Leongatha is the commercial and civic centre of South Gippsland.

Leongatha is the commercial and civic centre of South Gippsland. Servicing local residents and some of the smaller surrounding communities, Leongatha offers boutique shopping in a pleasant country setting. A good selection of shops extend along both sides of the wide boulevards of Bair Street and McCartin Street. Where these two roads meet are some of Leongatha’s oldest buildings including the Post Office (built in 1887), Court House (1912) and Mechanics Institute (1912) which now serves as a local history museum. Memorial hall, which is undoubtedly one of Leongatha’s most impressive buildings,  was built between 1925 and 1926. Today it functions as a community hall, citizens advice bureau and art and craft gallery.


Things to see and do

  • Watch a new release movie at the Stadium 4 Cinema complex
  • View a changing array of artwork at the Leongatha Gallery
  • Have a leisurely game of golf at the 18 hole Leongatha Golf Course
  • Sample boutique red and white wines at local Leongatha Wineries
  • Take a ‘splash’ at the Splash Aquatic Centre
  • Walk, ride or cycle the Great Southern Rail Trail
  • Find the statue of Lennie Gwyther & his pony Ginger Mick, and learn about their incredible journey
  • Pick up fresh produce and craft at the Leongatha Rail Trail Community Market
  • Explore the Leongatha Wetlands

Location

Leongatha is located approximately two hours drive from Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. V/Line bus services are available for travel.

History

Leongatha was first settled on a cleared area of land on the western edge of the Strzelecki Ranges in 1845. The area was originally known as Koorooman but was renamed Leongatha in 1891 after the arrival of the railway stimulated further settlement.

Town Facilities

Banks
– ANZ, 34 Bair Street
– Bendigo Bank, 12 McCartin Street
– Commonwealth Bank, 42 McCartin Street
– NAB, 23 McCartin Street
– Robobank, 16 Anderson Street
– Westpac, 28 Bair Street

Dump Point
Leongatha Caravan Park – fees apply

Hospital
66 Koonwarra Road

Internet
Library, 2 Smith Street
Community House, 16 Bruce Street
McDonald’s, Anderson Street (South Gippsland Hwy)

Laundry
Ezyas Car Wash & Laundrette, 5 Stockyard Lane

Library
2 Smith Street
Internet access available
Opening hours; Mon-Friday 10-6, Sat 10-1

Long Vehicle Parking
South Gippsland Hwy wayside stop, available on the western side of Anderson St from Alison St to Smith St

Newsagency
Leongatha Nextra Newsagency, 30 Bair Street

Parks & Playgrounds
Leongatha Recreation Reserve, 52 Roughhead Street
– Skate Park
– Playground (Toilets, BBQ)
McIndoe Park, Cnr. Turner Street & Bent Street (Toilets, playground, rotunda, BBQs)
Centenary Park, Cnr. Anderson Street & McCartin Street (Toilets, seats)
Tania Park, 25 Trease Street (Playground, table and seats)
Mary Checkley Reserve, Cnr. Worthy Street and Conway Street (Playground, table and seats)

Petrol Stations
– BP, 95 Bair Street
– BP, 7 Anderson Street (Sth Gippsland Hwy)
– Caltex Safeway Petrol, 20-22 Anderson Street (Sth Gippsland Hwy)

Pharmacies
– Nagel’s Pharmacy, 10-14 Bair Street
– Terry White Chemist, 42 Bair Street

Post Office
Leongatha’s Australia Post, 4 McCartin Street

Supermarkets & Liquor
– Aldi, 8-10 Bruce Street
– Michael’s IGA, Cnr. Church & Bruce Street
– Michael’s IGA Highway Liquor, Anderson Street
– Monacellars, 2 Bair Street
– Woolworths, Smith Street (Cnr. Peart Street)

Quick Facts

The population of Leongatha is 8,194 (according to latest Census data)
– Leongatha is located approximately 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.

Activities & Attractions

– View art and craft at Leongatha Gallery
– Enjoy a swim at ‘Splash’ aquatic centre
– Walk or ride the Great Southern Rail Trail
– Watch a movie at Stadium 4 Cinema
– Take a joy flight with Woorayl Air Services
– Have a hit of golf at Leongatha Golf Course

Major Events

– Daffodil Festival (September)
– Leongatha Rotary Art Show (October)
– Native Flower Show (October)
– Leongatha Rose Spectacular (November)

Events

Various events are regularly held in Leongatha, and the town's Daffodil Festival is an annual highlight.