Surrounded by the rich river flats of the mighty Snowy River the East Gippsland town of Orbost has a very rich history of riverboats, farming, gold and timber. Its history goes back to 1842 starting with farming and then gold and timber were added to the mix. Riverboats and steamers worked the Snowy which was subject to some massive floods over the years. Today you can have some appreciation of those flood water heights with a look at the markings on a pole in the town’s main park just near the Visitor Information Centre.
In fact the Visitor Information Centre and shop is now located inside a Slab Hut that was first built back in 1872 as a family dwelling up on the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers. In 1987 the hut was moved to its present location and reconstructed to become a very unique and interesting Visitor Information Centre/Shop.
Given its easy access just off the Princess Highway even a short stop-over in this history rich town is well worth your time and most of the sights are just an easy walk around exploring. If time allows then a longer stay gives you the chance to explore further around the region. With National Parks, cool temperate rainforest, the East Gippsland Rail Trail and plenty of options for the active with fishing, caving and canoeing the rivers the list is endless.
So next time you are heading along the Princess Highway through East Gippsland think about a stop in Orbost it’s a place that might surprise and one I am sure you will enjoy.
