Parks and the outdoors in Stratford

Parks and the outdoors in Stratford

1. 
   SeeHistoric site

   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
2. 
   See

   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
3. 
   EatRestaurant

   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
4. DoPark

   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

5. Eat

   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

6. 
   See

   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
7. Do

   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

8. 
   See

   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
9. 
   Eat

   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
10. DoPark

    Knob Reserve, Stratford

11. DoPark

    Stratford Memorial Park

    79 Tyers St

12. DoPark

    Stratford Historical Museum

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Stratford (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.