Taking its name from the Aboriginal word for ‘resting place’, the historic town of Noojee offers just that.

While the town was once a thriving timber town, today it is well-known as a tranquil place to unwind, immerse yourself in nature and explore the town’s rich history.

Under a canopy of mountain ash in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range picturesque Noojee is located less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne making Noojee one of the best and most accessible day or weekend escapes Victoria has to offer year-round.

VOTE NOW

 

 

ABOUT NOOJEE

One of the best and most accessible year-round destinations Victoria has to offer

Taking its name from the Aboriginal word for ‘resting place’, the historic town of Noojee offers just that. While the town was once a thriving timber town, today it is well-known as a tranquil place to unwind, immerse yourself in nature, enjoy exceptional local food and wine and experience authentic country hospitality.

The drive from Melbourne takes you across a spectacular landscape of rolling hills with cattle content with never-ending carpets of green to graze on and through charming villages, including quirky Neerim South. It’s a great place to take a break (or stop on the way back!) with a local grocer, cafes, pubs, gallery and hatted restaurant Neeri Nuff Kitchen & Bar.

Continuing on to Noojee you know you have arrived when the scenery quickly changes to towering Mountain Ash trees and lush green ferns lining the road. A sign pointing to the famous Noojee Historic Trestle Bridge just metres off the road marks the first welcoming stop in town. One of the most iconic landmarks of Victoria at 21 metres tall and 102 metres in length, it has been preserved as one of the oldest timber trestle bridges left in the state. Wander under the bridge or take the steps up to the top and walk across the grand structure - whichever angle you see it, it’s Instagram worthy!

A short 5-minute drive from here is the Noojee Railway Station Precinct. Explore the town’s rich timber history at the replica Noojee Railway Station which is also home to a 1950s J class locomotive. If you’re a bit peckish or looking for a special keepsake, Heritage Gifts & Coffee offers cakes & coffee as well as a range of locally made gifts and produce.

A range of trails and walks of different grades start from here, including the flat Trestle Bridge Walk and short Waterwheel Walk along the Latrobe River, which offer an insight into the history of Noojee. Birdlife is abundant and lyrebirds are a regular sight.

For yet another breathtaking natural experience, head to Toorongo Falls Reserve, a mere 10-minute drive from Noojee. The Reserve hosts two waterfalls, Amphitheatre Falls and Toorongo Falls. Take the 750-metre, mostly uphill, track to the Toorongo Falls viewing platform to watch the water tumble over the rocky cliff-face into the valley below, or for more of an adventure take the 2.2-kilometre circuit walk to see both Toorongo Falls and neighbouring Amphitheatre Falls.

Locals say there’s a secret to planning a trip to the falls and true to the water gushing over its rocky outcrop, it’s at its absolute best after a deluge of heavy rain up in the high country.

Back in Noojee, satisfy your taste buds with a home-made meal using local produce, such as delicious smoked trout or truffles, or a hearty country-style Parma at the iconic Noojee Hotel (or ‘Nooj Pub’ as the locals affectionately call it) or the Toolshed Bistro, Bar & Cabins. Or grab a famous pie at the Little Red Duck Café and relax in their courtyard.

A 2-minute stroll from the Little Red Duck Café, Bennett Street Park is the perfect place to have a picnic and go for a dip in the cool clear waters of the Latrobe River on a warm summer’s day. The Ralph Cornwall Loch Valley Tramway Walk, known for its sightings of platypus, can also be accessed easily from here.

The woodfires will be going at either one of the pubs on a cool night before you retreat to the best night’s sleep you’ll have at either the boutique Rosemont House Luxury B&B, Toorongo Valley Estate or one of the rustic country-style self-contained cabins at the Toolshed.

Waking up in Noojee is special. The tranquil serenity is only interluded by the beautiful song of native birds and following a delicious breakfast at your accommodation or the Little Red Duck Café, there are more adventures on the menu for the day.

Noojee is one of the best places in Victoria for fly-fishing thanks to an abundance of trout in the Latrobe and Tanjil Rivers. If you don’t have your own gear, you can hire everything you need at Noojee Bush Goods or join a guided day tour with the Baw Baw Fly Fisher.

If you’re not the “wading-in-the-river” type, you can catch your own fish at the famous Alpine Trout Farm and stock up on delectable smoked whole trout and trout paste. If you’re lucky enough to visit during caviar season, make sure you try their premium trout roe. Second-generation owner Andrew is very passionate about trout and Noojee and will provide you with an unforgettable on-farm experience.

After all this, you know why Noojee is one of the best and most accessible year-round destinations Victoria has to offer. Your unforgettable weekend escape whatever the weather.

 

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

View Noojee's suggested itinerary here.

Find out more about Noojee here.

VOTE NOW