Leongatha is located in a rich dairying region within South Gippsland, between Korumburra and Meeniyan.
Leongatha offers a large commercial centre, servicing its local population and the surrounding smaller towns. A good selection of shops extend along both the wide boulevards of Blair 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. The Memorial Hall was built between 1925 and 1926 and part of it functions as a community art and craft gallery.
Leongatha's long agricultural heritage is underscored with the Murray-Goulburn Dairy (Devondale) having a factory just north of the town centre. It is the largest co-operative in the country, producing milk-based products for Australian and overseas markets.
9 kilometres north of town is the Firelight Museum which displays a vast collection of antique lamps and firearms, many of which are several centuries old.
Leongatha is located on the Great Southern Rail Trail. This 87 kilometre walking, cycling and horse riding trail begins in Korumburra and extends south-east to Port Welshpool, passing through a number of small towns which offer visitors refreshments and attractions such as wineries, galleries and antique shops. Scenic views of Wilsons Promontory National Park can be enjoyed from the trail around the Foster area.