Stratford

Badger and Hare

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.

Mon Tue Thu Fri 7AM-4PM, Sat Sun 8AM-4PM·Breakfast and lunch prices range from $12-24. Excluding wines, drinks cost $4-7. 10% surcharge on public holidays · Outdoor seating

Knob Reserve

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.

24 hours daily·Free

Segue Cafe

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.

Wed-Sat 9:30AM-2:30PM

Apex Park

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.

24 hours daily

Stratford Historical Society and Museum

Located at the former Methodist church, this museum presents information on the history of Stratford and the former Avon Shire.

Tue 10AM-3PM, 4th Sun of the month 2PM-4PM·Gold coin donation ($1+)

Avon River Bakehouse

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.

Mon-Fri 6AM-3PM, Sat Sun 8AM-3PM·$1-$13

Arts Trail

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.

24 hours daily·Free

Avon Hotel

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.

Bistro: daily noon-2PM, 6-8:30PM. Bar: Mon-Sat 10:30AM-1AM, Sun noon-11PM·Lunch menu: $16. Full meal at dinner (entree, main and dessert): $35-$64

Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door

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.

Daily 8:30AM-5:30PM, 9AM-4PM on public holidays

Swan Park

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.

24 hours daily

Hobbies Plus

Model train store, selling OO and N scale models of Australian, British and American trains and scenery. Also open by appointment.

Wed-Sat 10AM-3PM

IGA

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.

Mon-Sat 8:30AM-7PM, Sun 9AM-7PM

Shakespeare on the River Festival

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.

April-May

Shaw's Quality Meats

Local butcher. Has beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and other goods.

Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5:30PM, Sat Sun 7:30AM-12:30PM

Stratford Swimming Pool

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.

November-March·Adult $6.60, child (5-15) $4.40, concession card holder $5.30

Mary Treasure Reserve

A playground opened in 2020 with climbing nets, a flying fox, slides, and a swing.

24 hours daily

Memorial Park

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.

24 hours daily

The Ticklish Turtle Cafe

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.

8AM-1PM·$5-6

Avon Op Shop

A thrift shop run by the local Anglican parish.

Mon-Fri 10AM-3:30PM

BP

Petrol station. ATM and a coffee machine available.

Mon-Fri 6AM-9PM, Sat Sun and public holidays 7AM-9PM

A Taste of Avon

39-41 Tyers St

Ticklish Turtle Cafe

82 Tyers St

Court in the Act Theatre

66 Tyers St

A Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door

76 Tyers St

Grill Em

1 Tyers St

Stratty Pub

47 Tyers St

Knob Reserve, Stratford

Stratford Bakery

35 Tyers St

Stratford Memorial Park

79 Tyers St

Mcbrick Salads & Sangas

4 McAlister St