Once a bustling gold town, Foster is now surrounded by a patchwork of Gippsland dairy farms and cattle ranches. It's a gateway to some of Victoria's most iconic natural attractions, including Wilsons Promontory National Park and the sugar-white sands of Squeaky Beach.
Things to do in Foster
Perched on the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland, Wilsons Promontory National Park treats nature enthusiasts to stunning seascapes. Locals have nicknamed it "The Prom" and tout it as a great place to spot kangaroos, emus, wombats, echidnas and rosellas. Sunseekers will love Squeaky Beach, famous for its ultra-fine quartz sand that squeaks as you walk.
Gippsland is famous for its gorgeous coastal scenery, and Foster puts you within striking distance of some of the best beaches, bays and inlets. With calm water and sheltered locations, Sandy Point and Waratah Bay are perfect for swimming. Shallow Inlet is fantastic for windsurfing, while Corner Inlet is popular with anglers and birdwatchers.
Back in the 1800s, Foster was a flourishing gold mining town. Today you can find out more about its gold mining legacy at the Foster Museum. You can also stroll along Hayes Walk to discover the site of old Victory Mine, Foster's largest gold mine. The track starts in town and takes around 15 minutes to complete.
For sweeping views of Corner Inlet, head to the Foster North Lookout. It's located just off the South Gippsland Highway and is one of Victoria's most impressive scenic lookouts. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Wilsons Promontory mountains.
Getting around Foster
Foster is easy to get around on foot, although you'll need a car to visit Wilsons Promontory National Park or explore the Gippsland interior. From Melbourne, the drive to Foster takes around two hours. You can also reach Foster via local trains and buses in around three hours.