Clem RobinNOOJEE TRESTLE BRIDGE:
A brilliant and well preserved timber rail bridge set among beautiful native bush, the Noojee Trestle Bridge is a sight to see on your next Noojee / Gippsland road trip. Spend 30 mins exploring the trestle bridge and surrounds or use it as the starting point for the 6 km (return) walk along the old rail trail to Noojee village.
FAST FACTS:
- Noojee Trestle Bridge is 102 m long and 20 m high.
- It’s Victoria’s tallest surviving timber trestle bridge.
- Built in 1919 to extend the train line from Nayook to Noojee.
- Severely damaged by bush fires in 1939, re-opened a few months later.
- The train line & trestle bridge was closed in 1954.
- After closure, the Buln Buln Shire Council bought the Noojee Trestle Bridge from VIC Railways for £1.
EXPLORE THE SURROUNDS
The Noojee Trestle bridge will have you standing in awe the first time you cast your eye over it. These days it seems more like a grand show piece for a Hollywood film than a rail bridge, and while it has featured in a number of movies, it remains an extremely well preserved reminder of the railway network that criss-crossed Victoria and Australia in days gone by.
From the carpark it’s just a short walk up a set of stairs to the right of the bridge. While you can wander off to the right it doesn’t go too far, and the 3 km walk in to Noojee Village continues on once you cross the bridge to your left.
Give yourself a good half hour to explore the bridge, as every angle tells a bit more of its story. Looking for that epic pic? Get up here on a misty morning or as the sun sets in late in the day.
A VICTORIAN ICON
In 2010 the Noojee Trestle bridge played host to ‘The World’s Longest Lunch’, which is part of the Melbourne Wine & Food festival. Local produce was brought in from all over Gippsland to prepare meals for the 126 diners, including trout from the Alpine Trout Farm just up the road. How about that for a spot to dine, you beaut.
HOW TO GET TO THE NOOJEE TRESTLE BRIDGE
Getting to the Noojee Trestle Bridge is relatively straight forward from Melbourne. Simply jump on the Princes Freeway (M1) and head east. Take a left at the Drouin exit and follow the signs towards Noojee. You’ll eventually take a right onto Mount Baw Baw Tourist Rd and once you pass the Alpine Trout Farm, keep a look out for the Trestle Bridge on your right 1km or so up the road. Enjoy!
TOP TIP: A VISIT TO THE OUTPOST RETREAT IS A MUST
There’s nothing better than a hearty meal after a day exploring. Thankfully Noojee is home to one of the best regional restaurants and bars in Victoria, being The Outpost Restaurant and Toolshed Bar. The venue is an experience in itself, but you’ll also find a fantastic menu – including Victoria’s best Parmas (yes, that’s a big call). Check it out, you will love it.
