Noojee
Historic timber town
Noojee is located 107 km east of Melbourne. Surrounded
by rolling green hills and densely-wooded forests of Mountain Ash, it
was once a major timber town. A sawmill still operates but the town's
importance has significantly declined.
The town developed when the railway was built from Noojee to
Warragul to transport the felled timber. The line was last used in 1954
when large numbers of the locals travelled to Warragul to see Queen
Elizabeth II during her first visit to Australia. After its closure,
the Buln Buln Shire Council purchased a rare, timber trestle bridge
from the railways for $2. It is now registered with the National Trust.
Prospectors have been attracted to the creeks in the region
over the years. Perhaps the most famous was an eccentric Englishman
called Dick Belpoole, who, dissatisfied with the durability of
commercial clothing, built himself a tin suit for usage in the bush.
Belpoole claimed to have found a rich deposit, though attempts to
induce him to reveal its location proved fruitless. After being forced
into a retirement home, he was 'saved' by a young man, who released the
old man on condition he lead the way to the 'rich deposit'.
Unfortunately, Belpoole died before they reached the spot.
Things to see:
The Trestle Bridge
The bridge, probably built in 1919, is 102m long and
20m high. It is said to be one of the largest of its type in the
Southern Hemisphere. It was rebuilt in 1939, after being burned down in
the massive bushfires of that year, which, for the second time in 13
years, had managed to burn most of Noojee to the ground. Constructed
from local timber, it is regarded as fine example of the quality of
work carried out by the Gippsland railways at the time. It is located
1.5 km south of Noojee
Walking Tracks and Other Attractions
A map outside the Noojee fire station outlines
the walking track which will take you the one and one half kilometres
to the bridge. Another follows Ridge Road for two kilometres to a
lookout. Other walks of longer duration also exist. The scenery in all
cases is quite exceptional. Glen Nayook Reserve, 12 km south-west,
contains a very beautiful tree-fern gully and Tarago Reservoir, 20 km
south, is also worth visiting. Facilities for barbecues and picnics are
available 28 km north-east of the town at the lovely Toorongo Falls.
Trout fishing can also be enjoyed in the Noojee River and at Alpine
Trout Farm.
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Hotels
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Noojee Hotel
Bennett St
Noojee
VIC
3833
Telephone: (03) 5628 9514
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Farm & Eco Holidays
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Christmas Pines Holiday Farm
Moe Rd
Icy Creek
Noojee
VIC
3833
Telephone: (03) 5621 0127
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Restaurants
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Noojee Country Retreat Restaurant
Loch Valley Rd
Noojee
VIC
3833
Telephone: (03) 5628 9669
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The Outpost Restaurant
Loch Valley Rd
Noojee
VIC
3833
Telephone: (03) 5628 9669
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