Traralgon is the biggest city in the Latrobe Valley that is part of the Gippsland region of Victoria. It is 163 kilometres south east of Melbourne. The city was established in 1840 along with a lot of other areas in Victoria. The original aborigines here were from the Gunai tribe. The area is well known for its open cut coal mines and power generating industries that have been a part of the industry for many years.
The area is dominated by agriculture, wool, dairy and vegetable growing, forestry, and coal mining and its associated industries including power generation. The mines are large open cut and are located north west and south east of the city.
The city has many wide tree lined streets, open parklands and lovely gardens. Being the main city in the Latrobe Valley it is the entertainment city in the area and has many restaurants and cafes for fine and casual dining experiences. The Latrobe Performing Arts Centre sees musical performances and other acts like comedians during the year. The many pubs and clubs host live performances throughout the year so there is quite a lot to see and do in this thriving Gippsland city.
The central business district is in Franklin and Seymour Streets and includes a Stocklands shopping centre and many local business and cafes and restaurants.
The town has some buildings from the gold rush era and they include the Post Office, Ryan’s Hotel and Ostler House.
The parkland areas are popular for picnickers and family groups enjoying the fine weather and play equipment for the children and train rides on the last Sunday of the month at Newman Park.
The area is serviced by several schools including primary and secondary schools, independent schools and Catholic schools. There is also a special school for children with disabilities.
Like most Australian towns sport is a popular part of modern culture with Australian Rules Football, soccer, baseball, basketball, cricket, horse racing, greyhound racing. One of our current cricket team fast bowlers, Peter Siddle is from here.
The city hosts an international tennis tournament in January, the Traralgon Marathon in June and horse and greyhound racing throughout the year.
The town has local newspapers, The Latrobe Valley Express and the Traralgon Journal.
The local Agricultural Show is held in November.
History of Traralgon