Orbost is a historic early settlers town in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, 375 kilometres (233 mi) east of Melbourne and 235 kilometres (146 mi) south of Canberra where the Princes Highway crosses the Snowy River. It is about 16 kilometres (10 mi) from the surf and fishing seaside town of Marlo on the coast of Bass Strait and 217 km (135 mi) drive to Hotham Alpine Resort. Orbost is the service centre for the primary industries of beef, dairy cattle and sawmilling.
More recently, tourism has become an important and thriving industry, being the major town close to several national parks that are between the east access to either the surf or the snow, including the famous Snowy River National Park, Alpine National Park, Errinundra National Park, Croajingolong National Park and Cape Conran Coastal Park.
The Orbost Club Hotel, the oldest pub in town established in 1835, also known as "The Bottom Pub" by the locals, situated at 63 Nicholson Street, Orbost.
The conversion of the disused rail line to the East Gippsland Rail Trail has created a cycle tourism industry in the town.
The Orbost viaduct, or also known as the Snowy Rail Bridge, once carried freight trains across the alluvial flats, stopping across the river from the centre of Orbost. The 770 metre Viaduct is an iconic structure visible from the Princes Highway and a short walk from Burn Road. The Save The Snowy Rail Bridge Community Group is actively promoting its restoration for use as a cycling and walkway as part of the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
Anzac Day in Orbost, 2018
The Shire of East Gippsland is a local government area in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia, located in the eastern part of the state. It covers an area of 20,940 square kilometres (8,080 sq mi) and in June 2018 had a population of 46,818.
The panoramic view from Connors Hill, near Swifts Creek, Victoria
Bonang River, East Gippsland.
