Bairnsdale
Bairnsdale is located along the banks of the magnificent Mitchell River, 285 kms east of Melbourne on the Princes Highway. The commercial centre of the Gippsland Lakes region.
Forming the gateway to the wonders of the Lakes and Wilderness region, Bairnsdale provides easy access to the Gippsland Lakes, beaches, rivers, forests and mountains. Bairnsdale is also the starting point for the Great Alpine Road Touring route taking in the snow fields of Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham.
The Bairnsdale region is noted for its moderate climate, with mild winters and delightful summer and autumn periods. Rainfall averages 700mm per year.
Bairnsdale, with a population of nearly 12,000 people, is East Gippsland's only city. Bairnsdale is the administrative centre for the East Gippsland Shire and the hub of commercial and business activity in the region including the key industries of tourism, timber, agriculture and horticulture.
Educational facilities are well represented with three public and two private primary schools, one public and one private secondary colleges, a TAFE college and a very active adult community education centre. A special school to service the needs of disabled children in the region is being established.
Things to doin the Bairnsdale area |
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Walking |
Bairnsdale is a pleasant, well designed city with wide tree lined streets. The centre piece being the beautiful Main Street gardens. Walkers are well catered for in Bairnsdale, with the Mitchell River Walking tracks, Bairnsdale Heritage walk & MacLeod Morass Boardwalk Trail, where many species of birds may be seen. |
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Cycling |
Cyclists can travel along the East Gippsland Rail Trail, a scenic trail from Bairnsdale to Nowa Nowa - a distance of approximately 60 klms |
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Fishing |
Anglers can fish the Mitchell River and it's backwater within the Bairnsdale city boundary for species such as bream, flathead, garfish and perch. |
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Markets |
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A Farmers market can be found in the grounds of the Bairnsdale Secondary College on the first Saturday of each month. 8am - 12 noon. There is also a popular Sunday market held on the fourth Sunday of each month. Located in Howitt Park, Bairnsdale, close to the Mitchell River bridge. The market has approx 100 stalls, selling a wide range of new and second-hand goods. |
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The City has retained many of its historic buildings, the most famous being St. Mary's Catholic Church which features unique murals painted on it's walls and ceiling by Italian artist Francesco Floreani. The city also boasts some excellent galleries, museums and craft centres. |
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Places to eat |
Restaurants offering a variety of cuisines along with cafés, pubs and clubs ensure eating and socialising in Bairnsdale is a delightful experience. For those on the move, Bairnsdale also offers Subway, McDonalds, KFC and a range of fast food outlets . |
