Trafalgar is a town that often gets missed by travellers heading towards more popular places such as Walhalla. But, next time you are in the area please stop to explore this fascinating town.
Things to see and do in and around Trafalgar, Gippsland
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Nestled within the historic confines of the old dairy factory on Waterloo Road, the Trafalgar Holden Museum stands as a tribute to the legacy of Holden vehicles. Holden, once an Australian automobile titan, crafted iconic vehicles that left an indelible mark on the landscape of automotive history until production ceased in 2017.
We were actually travelling to the Mirboo Winter Festival in Mirboo North and Trafalgar was our stopover for a quick snacks and coffee break. This was also our first trip to the Trafalgar, so we weren’t prepared for what all we could experience.
While the museum’s façade may seem unassuming, the interior reveals a captivating panorama of Holden’s heritage, an assemblage that traverses decades of design and engineering brilliance. My son loves cars, older the better. Each vehicle was accompanied by insightful plaques that delved into its historical significance, technical intricacies, and the cultural context of its era. The evolution of Holden’s design philosophy unfolded before us.
A highlight etched in memory was the thematic arrangement of the cars. The “Classic Collection” evoked the golden era of motoring, showcasing meticulously restored models emanating elegance and charisma. The “Innovation Showcase” illuminated Holden’s pioneering spirit, unveiling prototypes and concept cars that tantalized with glimpses of automotive design’s future.
I am into cars but here I was enraptured by the artistry infused into restoration of these gems. The preservation of authentic details, coupled with their pristine presentation, resonated as a testament to dedicated craftsmanship.
For my son whose 11, the museum seamlessly intertwined education and amusement. Interactive displays unraveled the mechanics underpinning these vehicles, while a multimedia segment unfolded vintage advertisements and archival footage, granting him a richer understanding of Holden’s cultural resonance. It took us about 1.5 hours to explore the space so imagine how much is there to see.
Our visit left us invigorated, kindling a deep appreciation for the artistry and innovation that breathed life into the Holden brand. This museum is indeed a cherished gem, uniting time, innovation, and heritage within its hallowed walls.
Website: https://trafalgarholdenmuseum.com.au. Kindly be aware that the museum is operated by a group of passionate volunteer enthusiasts committed to safeguarding our national heritage. As a result, the ticket prices are reasonable and contribute to a noble cause.
Heritage Trafalgar Station
The heritage Trafalgar Station building in Trafalgar, Victoria, Australia, is a gallery space and community arts venue.
Uralla Nature Reserve
Located just 3 kms away from the Trafalgar Holden Museum, the Uralla Nature Reserve offers a lovely bushwalking experience with a variety of tracks to choose from.
Gippsland’s Heritage Park
Old Gippstown boasts a stunning ensemble of 45 distinct heritage buildings, each thoughtfully placed within serene parkland settings. Learn more on this place by visiting my blog ‘Exploring Timeless Treasures at Old Gippstown‘.
Narracan Falls
We visited the falls on our next visit to Trafalgar and it delighted us. Located just 20 minutes from Trafalgar are Narracan Falls. With a grassy paddock running alongside the creek, the top of the falls can be viewed from a bridge or you can walk to its base. We love sitting in the water during summers but it gets too slippery during the winters. The grassy entrance can be tricky during rains but the falls are so worth it. Address: 275 Falls Rd, Narracan VIC 3824 Please Note: The car park has picnic tables but no toilets so prepare accordingly. The access is not too sturdy so wear proper shoes.
Do some more: The region is known for a variety of local spuds, so stop at The Spud Shed. We love picking locally grown fruit and vegetables, organic groceries and of course the local spuds. There’s always something new here with a range of vegan and gluten-free sections.
Sunny Creek Organic are also located nearby. Besides eggs, they also have amazing jams, chutneys, cordials and jellies, and over summer you can pick your own berries.
The WillowZen Free Range Eggs are also a great stopover to pick some of their sumo size hen-laid eggs.
Have you been to Trafalgar? Share your favorite spots and experiences in the comments below!
Other places to explore
Mt Worth State Park: From Trafalgar, the State Park is just 29 min (25.2 km) via Hazeldean Rd and M1.
- Marvel at the enormous Standing Giant, a 300 year old mountain ash boasting 14m around its belly, along the Giant Circuit Walk
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at the handsome Moonlight Creek Visitor Area; there are shelters, toilets and a pretty fern-fringed grass area
- More experienced walkers can take the scenic Waterfall-Bower Circuit to romp through the wet forest passing by trickling falls
Location and Distance Guide to Trafalgar
V/Line trains from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station stop at Trafalgar, making it a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Moe: 10 km via M1
Churchill: 19 km
Morwell: 27.3 km
Yinnar: 34 km via M1 – Yinnar is a charming rural town located in the picturesque Morwell River Valley in Gippsland. Visit blog Yinnar, Gippsland: creative arts hub and gateway to scenic routes
Mirboo North: 30.0 km via Strzelecki Hwy/B460 and Mirboo North-Trafalgar Rd/C469
Boolarra: 35.7 km via M1
From Melbourne: 126 km via Monash Fwy (M1)
Local Vic 