Noojee, Victoria: Travel guide and things to do

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.