Heyfield

Heyfield is a pleasant town situated on the Thomson River in Central Gippsland. It has prospered as a result of several industries including dairy, timber and mountain cattle.

When he arrived in 1841, Malcolm MacFarlane viewed a broad plain of waving grass, and chose the name ‘Hayfield’ as an apt description of the area. This has since changed to Heyfield. Large herds of cattle were once driven south from Queensland to be fattened up prior to sale in Heyfield. The area became known as one of the best prime cattle fattening locations in the country.

Once the home of eight sawmills, Heyfield is still a major sawmilling centre with the largest hardwood sawmill in the Southern Hemisphere. Heyfield is also a popular spot for fishing and camping and has a nature reserve on the outskirts of town where visitors can see flora and fauna in its natural state.

Quick facts

• Population approximately 2,000
• Located 204 kilometres from Melbourne
• Timber and dairy industry
• Gateway to Gippsland's high country
• Lake Glenmaggie.

Activities and attractions

• Fish for seasonal trout along the Macalister and Thomson rivers or travel north from Heyfield to Lake Glenmaggie where boating, water skiing and camping are enjoyed
• Fish for trout in local rivers
• Enjoy bush walking in the vast expanses of natural bush around the town
• Explore the Heyfield Wetland to observe the birds and fauna close up
• See the Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally in August
• Enjoy the range of sporting facilities in the town including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a swimming pool
• Visit the Cowwarr Art Space not far out of town.

How to get there

Heyfield is located 21 kilometres north of Rosedale approximately 183 kilometres from Melbourne.