Noojee: Railway History and Forest Trails

Noojee lies on the Latrobe River, surrounded by lush native bushland and towering tree ferns. Here, railway traces and forest trails give the town its distinctive character. The Noojee Trestle Bridge, Noojee Heritage Centre and public murals bring the town’s history to life in different ways; trails and a loop walk in Toorongo Falls Reserve offer further options to consider when planning your trip.

Railway History with Clear Milestones

The Noojee Trestle Bridge is a historic timber trestle bridge: 21 metres high and 102 metres long. It was originally built in 1919, burned down in 1939 and was rebuilt that same year. Its construction, the fire and its reconstruction give the story a clear timeline, while its measurements show the scale of the structure. The bridge is along the old railway line that runs through Noojee Bushland Reserve and the town of Noojee.

The Noojee Rail Trail follows the historic railway line, which operated from 1919 to 1954. Several walking and cycling trails through the forest begin at the bridge. The base of the bridge is accessible via a gravel car park; the area is also suitable for picnics. As local conditions can change, check access before your visit.

Local History and Public Art

The Noojee Heritage Centre includes a replica of Noojee’s historic, century-old railway station and displays the historic J-550 steam locomotive in a static exhibit. The station replica and locomotive offer two different perspectives on the railway heritage: a replica of a historic station and a specific rail vehicle in a stationary display.

Noojee’s public murals tell stories of the 1926 and 1939 bushfires, the thriving timber industry and sawmill, and the historic railway line. The region’s flora, fauna, river and waterfalls also feature in the murals. They invite visitors to see their surroundings in a new way. Their condition may change.

Forest Trails and Different Timeframes

The Toorongo & Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk offers a more specific guide for planning your day: this easy 2.2-kilometre loop takes about an hour. It is in Toorongo Falls Reserve near Noojee, and features moss-covered rocks and tree ferns. If you are planning activities with children, the approximate one-hour duration can serve as a block of time in your day’s itinerary.

On the Waterwheel Walk, visitors can see a waterwheel that is at least a hundred years old. The options described therefore differ in their focus: several walking and cycling trails start at the Trestle Bridge, the Loop Walk has an approximate stated duration, and the Waterwheel Walk is connected to a specific historic object. You can choose based on whether you would rather plan forest trails, a loop walk with a defined timeframe, or another part of the town’s history.

Include Noojee in Your Accommodation Search

Railway history and murals offer a different focus from the forest trails and the loop walk in Toorongo Falls Reserve. These interests can help you match Noojee with the places and activities you want to include in your trip. The Loop Walk’s approximate duration offers a practical planning guide, while the stories of the bridge, station and murals introduce different themes for exploring the town.

Discover more destinations: Rosedale, Longwood, Drysdale, Walhalla, Hotham Heights, Venus Bay, Pennyroyal, Leongatha

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.