Avon River Bakehouse family sitting outside Stratford cafe looking at burger

Discover Stratford

Set on the lush Avon River, Stratford is a tranquil town with an artsy vibe.

The gently flowing river and persistent bird song provides a scenic backdrop for swimming, fishing and canoeing. Unique homewares, clothing, gifts and craft stores jostle for space along the town’s main street.

Avon River Bakehouse boys peeping over counter at Stratford cafe

Badger Hare Stratford cafe and restaurant heritage building

Gippsland Plains Rail Trail Cyclists riding in Maffra Macalister Wetland Reserve

Shakespearean Ties

The town has links to its sister town, Stratford-Upon-Avon in England, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The Shakespeare-themed Apex Park is the starting point of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.

The Stratford Art Trail showcases Shakespeare through the ages and the artistic and festive spirit of the community. The Art Trail starts at the Stratford Sister Cities globe sculpture outside of the library. A full description of the trail is accessed via a QR code. Journey past sculptures and creative spaces, and listen to song and stories, on the self-guided 3km walking tour through the town. Grab your MP3 guided tour, MP3 player and map from the Segue Cafe in Tyers Street.

Stratford Courthouse Theatre view of the building from across the street

Aboriginal Heritage

On the bluff, high above the bend of the Avon River is Knob Reserve, an important Aboriginal meeting place. See the scar trees where sheets of bark have been removed for canoes, food bowls, shelters and shields. Look out for the grinding stones, etched with deep grooves where axe heads were sharpened over many centuries.

Knob Reserve is one of the sites of Indigenous significance on the Bataluk Cultural Trail, and a short drive out of Stratford is another site, the Ramahyuck Cemetery, the final remains of the Ramahyuck Mission Station, where Aboriginal people were forcibly located in the late 1800s.

Festivals & Events

All things Shakespeare are celebrated at the town’s major annual festival, Stratford on Avon Shakespeare Festival, spanning a couple of weeks from late April. The event hosts plays and theatre, lost trades and a medieval fair.

Stratford on the River Festival two actors in costume perform on the street

Stratford restaurants & cafes

Dining is a must at Badger & Hare Café whose moody interior and sunny courtyard will tempt you in, whatever the weather, for flavoursome brunches and burgers with all the trimmings.

Across the road, newcomer A Taste of Avon’s Mediterranean-inspired menu is centred around house-made pasta, try their fresh fettuccine and fluffy gnocchi.

Set amongst rolling pastures of the Avon River Valley, The Vines on Avon offers a superb vista for lunch overlooking the vines, with wine by the glass or bottle (no tastings). The restaurant produces an innovative menu from locally sourced ingredients making for a delicious day out.

A hop-skip-and-jump away you’ll find Glenmaggie Wines brand new cellar door restaurant, whose delicious meals and platters showcase produce from surrounding farms. Meanwhile, wood-fired pizza and local produce platters at Blue Gables Vineyard are just perfect for a lazy afternoon at the winery.

Nearby in Maffra, Coffee House 138 does epic burgers and delicious breakfasts, while The Beet Baristas have your afternoon pick-me-up covered and The Food Store specialises in gourmet woodfired pizza.

Treat yourself to handpicked berries and some bubbles, or fresh strawberry ice cream at The Berry Dairy, located just out of Maffra (open Nov - April).

Where to stock up

Wa-De-Lock Cellar Door has your cafe, wine bar and providore needs covered.

Badger and Hare cafe Stratford couple sit at a table under the porch outside

Accessibility

The town has a wide asphalt All Abilities Pathway, suitable for prams, wheelchairs and other mobility devices. The pathway runs for 1km from the car park at Apex Park Stratford, south-east along McMillan St, then ending at a lookout overlooking the Avon River.