Orbost is a historic early settlers town in the Shire of East Gippsland, Victoria, 375 kilometres (233 mi) east of Melbourne and 235 kilometres (146 mi) south of Canberra where the Princes Highway crosses the Snowy River. It is about 16 kilometres (10 mi) from the surf and fishing seaside town of Marlo on the coast of Bass Strait and 217 km (135 mi) drive to Hotham Alpine Resort. Orbost is the service centre for the primary industries of beef, dairy cattle and sawmilling.
More recently, tourism has become an important and thriving industry, being the major town close to several national parks that are between the east access to either the surf or the snow, including the famous Snowy River National Park, Alpine National Park, Errinundra National Park, Croajingolong National Park and Cape Conran Coastal Park.
The establishment of the Sailors Grave Brewery has also brought significant tourism to the area with its multiple festivals throughout the year. Cycling and canoeing have also become major tourist attractions drawing people to the area for its wide range of cycling tours and spectacular rivers throughout the region.
Orbost is themed as Snowy River country, and the Snowy River runs adjacent to the town centre. You can go for a walk along the river, and read about how the river is coming back to life. Those who haven't seen the Snowy for a few years will be surprised how the increased water flows from the Snowy Mountains Scheme have changed the river.
The old rail line from Bairnsdale to Newmerella is used as a cycling, horse riding and walking path called the East Gippsland Rail Trail. It is a short ride from Newmerella to Orbost along the Princes Highway or quiet backroads. The trail is long, and is sealed beyond Nicholson.
Orbost is next to the Princes Highway, about 4-5 hours east of Melbourne.
There is no public transport available, but it is possible to walk most places within the town fairly easily. There is a small local taxi service. It is a relatively easy 15-km bike ride to Marlo and the coast.
Orbost is the southernmost major town of the Snowy Mountains and the Snowy River as well as one of the eastern towns of the Gippsland region
It has a population of about 2,200 (2016).
