Maffra Vic 3860 (Pop 6 000)     
 
Maffra is a substantial East Gippsland rural service town 219 km east of Melbourne. Settled in 1840s, Australia’s only sugar beet plant was established here in 1890s. The construction of the Glenmaggie Irrigation Scheme from 1919 resulted in a successful dairy industry replacing the sugar. Sheep, cattle & logging also help sustain the local economy. Scotfest (Feb), Gippsland Harvest Festival (Mar), Mardi Gras (Mar).
 
Tourist Attractions & Info:
Maffra Sugar Beet Museum, River St housed within the old factory office and weighbridge detailing the area’s local history. Open (1.30pm-4.30pm) Sun.  
 
Nearby:
Briagolong (20 km north) interesting historic town featuring the old primary school (1873), Mechanics Institute (1874), Briagolong Hotel (1880). Stratford (9 km east) pretty town on the Avon River with Aboriginal Knobs Reserve and the annual Shakespeare Celebration each May. Lake Glenmaggie (42 km n-w) ideal watersports area. Alpine NP (75 km n-w via Licola) beautiful Lake Tali Karng and excellent bushwalking trails.

Accommodation:
Maffra has a motel, 3 hotels, a B&B and a caravan park. Visitor Information Centre: 96 Johnson St. Tel (03) 5141 1811.