Leongatha
Overview
Leongatha is 133 kilometres south-east of Melbourne via the South Gippsland Highway and 83 metres above sea level. It is recognised as the commercial, educational and civic centre of the South Gippsland Shire and the largest town in South Gippsland.
Originally settled on cleared forests of the western Strzeleckis, Leongatha and the surrounding countryside were dotted with rich dairy farms from the 1870s onwards.
The opening of the South Gippsland Railway in 1892 boosted development as more forests were cleared to make way for cattle grazing. Today it is still a prime dairying district and home to the largest co-operative dairy in the Southern Hemisphere.
History
Originally on cleared forests of the western Strzelecki's, the first settlement of the area by Europeans occurred in 1845. The Post Office opened as Koorooman on 1 October 1887 and renamed Leongatha in 1891 when a township was established on the arrival of the railway. The railway line from Melbourne reached the town in 1891, and stimulated further settlement.
Places of interest
Leongatha Gallery
Great Southern Rail Trail
Woorayl Air Services
Leongatha Golf Course
Accommodation
Leongatha offers a select range of comfortable to luxury accommodation including, self contained cottages and motel options. Further information about these can be found at www.visitpromcountry.com
Town statistics
| Population | 4,500 |
|---|---|
| Distance from Melbourne | 133 kilometres, 81 miles and 2 hours driving time |
| Road access | South Gippsland Highway |