B. Thomas in 1826 and, in 1861, the settlement was named for Charles Joseph La Trobe (1801–1875), the administrator of the colony of Tasmania.

La Trobe Post Office opened on 31 August 1860 and was renamed Latrobe in 1873.

[5] Latrobe has a oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb), with very mild, slightly drier summers and cool, wetter winters.

There are aged care facilities in Latrobe such as Uniting AgeWell Strathdevon Community.

The Australian Axemans Hall of Fame[9] showcasing Australia’s wood-chopping sporting champions is located on Bells Parade.

[10] Latrobe's Henley-on-Mersey Regatta[11] held on Australia Day 26 January each year at Belles Parade consists of woodchopping, Ferret racing, Triathlon, Iron Trial Strongman, Boat Race, Cherry Spitting and Gum boot throwing.

The boxing day carnival (26 December) is held at the Latrobe Recreation Ground.