FOSTER Foster is the gateway town to the Wilsons Promontory National Park (the Prom). Foster is a quite substantial tow with most essential services, a growing population and good heritage management. Foster is also nice town, and prior to embarking on ‘the prom’ excursion an overnight at Foster will nicely set the trip. Originally called Stockyard Creek, after the stream which still flows through the centre of the town, Foster was initially nothing more than a resting place for drovers travelling this route. However this all changed with the discovery of gold in the 1880s leading to a (modest) gold rush. The Post Office opened on 20 February 1871 as Stockyard Creek and was renamed Foster in 1879 when the township was established.The railway was extended to Foster in 1892. After the gold ran out, Foster became a service centre of the burgeoning South Gippsland dairy industry. Today it is a thriving town that links Wilsons Promontory with the rest of Victoria. Foster has one very historic hotel. The building format being reverse wall feature. Because of the scenic beauty of the surrounding area, and its proximity to Wilsons Promontory and mountain areas inland, Foster is a popular destination for international visitors as well as Melbourne residents. In summer, the town's temporary population can increase by as much as two and a half fold due to tourism. The Museum is next door to the ‘very friendly’ info centre. The Foster War Memorial is located opposite the b pub in the cbd. The Catholic Church is an ugly and modern building. The Anglican and United very old and timber structures. There are a number of old and heritage buildings in Foster. Prior to venturing to Wilsons Promontory the Foster is the perfect ‘base camp’ location.