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Discover Noojee historic Trestle Bridge, explore lush forests, rail trails, waterfalls, and heritage sites in charming old timber town

Explore Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, stroll rail trails, chase waterfalls, fish the Latrobe River, and enjoy cafés, pubs, lush forests, and the majestic Ada Tree nearby.

By news@gippsland - 29th September 2025 - Back to News

Gaze in wonder at the historic Noojee Trestle Bridge, the gateway to this charming old timber town, where you can walk through lush forests, go fishing in the Latrobe River and tuck into hearty pub grub. The character-filled trestle bridge is a salute to yesteryear, with weathered wooden trusses standing out against the mountain ash canopy, and the starting point of a rail trail through whispering forest.

Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, offers treetop walks, picnic spots, and a scenic rail trail ending near the charming Noojee Heritage Railway Station

The Noojee Trestle Bridge is located 1:45 hours’ drive east of Melbourne. Drive along the Princes Hwy/M1 before exiting at Drouin and making your way north via Neerim South. You will wind your way through rolling green hills and bucolic farmland before arriving at this tranquil country town of Noojee.

Noojee Trestle Bridge, Victoria’s tallest, historic timber landmark, offers treetop walks, picnic facilities, and access to a 3km rail trail ending near the Noojee Heritage Railway Precinct

Noojee Trestle bridge

The jewel in Noojee’s crown, this spectacular bridge is an historical monument that harkens back to the early days of the twentieth century. One of the last bridges of its kind in Victoria, it formed the old railway line between Noojee and Warragul. Over 20 metres tall, and 102m in length, this timber giant is the tallest remaining trestle bridge in Victoria.

There are picnic facilities and a car park at the base of the bridge. You can climb up to the bridge at either end, and walk through the treetops along its length. The bridge is also an end point of the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail (3km) finishing at the Noojee Heritage Railway Station Precinct. Roll slightly downhill on this wide gravel trail amongst stately mountain ash forest. The trail ends tantalisingly close to the Noojee Hotel.

Explore Toorongo & Amphitheatre Falls, enjoy Little Red Duck Cafe, Waterwheel Walk, Noojee Heritage Railway, Alpine Trout Farm, and the majestic 300-year-old Ada Tree nearby

Things to do nearby

• Go chasing waterfalls at the fern-filled Toorongo & Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk (1 hour, 2km) just outside of Noojee, that takes in lush, mossy rainforest and 2 stunning waterfalls on the same circuit
• Refuel at the charming Little Red Duck Cafe, serving decadent waffles between cups of delicious coffee. The town is also home to 2 pubs: Toolshed Bar and Noojee Hotelboth of which top the favourite-country-pub-charts
• Set out on the Waterwheel Walk, where you can admire a waterwheel that is at least one hundred years old
• The Noojee Heritage Railway Station Precinct features a recreation of the original Noojee Railway Station, including a cab and carriages that you can jump aboard. A favourite for the budding train drivers
• On your drive to Noojee, as you pass through Neerim, take a leg stretch at Apex Lookout for pinch-yourself-views of the Tarago Reservoir and rolling green hills
• Catch your own fish at the Alpine Trout Farm, without having to wait all day by the river. (But if relaxing with a rod in hand is your style, the Latrobe River running through town is fly-fisher's paradise.)
• Pay a pilgrimage to the 300-year-old Ada Tree, a skyscraper mountain ash that stands at over 76 metres tall. The 1.5 hour (3.2 km) walk takes in rainforest goodness amongst the Yarra State Forest

Your getaway itinerary

Drive east from Melbourne, stop at Apex Lookout, visit Little Red Duck Cafe, explore Noojee Trestle Bridge, rail trail, then dine and stay at Toolshed Bar

Day 1

Head east out of Melbourne along the Monash Freeway before driving north through Neerim South. Stop off at the Apex Lookout for a spectacular view of West Gippsland and the Tarago Reservoir, with the Great Dividing Range in the distance.

Continue on to Noojee, and swing into Little Red Duck Cafe for filled bagels, a cheeky burger, or their signature waffles. Once your blood sugar is back in check, make your way to the Noojee Trestle Bridge, the majestic doorway to this historic township. Marvel at the impressive structure towering toward the forest’s canopy.

Once you’ve taken the obligatory 102m journey across its length, get set to walk (or ride your bike) along the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail. This 3km trail passes through Noojee’s emerald green forests, ending at the Noojee Heritage Railway Station Precinct. The centre features a charming recreation of the original Noojee railway station, and while you’re there don’t forget to stop in at Heritage Gifts & Coffee. Finish the day with a hearty dinner at Toolshed Bar, Bistro & Cabins before staying in one of their rustic self-contained cabins.

Drive eight minutes to Toorongo Falls Reserve, enjoy the rainforest walk, have lunch at Noojee Hotel, then fish, relax, or explore the Waterwheel Walk

Day 2

A short 8-minute drive out of town, you’ll reach the Toorongo Falls Reserve. The fragrant sweet smell of rainforest will hit you as soon as you arrive. Walk through lush tree ferns and past moss-covered rocks, surrounded by towering trees on all sides on the 1-hour Toorongo & Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk. Listen to birdsong and the rush of flowing water as you admire the falls on this 2-for-1-deal walk. This incredible trail dives deep into the forest, making you feel like you have entered a mystical fairy land or prehistoric times.

Tuck into a scrumptious pub lunch at the Noojee Hotel, where they offer modern spins on country pub delights, such as the Americano Parma or the Venison and Nooj Shiraz Pot Pie.

Spend the rest of the day fishing for brown trout or river blackfish in the Latrobe River, getting back into nature. Don’t have your own gear? You can hire everything you need at Noojee Bush Goods or join a guided tour with the Baw Baw Fly Fisher. You can bypass the wait for a catch at the Alpine Trout Farm. They have barbecue facilities on the grounds, so you can cook your own catch for a mouthwatering dinner.

If fishing isn’t your thing, use the afternoon to laze by the gurgling Latrobe River with book in hand, or set out on the Waterwheel Walk, taking in the magnificent heritage water wheel.

Explore Yarra State Forest to admire the ancient Ada Tree, then enjoy gourmet lunch and art-filled wandering in charming Neerim South

Day 3

Drive west out of town to the Yarra State Forest, where you will park your car and follow the 1.5-hour walking trail to the jaw-dropping Ada Tree. This magnificent mountain ash is estimated to be over three hundred years old and stands at 76 metres. A wooden boardwalk at the base of the trunk allows you to see this regal beauty from every angle.

Make a beeline for Neerim South where your nature-based pursuits deserve to be rounded out by some gastronomic delights. Brace yourself for something truly special with lunch at hatted restaurant Neeri Nuff. The Michelin-trained chef prepares an intricate menu of refined plates. Expect to find smoked trout pate or lamb croquettes to start, followed by confit salmon or pan roasted pork loin, charcuterie and local cheeses.

Walk off lunch by wandering around the town. Neerim South boasts a brewery and a wetland, or you can pop into Candalaraine Alpacas or make an appointment to see Serigraph Gallery. Coincide your visit with the Neerim Artsfest (28 Feb - 15 Mar 2026), and see the vibrant arts festival bringing Neerim South's streetscapes to life with sculptures and murals, extending along the scenic Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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