Set amongst the rolling hills of South Gippsland, Korumburra is a historic town currently undergoing a renaissance, with new investments and exciting new ventures.

Korumburra is set among the rolling hills on the edge of the Strzelecki Ranges.

The town is a hub of activity and centrally located to many of South Gippsland’s major tourist attractions, including the home of Coal Creek Community Park & Museum.

Location

Korumburra is approx 90-minute drive from Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway.

V/Line bus services are available for travel (Melbourne to Yarram).

History

Although settlement in the district was late in colonial development the township is rich in history. Korumburra and surrounding district was part of the Great Forest of Gippsland. Due to dense bush and Koo Wee Rup swamp selectors needed capital to clear the land and bring it to productivity.

Black coal was discovered in Korumburra in 1872 and a mining boom followed, reaching its peak during the mid-1890s with the completion of the rail line. At one stage over 2,000 miners were working in Korumburra and the local industry helped to establish Melbourne as a major industrial city.

The surrounding fertile farmland saw the area become productive with dairying with small butter and cheese factories were established. With dairying and agriculture still a major industry today.

The Town Today

Today, Korumburra is still a rich dairy and cattle hub.
The main railway line is now closed.

The historic township has an abundance of retail shops, bakeries and restaurants. Just on the outskirts of the town towards Leongatha is Coal Creek Community Park & Museum.

NB: Information on history and the town today has been taken from ‘Korumburra A History’ information courtesy of the Korumburra Historical Society and available through the South Gippsland Visitor Information Centre.

Town Facilities

Banks
– NAB – ATM only, 85 Commercial Street
– ANZ – ATM only, 21 Commercial Street
– Bendigo Bank – Branch and ATM, 32 Commercial Street

Dump Point
Korumburra Showgrounds, key available from BP Service Station King Street.

Hospital
Korumburra Hospital, Bridge Road

Internet
Korumburra Library, 165 Commercial Street
Mon to Fri 10-5.30
Sat 10-12

Milpara Community House, 21 Shellcotts Road
Mon to Fri 9.30 – 4.30 term (School terms only)

Laundry
Coin Laundry – 3 Commercial Street

Long Vehicle Parking
Little Commercial Street

Parks & Playgrounds
Skate Park, Sanders Street
Coal Creek playground, Silkstone Road (Toilets, BBQ)
Coleman Park, 39 Queen Street (Toilets, BBQ)
Botanical Park, Bridge Street

Petrol Station
– BP Service Station, King Street
– BP Service Station, 2 Commercial Street
– Caltex Service Station, Commercial Street

Pharmacies
Korumburra Pharmacy, 9/43-49 Commercial Street
Chemsave Pharmacy Shop, 1&2/3 South Railway Cres

Post Office
Korumburra’s Australia Post, 30 Commercial Street

Supermarket/General Store
Michael’s IGA Supermarket, 1 South Railway Cres

Quick Facts

– Population: 5,133 (according to latest Census data)

– 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne

Activities & Attractions

– Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
– Coleman Park with Children’s Playground
– Edwardian Railway Station
– Korumburra Heritage Trail
– Korumburra Botanic Park
– Gooseneck Pottery
– Djinta Djinta vineyard
– Mayfield Gallery

Major Events

– SWAP Meet – January
– Agricultural Show – February
– Working Horse & Tractor Rally – March
– South Gippsland Dairy Expo – September
– Literary Festival – October
– Horse Jumping Classic – November
– Sheep Dog Trials – November

Nearby Towns

Korumburra is centrally located to many other South Gippsland townships.