Foster

Overview

Foster is a dairying and grazing town 169 kilometres south-east of Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. It is only about 20 kilometres north of the beautiful Gippsland coastline which includes Shallow Inlet, Corner Inlet, Waratah Bay, Yanakie and Wilsons Promontory.
 
The Exchange Hotel, built in 1907, with its unusual conical turret, was modelled after a hotel which the proprietor, Anastasia Thornley, saw in Ireland.
 
Foster North Lookout, 6 kilometres north-west, provides excellent views over Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory.

History

Originally called Stockyard Creek, after the stream which still flows through the centre of the town, Foster was initially nothing more than a resting place for drovers travelling from Port Albert to Westernport.

John Amey, an ex-convict of Tasmania, took up land at Bennison, several miles east of the creek, in 1860. He established a profitable farm which shipped produce to Port Albert via packhorse and bullock dray. When timber staves were found washed up after a boating wreck the ranger became suspicious and travelled to Stockyard Creek to investigate. They cleared the camp and, while pretending to be gold prospectors, actually discovered a rich strain of gold. The find was registered and a rush followed. One of the most profitable claims existed on the site of what is now the State Bank.

Places of interest

Foster & District Historical Museum
The Great Southern Rail Trail
Foster Flora Reserve
Foster Golf Club
Windy Ridge Vineyard and Winery

Accommodation

Foster offers a range of comfortable accommodation including, self contained cottages, bed and breakfast, motels and a large group accommodation facility. Further information about these can be found at www.visitpromcountry.com

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