Heyfield brings together walks in the wetlands, a permanent state memorial to Victoria’s timber workers and the 67-kilometre Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, which runs through town and past the memorial. This gives you several ways to focus your trip planning: walks and nature watching, local history, or a longer trail route. When choosing accommodation, the main consideration is which of these interests will shape your stay.
Walks and nature at Heyfield Wetlands
The 28-hectare Heyfield Wetlands reserve offers walks in a natural wetland setting. The site includes four kilometres of tracks, eight fitness stations and boardwalks. There are also opportunities for birdwatching, fishing and photography, as well as outdoor events. This offers a choice between getting active on the tracks and other ways to enjoy the wetlands: if you like walking, you can make the walk your main focus; if you are more interested in wildlife and observation, birdwatching offers a distinct reason to visit. These activities provide different points of interest without prescribing a set itinerary.
A memorial and a longer trail route
The Victorian Timber Workers Memorial in Heyfield is a permanent state memorial to Victoria’s timber workers. A plaque lists the names of people who died in accidents while working in Victoria’s timber industry. The names give the visit a specific historical focus; the memorial site also includes a public art sculpture, 75 mature yellow-barked trees, connecting paths, low stone walls and seating. The memorial therefore brings together inscriptions and art in a landscaped setting.
The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail runs through Heyfield and past the memorial. The 67-kilometre trail runs from Traralgon to Stratford. This makes Heyfield both a place of remembrance and part of a longer trail route.
History in the former post office
The Heyfield & District Museum features seasonal exhibitions, photographs and memorabilia about the history of Heyfield and its surrounding area. It is housed in the town’s former post office. The exhibitions, images and memorabilia offer a different perspective on local history from the memorial, which is dedicated to Victoria’s timber workers. If you are interested in local history, these two attractions complement each other with their distinct focuses.
Playground and picnic at Apex Park
Heyfield Apex Park has a playground with a wooden treehouse, a giant swing, a jumping truck and wooden sculptures of Australian animals. The same park also has picnic tables, free covered electric barbecues and toilets. If you are looking for a place with play equipment and specific picnic facilities, Apex Park offers a distinct option alongside the wetlands and the memorial.
Mountain bike trails and event dates
Nearby Blores Hill Mountain Bike Park has trails specifically designed for mountain bikers. This distinguishes it from the tracks at Heyfield Wetlands: Blores Hill focuses on purpose-built mountain bike trails, while the wetlands offer walks and other wetland activities. Conditions on the Blores Hill trails may change; check them before your visit.
Annual event dates may also factor into your travel plans: the Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally takes place in May, and the Heyfield Lumberjacks B & S Ball in April. If an event will shape your visit, check the dates before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Morwell, Jarvis Creek, Mornington, Balnarring, Tawonga, Natimuk, Trentham, Moondarra.
For the broader travel overview: Victoria.
