Bairnsdale in Victoria Australia is for people who appreciate nature.

The town of Bairnsdale was another place that found gold and then grew around this rush. Set as the gateway to the forests and lakes of Grippland it is a wonderful slow paced country town ready for your arrival.

Since the locale is so close to the rugged wilderness beyond it is a great place to make a home base while you traverse the wonders beyond. This was a town settled by Europeans in the late eighteen hundreds as place to run herds of cattle. When the gold was discovered the attention turned to finding your fortune and many different nationalities immigrated to this area.

After the gold rush some of those who came stayed to make their homes and their livelihoods here. The Chinese immigrants brought their ability as farmers and the town began to grow crops like wheat, hops, and oats. As the agriculture grew then the dairy farmers arrived and many creameries made their appearance on the landscape.

All this loving of the earth makes this place a homey, comfortable place to take time. A relaxed and solid foundation is what moves the town. Visiting here means good food, lovely views, and a chance to wander and enjoy the river as it moves by the town. The Mitchell River is where Bairnsdale sits as it bends toward Lake King. This affords not only views but the opportunity to enjoy the lake and what it has to offer. The are great Bairnsdale accommodation options to stay in while visiting the area.

There is much to do in this area. The lake has boating, picnics, fishing and simply sitting on the shore. There are miles of trails to hike for a daily excursion. Or you can spend time strolling through the town seeing the heritage on Main Street. Visiting St. Marys Roman Catholic Church is a treat. The murals that cover the walls and ceiling are extraordinary. The Hillmay House is a museum that shows you what it was like living in the time the town was settled.

The town has created a lovely center divide of garden and lush vegetation that you can admire as you meander down the streets. The name of this town was made when founder Archibald McLeod named it after his birthplace in Scotland, although it may just be that the sight of a multitude of children inspired the name of bairn which is the Scottish word for child.

Whatever way it got its name it is a place where the history of the aborigines still exists in the Krowathunkoolong Keeping Place. A center for culture of the native people it also has arts, crafts, jewelry, and other items created by the aboriginal people that lived in this area. The tribes of Brabralongcha were the first people to live here and their culture lives on.

Of course the biggest draw to Bairnsdale is the location it has to the Lakes of Grippsland, the forests, and the Mitchell River. All of this is what makes it a down home feeling area that can afford you lovely views, tranquil water sports, and the chance to relax and enjoy yourself.