Town in Victoria, Australia
Photo: Alison Newman, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Stratford is a rural town in Gippsland on the Avon River. Easily accessible from Melbourne, Stratford has many parks and cafes to visit, and a yearly Shakespeare festival held in the autumn months, making it a lovely town to see for any traveller looking for a quieter, lesser-known destination.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
At the eastern end of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, which stretches from Traralgon to Stratford. There are two playgrounds, one medieval-themed and one nature-based, a BMX track, as well as benches and barbecue areas. It's located right on the Avon River, and if you're lucky you will see trains going past on the railway bridge.
A traditional meeting place of the indigenous Gunaikurnai people. Located just outside Stratford, it's a 35-minute walk to get to the reserve from Tyers St. There are two walking paths among the trees here, before you reach the Avon River. The reserve also has an oval and benches which are sometimes used by local groups.
A playground opened in 2020 with climbing nets, a flying fox, slides, and a swing.
As this park is right on the Princes Hwy/Tyers St, cars will often speed past. There is a shaded picnic area with tables, a barbecue and public toilets, as well as a small kids' playground. An obelisk war memorial is located at the park to honour soldiers from Stratford.
Located at the former Methodist church, this museum presents information on the history of Stratford and the former Avon Shire.
Small playground with 2 swings and slides, and lots of open grassy space to run around in. Accessible from Kelly Court, Ducret Court, and Neilson Court.
A 3-km walking trail through the town along the Avon River, passing Shakespeare-themed artworks. The trail starts outside the library, and goes down Raymond Street to get to Merrick Street, which looks down on the Avon River. Go south down Merrick Street to get to the Garden for Humanity, which is at the corner of Merrick and McMillan Street, and contains some historic trees and benches. Going down McMillan Street, you'll reach the Princes Highway, which you cross to reach Apex Park, and take a gravel path to McMillan Street (McMillan Street is split in twain by the railway line, you need to end up east of the railway line). This may be difficult for those with injury and disability. The historic railway bridge near the Apex Park is worth a detour.
A path that's past the intersection of Wellsford Street and McMillan Street, but before the intersection of Davis Street and McMillan Street, takes you to a platform near the river. It's uphill on the way back. From there, you can head down left on McMillan Street, turn onto Wellsford Street to McAlister Street, and then turn right at the Princes Highway. Turn right onto Dixon Street, and you'll arrive at the train station, which is the end of the trail. There are various signs and landmarks along the trail that'll help you find your way. Audio tour available from Segue Cafe.
Stratford's only swimming pool, open in summer. There are three pools — a smaller baby pool, a shallow kids pool, and a main all-ages pool. Swimming lessons may be taking place in the main pool.
The biggest event of the year, which runs for two weeks in April/May. Expect plays by Shakespeare (of course), with actors ranging from professionals to the local primary school, as well as a village market and the Bard's Banquet. Most events have to be booked in advance.
Avon Valley Foodhouse
Cafe and fast food restaurant open for breakfast and lunch. Both indoor and outdoor dining is available. Offers fresh food such as pies, cakes, burgers and other hot food.
Cafe inspired by Melbourne laneway culture, open for breakfast and lunch. Dining is available both indoors and outdoors, and the brew of coffee is sourced from Richmond with notes of caramel and chocolate. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available.
Coffee house. Dining is available in two settings, one outdoors on the highway with a garden-style setting, and one indoors with a more vintage setting.
Cafe, deli and bottleshop with a focus on local produce. Indoor and outdoor dining is offered, with outdoor dining either in the alfresco area or in the wine garden. Service is quick and friendly. The building dates back to 1870, and has been run by the current owners since 2004.
Stratford's only pub. It's divided into a bar section and a bistro section, and alfresco dining is also available in the bistro. Their meat, fish and vegetables are locally sourced. Vegetarian options are available. The pub features a drive-through bottleshop.
Small hotel at a wildlife shelter.
11 rooms, including spa room with kitchen, family rooms, BBQ area, free undercover parking, and free wifi.
A caravan park on the banks of the Avon river which has on-site cabins, as well as powered sites that can be used for caravans or camping. Pets are welcome, and there's a small dog wash at the park.
A thrift shop run by the local Anglican parish.
Petrol station. ATM and a coffee machine available.
Model train store, selling OO and N scale models of Australian, British and American trains and scenery. Also open by appointment.
Stratford's only supermarket has the basics of what you'll need to get by. Don't expect any specialty products, but if you're looking for groceries, this is the easiest place to go. Also has a liquor section and an ATM.
A community house and cafe with local arts and craft, some available for purchase, as well as a gallery. There are helpful brochures available here on local attractions and nearby destinations. Home of the town's Shakespeare festival.
Local butcher. Has beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and other goods.
By train
Stratford Railway Station is on the Bairnsdale railway line.
By bus
On Thursdays, a bus service operates from Sale to Stratford, leaving from Gippsland Shopping Centre at 2:15PM and arriving at the Stratford Post Office at 2:30PM.
Stratford is traversable almost entirely by foot. Stratford has a single BP gas station for refuelling. The roads are mainly flat, so cycling is an option.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mount Hotham · Regional · MHU
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Stratford (Victoria) and Australia.
Compare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
7 min read
Plan your trip to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia with match cities, ticket windows, domestic flights, visa rules, and budget advice.
8 min read
Discover how to use AI to find cheap flights. Learn prompt strategies, smart fare engines, open-jaw routings, and error-fare booking techniques.
6 min read
Complete 2026 guide to visa-free travel for US citizens. Learn where American passport holders can go without a visa, new eTA rules, and entry fees.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.