Located 310 km east of Melbourne, Bruthen is situated in the valley of the Tambo River where the mountains meet the plains. The town is a gateway to the snowfields and the Snowy mountain country to the north. 'Bruthen' is supposed to have an Aboriginal derivation meaning 'bracken' or 'place of an evil spirit'.
The town's main industries today are wool, honey, timber and vegetables. Bruthen's major attractions - the Fairy Dell Scenic Reserve and the silt jetties - exist outside the township.
Things to see
Historic Buildings in the Town
St Matthews Church and the Post Office, both built in the 1890s, are of minor historical interest. There are also a number of old shops in the main street.
Fairy Dell Scenic Reserve
Fairy Dell Scenic Reserve can be reached by taking the Omeo Highway out of Bairnsdale towards Bruthen. Turn left along Eleven Mile Road and follow the signs through the eucalyptus forests. Picnic and barbecue facilities are provided and you can take a half-hour walk along a designated track through the lilly pilly rainforest. If you continue along Deep Creek Road there is an attractive lookout over the Tambo River flats.
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