Stratford, Victoria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids StratfordVictoria |
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Main shopping strip in Stratford
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 Stratford
Location in Shire of Wellington
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| Population | 2,980 (2021 census) | ||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 3862 | ||||||||
| Elevation | 22 m (72 ft) | ||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Shire of Wellington | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Gippsland East | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Gippsland | ||||||||
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Stratford is a friendly town located on the Avon River in Victoria, Australia. It's about 232 kilometers (144 miles) east of Melbourne along the Princes Highway. Stratford is part of the Shire of Wellington.
In 2016, about 2,617 people lived in Stratford. The town serves as a hub for the local farming community and for travelers passing through on the Princes Highway. Stratford's main industries include dairy farming, raising sheep, cattle, and horses, and growing vegetables. You can find many coffee shops, cafes, a local winery, and even a model railway shop here. It's a great place for a quick stop during a long trip!
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Why is it called Stratford?
The exact reason for Stratford's name isn't fully clear. Many people think it was named after Stratford-upon-Avon in England. This English town is famous as the birthplace of the famous writer William Shakespeare.
This idea makes sense because Stratford, Victoria, is also located by a river named Avon. Even though the Australian Avon River's name comes from a Scottish river, locals love the connection to Shakespeare.
Shakespeare on the River Festival
Since 1989, Stratford has hosted a fun annual event called the Shakespeare on the River Festival. This festival celebrates Shakespeare's plays and also features modern Australian plays. In 1998, the town officially joined the Stratford Sister Cities program. This program helps build friendships and cultural exchange with other towns named Stratford around the world.
Exploring Stratford's Nature
The Avon River near Stratford is known for its beautiful, smooth gemstones, especially agate. The river can also rise quickly after heavy rain upstream.
Knob Reserve: A Special Park
About three kilometers (less than 2 miles) southeast of Stratford, you'll find a large park called Knob Reserve. It used to be known as the "Forest of Arden." This 56-hectare (138-acre) park is part of the Gunai/Kurnai Bataluk Cultural Trail. This trail winds through East Gippsland, showing important cultural sites of the area's first people. Knob Reserve has picnic spots, and an annual country music festival is held there.
Getting Around Stratford
Stratford has a railway station on the Bairnsdale railway line. This line was reopened for passengers in 2004. The Howitt Bicycle Trail also goes through Stratford, making it a great spot for cyclists.
Sports in Stratford
Stratford has an Australian rules football team called the Swans. They have been playing in the East Gippsland Football League since 2012. Before that, they played in the North Gippsland Football League from 2004 to 2011.
The town also has a cricket team that competes in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association. They have won four A-Grade championships since they reformed in 1978.
Stratford's Past
For thousands of years before Europeans arrived, the Brayakuloong people lived around the Avon River. They are part of the Gunai/Kurnai Indigenous nation.
Early European Settlement
Angus McMillan named the Avon River after a river in his home country of Scotland. In 1840, he set up a large farm called Bushy Park, northwest of where the town is now. William Odell Raymond also started a farm in the area in 1842. He built his house, Strathfieldsaye, between 1848 and 1854.
The town of Stratford itself was established in the late 1850s. The Post Office first opened on May 1, 1858.
Gold Rush and Growth
In the 1860s, gold was discovered in places like Omeo and Dargo. This brought many people through Stratford, and the town grew and became more successful. Some historic buildings from this time include the RSL Hall (built in 1866), the Church of Holy Trinity (1868), the Methodist Church (1873), and the Post Office (1884).
Ramahyuck Mission
In 1863, Reverend Friedrich Hagenauer started the Ramahyuck Mission. It was located on the banks of the Avon River, near Lake Wellington. This mission was a place for the Gunai people who had survived from west and central Gippsland. The name "Ramahyuck" combines "Ramah" (a place from the Bible) with "yuck," an Aboriginal word said to mean "our place." The mission aimed to teach Christian values and European customs, discouraging traditional Indigenous practices. The mission closed in 1908, and the remaining residents moved to Lake Tyers Mission.
Reverend Hagenauer's son, Dr. Henry Hagenauer, was a talented local Australian rules football player. He played one game for the Melbourne team in the 1898 VFL season.
Images for kids
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Avon River Bakehouse restaurant
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Badger and Hare cafe
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CWA rooms
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Council library
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Hobbies Plus model train store
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Knob Reserve
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Mary Treasure Reserve
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Mechanics Institute
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Memorial Park
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Methodist Church
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Post office
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Post office in 1917
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St. Patrick's Catholic Church
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St. Patrick's Primary School
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Stratford Motel
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Stratford Museum
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Swan Park
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Ticklish Turtle cafe
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War memorial
