Orbost

Overview

Orbost is a quintessentially country town located on the banks of the Snowy River.
 
Largely a one-street town, it has plenty of charm and surrounding beauty.  Grazing and agriculture on the river flats offer serene and picturesque landscapes.
 
Orbost is the gateway to seven national parks and is just ten minutes from the golden sands of Ninety Mile Beach.

History

The area around Orbost was first settled in 1842 and originally used for cattle grazing. A township began to develop in the 1870s and it eventually became an important service centre for what has developed into a major cattle and agricultural district. The surrounding mountain forests produce hardwood timber, most of which is milled locally.

The Orbost area was first settled by Europeans in 1842 when Peter Imlay (one of the famous Imlay brothers) took up grazing land which he called the Snowy River Station. Three years later he sold the land to Norman McLeod, a Scot who named the area Orbost. There a number of explanations for the word. Some sources claim it was the name of a town on the Isle of Skye, others claim it was the McLeod seat on the island, while others claim it is a Gaelic word meaning 'winged island' which was common on the Isle of Skye, the birthplace of McLeod.

Places of interest

Cape Conran Coastal Park
Marlo
River flats of the Snowy River
Curlip paddle steamer project
Goolengook old growth forest

Accommodation

Orbopst has approximately 300 lodgings options including hotels, B&Bs, caravan parks and motels.

Contact East Gippsland Visitor Information Centre
Telephone: 1800 637 060 or International: +61 (3) 5155 1966
Website: www.discovereastgippsland.com.au
Email: lakesvic@egipps.vic.gov.au

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