Tooradin is a small and picturesque holiday town in Victoria, located on the reclaimed swampland of Sawtell Creek Inlet at the northern tip of Westernport Bay. It is known for its safe anchorage for fishing boats and is popular with day-fishers and holiday-makers. The town's name comes from an Aboriginal term for a monster believed to reside in a waterhole at this location.
Tooradin offers a variety of attractions for visitors. The foreshore area has recently been upgraded and provides a pleasant place for camping, swimming, and relaxing on the calm waters of the bay. It includes a boat ramp, jetty, reserve with picnic and BBQ facilities, a boardwalk, and a coastal lookout with panoramic views over the surrounding mudflats and mangroves. The town's jetty is a popular spot for fishing and enjoying scenic views of the inlet and Western Port.
Nature enthusiasts can visit the nearby Blind Bight Nature Reserve, which offers walking tracks and a peaceful environment to observe local flora and fauna. Sawtells Inlet Foreshore Reserve, north of the highway, resembles a lake surrounded by parkland and provides walking tracks and a footbridge for leisurely strolls and birdwatching. Sawtells Inlet itself is a hub for water enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
In addition to these natural attractions, Tooradin has a rich history with landmarks such as the 'Harewood' homestead, built in 1857, still standing off the highway to the east of town. The town's commercial center, spread out along both sides of the South Gippsland Highway, offers a selection of cafes, take-away outlets, restaurants, a hotel, and a supermarket, providing visitors with a range of dining and shopping options.