Bairnsdale

Overview

Bairnsdale is located 280 kilometres east of Melbourne and is the gateway to the vast Gippsland Lakes. It is also the commercial centre for the local wool, dairying agricultural and timber industries.

The town is located on the river flats of the Mitchell River close to the enormous silt jetties which are the longest in the world.
 
Bairnsdale is proud of its strong Indigenous culture, being home to Krowathunkooloong (The Keeping Place) and the East Gippsland Aboriginal Arts Corporation.

History

Bairnsdale was first settled by Europeans in 1842 as a cattle run. Prior to this, the local Gunai/Kurnai Aborigines had inhabited the land.

Gold discoveries in the 1850s brought an influx of miners to the district and demands for a township grew.
 
The 1890s brought dairying to the district, resulting in the establishment of a number of creameries in the area, and a butter factory in Bairnsdale. Many fine buildings were erected in the town during these years including the Courthouse, Mechanics Institute, Railway station and St John's Anglican Church and St Mary's Catholic church built in 1913; its highly decorated and painted ceilings.

Places of interest

Mitchell River and nearby lakes and rivers
Mitchell River National Park
The Den of Nargun
Twin Rivers Food and Wine Trail
Bataluk Cultural Trail - to view artefacts and history on the Gunai/Kurnai people
Local heritage buildings, art galleries, museums.
National Trust-classified St Mary’s Catholic Church

Accommodation

Bairnsdale is the commercial capital of East Gippsland and there are approximately 10,000 beds, providing a good range of options from hotels & motels to B&Bs and Caravan Parks.

Contact East Gippsland Visitor Information Centre
Telephone: 1800 637 060 or International: +61 (3) 5155 1966
Website: www.discovereastgippsland.com.au
Email: lakesvic@egipps.vic.gov.au

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