Find Yourself in Foster
Whether you're a history buff, a beach bum or simply love being in the great outdoors, Foster is the perfect place to book your next getaway
One of Victoria’s best-kept secrets is the historic town of Foster. A short drive from Wilson’s Prom and only a couple of hours out of Melbourne, Foster is the perfect base from which to explore the rich offerings of gorgeous Gippsland. Its position within proximity of swimming, fishing and windsurfing beaches, lush naturescapes, hiking and riding trails, wineries and fine produce, as well as its own interesting history and culture, make Foster a unique and rewarding holiday destination.
Originally settled in the 1800s as a place for drovers to stop on their way from Port Albert to Westernport, on what was traditionally the land of the Brataualung people, the town was named Stockyard Creek after, you guessed it, the stockyard and a nearby creek. After gold was discovered in the area in 1870, magistrate William Henry Foster was called in to help settle disputes between the miners. The town was ultimately renamed after him. While the gold rush was short-lived, the area took off as an ideal place for dairy and cattle farmers and eventually became the service hub for Wilson’s Promontory and surrounding locales.
Foster Museum, built out of the old post office on the Main Street, gives a charming glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the area. Within the main building you’ll find information on the history of Foster, illustrated with thousands of old photographs and artefacts. Other buildings on the site include the historic Agnes State School, a bark hut and a furnished miner’s cottage. You’ll also find H.L. Lasseter’s preserved work boat; Lasseter is famous across Australia for his belief in an epically proportioned gold field located in Central Australia, the now fabled Gold reef. It’s a belief which saw him embark on an ill-fated journey to the outback, never to return. The museum is open on weekends from 11am – 3pm
The Great Southern Rail Trail, which stretches from Leongatha to Yarram, features 22 kilometres of track between Fish Creek and Toora. On the western side, the trail toward Fish Creek tracks up along the Hoddle Range, offering spectacular views out over the Promontory and Corner Inlet. Going east toward Toora, families will enjoy the gentle path as it winds its way through grazing pastures and peaceful gum tree glades, alongside rolling hills and burbling creeks. Stroll on foot, bring your bike or take the trail on horseback.
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Enjoy gazing out across serene views? Foster North Lookout on O’Grady’s Ridge Road offers a neat view toward the coast, with picnic tables making an ideal spot to sit for lunch. Mount Nicoll Lookout can be found on Nicoll Road, a short drive from Fish Creek, and can be accessed via a 200 metre walk from the car park. Sturdy footwear is advisable as the path is gravelled and reasonably steep. Walkers also enjoy the leafy, history-laden trails of Foster Flora Reserve, which weaves in and around the township.
For the athletically inclined, Foster Bowling Club and Foster Golf Club offer a leisurely breath of fresh air and recreation. Sandy Point is surrounded by long stretches of beach and a variety of surf conditions. Waratah Bay is popular with families thanks to its shallow, gentle waters, while Shallow Inlet is perfect for windsurfing. Corner Inlet is a haven for fishers and bird spotters. Wilson’s Prom has some prime surf beaches, as well as hiking trails through breathtaking scenery.
Foodies and wine lovers will find an array of culinary delights to tickle the taste buds within a short drive of Foster. Gippsland is renowned for producing some of the finest cool climate wines, especially chardonnay and pinot noir. The region is also prime dairy country and a delicious range of Gippsland cheeses can be found in specialty stores, restaurants and cellar doors throughout the area. Come during the summer months for pick-your-own berries, as well as a range of other locally grown fruits and vegetables sold at farmers’ markets year-round. At Foster Seafoods you can pick up fresh seafood hauled in from the nearby coastline.
Accommodation ranges from cosy cottage retreats and luxury motels to rustic farm stays and private rental houses. For a romantic getaway with someone special, book a tiny holiday home and enjoy the peaceful bushland surroundings. Foster is the perfect place for families, couples and singles alike to get out and discover some of the best that Victoria has to offer.
Story by Rebekkah Wilde Photograghy by John Krutop, krutopimages.zenfolio.com