's Pioneer Explorer, Angus McMillan, stood in January 1840.
The township grew from 1845 and now boasts a population of over 2000 who enjoy the quiet rural surroundings and warm winter climate of East Gippsland.
The district has a great variety of attractions, good accommodation and is an ideal starting point to explore The Pioneers Way. Stratford is the home of the annual Stratford on Avon Shakespeare Celebration and the scenic Knob Reserve forms part of the Aboriginal Bataluk Heritage Trail.

Briagolong Village

A 10 minute drive north from Stratford along a pleasant red gum bordered road lies the historic village of Briagolong. Originally known as 'Top Plain' it was part of Angus McMillan's Bushy Park squatting run of 1843. With a gold rush to the picturesque valley of the Freestone Creek in 1868 the village was born. Set at the foothills of the Avon Wilderness, Briagolong embroils you in a quiet rural atmosphere and bush serenity.

Briagolong to Dargo

From Briagolong you can either explore the Freestone Creek Road which winds along the banks of the Freestone Creek towards Dargo, stopping at the Quarry Reserve, the Blue Pool and Lees Creek or head eastward through Stockdale, over a short stretch of formed road [Beverley's Rd] to rejoin the bitumen again at the Dargo - Bairnsdale Road visiting, en-route, places of interest including the monument to Angus McMillan at Iguana Creek, the mystical Den of Nargun and the Mitchell River Dam site.

The Village of Dargo

The village of Dargo lies at the foot of the Dargo High Plains amidst a setting of 100 year old walnut trees and clear mountainous trout streams. Being only 200m above sea level, the area like the rest of the district, enjoys a mild winter climate and a moderate summer. With the rich colors of autumn decorating the trees, Dargo celebrates its annual Easter Walnut Festival. Being only ½ hour from the snow-fields Dargo is an ideal stepping off point to places like dinner plain and Mt St Bernard.

Beyond Dargo

To the north of Dargo a good road leads across the high country to Bright, Mt Hotham and Omeo. In the spring and summer the high country provides a wonderful vista of wild flowers and the presence of grazing cattle reminds us of the districts past.

Each community along The Pioneers Way has information maps and brochures which include tours and village walks. The area has good quality accommodation in hotel, motels, caravan parks, B&Bs, cottages and cabins. Take-aways, Hotels and Tea Rooms provide a range of dining facilities and groceries can be obtained at each point. Quality wineries, craft shops, galleries and antique shops add to the flavour of the district and fuel is available at each township.

The area abounds in places of scenic and historic interest, trout fisherman and picnickers enjoy the pleasant spots beside the streams, in the warmer weather the streams provide excellent swimming spots and most places have BBQ and toilet facilities.
A network of 4X4 tracks and roads radiate from each area leading to places such as Grant, the Dargo High Plains, Moroka, The Pinnacles Lookout and Lake Tarli Karng [the hidden lake]. For those with conventional vehicles ample day trips are available along good bitumen roads. Horse trail rides, cattle droving expeditions, horse and carriage tours, 4X4 tours and bus tours are available on request.

Fishing, swimming, riding, dining, camping, hiking, touring, browsing, prospecting, relaxing, we've got it all along The Pioneers Way.

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