Tooradin, VIC
Tooradin is a small and picturesque holiday town of some 600 people located 64 km south-east of Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. It is situated on the reclaimed swampland of Sawtell Creek Inlet at the northern tip of Westernport Bay. Consequently it provides safe anchorage for fishing boats and is popular with both day-fishers and holiday-makers. Camping is accommodated at the local caravan park and swimming is also popular on the calm waters of the bay.
The town's name is an Aboriginal term for a monster which the local Aborigines reputedly believed resided in a waterhole at this location.
An important European settler was Scotsman William Lyall who purchased the 'Tooradin' estate in 1851. He imported sheep, hares, sambur deer, cattle, shetland ponies and horses, became a respected breeder of livestock and experimented with oyster cultivation. Lyall built 'Harewood' homestead c.1857 which is still standing off the highway to the east of town.
The town developed as a small sea port which relayed trade between the farms of the hinterland and Melbourne. It is claimed that the idea of starting the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) occurred to some travellers during a breakdown at Tooradin in 1903.
Today the pelicans and mangroves share the town with numerous fishing boats. $350 000 has recently been spent to upgrade the foreshore area and to give the town a general facelift with positive results.
Things to see
Foreshore Precinct
As part of the town's recent upgrade much work has been done on the foreshore. The main addition is the construction of a pedestrian bridge which links the carpark to a small peninsula known as 'The Island'. Hundreds of bollards have been added, as well as a quality comfort station and a bus turnaround area. In addition there are four 'totem poles' (two near the hotel and two near the new bridge) which outline something of the town's history and incorporate related illustrations.
The Fisherman's Cottage
Also on the foreshore, almost opposite the jetty, is one of the original fisherman's weatherboard cottages which has been purchased by the historical society and furnished with items pertaining to local history. A caretaker is there most of the time.
Tooradin Marine Life Centre
Located opposite the caravan park in Tooradin Station Rd, the centre has displays relating to the aquatic ecosystems of the area. Educational tours of the mangroves are also conducted. However, it is currently open to school groups only. Interested schools can ring (03) 5998 3410.
Harewood Homestead
Harewood Homestead was built c.1857 by Scotsman William Lyall who purchased the 'Tooradin' estate in 1851. He imported sheep, hares, sambur deer, cattle, shetland ponies and horses, became a respected breeder of livestock and experimented with oyster cultivation.
Harewood was once the social centre of northern Westernport. It is built of handmade bricks with a stuccoed exterior and features a tiled verandah on three sides, decorative ceilings, a gabled central hall and views over Westernport Bay. Interestingly, the columns act as drainage pipes for water that was stored below the ground.
The house retains the original furniture, some of it exceptional. There is a fine collection of family memorabilia, including a library of books with items dating back to the early 18th century, and items of original clothing.. Other artefacts relate to the Bunurong tribe who were the original occupants of the area.
The homestead is located on the highway, about 6 km east of Tooradin, just past the airfield and is open weekends from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or by appointment, tel: (03) 5997 1033.
Tooradin Flying School
The Tooradin Flying School operates out of the airfield, tel: (03) 5998 3328.
Tooradin Estate
Another historic home in the area is 'Tooradin Estate', a substantial homestead built in the late 1880s. It is now a horseriding school which hosts an annual gymkhana. The brick house is considered typical of the Victorian Classical style of the 'boom' period. It features a slate roof with an encircling verandah that is capped by bull-nose roof. It is located in Lions Rd, tel: (03) 5998 3205.
Bunyip Byways Tourism Trail
The Bunyip Byways Tourism Trail is a self-drive tour which takes visitors through a range of attractions in the district, including historic sites and homesteads, natural landmarks, antique stores, golf courses and tea rooms. The trail is delineated by over 300 roadside guidance signs. It follows a circular route from Gembrook (see entry on Emerald) throughBerwick to Tooradin). A guiding map was printed but it is currently a little hard to get although you can try your luck by ringing the City of Casey, tel; (03) 9705 5200.
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