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Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region

A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.

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

An official opening celebration has taken place today to mark completion of a $4 million upgrade on a 15-kilometre section of the much-loved Rokeby to Noojee Trail. Stage one upgrades from Rokeby to Neerim South include:

• Upgraded trail surface including Tynong toppings and exposed aggregate concrete has been placed on steeper sections to improve durability and ease of maintenance
• Redeveloped carpark at the Rokeby entrance and upgrades to Lavinia Street including upgraded amenities, asphalt carparking, road surfacing and improved drainage
• New and improved signage including wayfinding and trail markers, plus distinctive entrance signs at Rokeby and Apex Lookout to enhance visitor experience
• Upgraded carpark in Neerim South and Apex lookout platform including a new toilet block replacing the former toilet, and a new lookout offering views over the Tarago Reservoir and the Great Dividing Range

The upgrades aim to create a high-quality shared trail that provides excellent user experience, a safe and accessible trail, better connections between communities and more opportunities to engage with local natural vistas and historic sites.

New trail surface and entrance signage as part of the major upgrade project

Tourism project opened

The $4 million project includes a $3 million funding contribution by the Victorian government's Regional Tourism Investment Fund, with Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP in attendance to officially open the project.

Baw Baw Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones was in attendance, alongside Cr Suzanne Allen, Cr Jess Hamilton, Cr Brendan Kingwill, Cr Paul Pratt, Cr Kate Wilson and Cr Adam Sheehan who delivered a speech to mark the occasion.

Cr Adam Sheehan, Cr Brendan Kingwill, Cr Jess Hamilton, Deputy Mayor Cr Tricia Jones, Cr Suzanne Allen, Cr Kate Wilson and Cr Paul Pratt at the trail entrance alongside trail riders and their horses

Trail upgrade celebrated

East Ward Cr Adam Sheehan said it was fantastic to celebrate the improvement of this much-loved community asset. "What once served as a vital connection for trains and travellers in years past has now been reimagined as a destination trail for walkers, runners, cyclists and nature lovers both locally and those visiting from far and wide."

"For many years, we as a Council knew the value of this trail and we saw its potential - what it could be if we gave it the upgrades it deserved. From Rokeby to Crossover and onto Neerim South, the trail is now safer, more accessible and user-friendly with improved connections throughout."

"While much of the upgrades have improved the function and stability of the trail, many of them have helped to beautify the spaces and educate users on their travels. The result is a high-quality shared trail that celebrates our rich history with natural vistas," said Cr Sheehan.

Baw Baw Shire Councillors join Harriet Shing MP to officially cut the red ribbon

Funding support acknowledged

Cr Sheehan thanked funding partners for their contributions to the project. "None of this wonderful work would have been possible without the $3 million funding boost from the Victorian government. We are grateful for the continued investment in our Shire."

"We also acknowledge and thank the generous community-based contribution of $75,000 which was a vital boost for the planning of this project, delivered through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal," said Cr Sheehan.

Trail opening celebrated

Many local contractors were also thanked for their expertise and craft which contributed to the project's success. A red ribbon was cut by Harriet Shing MP and Baw Baw Shire Councillors to commemorate the official opening.

Official proceedings were followed by a showcase of Baw Baw Shire's best local produce from key local tourist drawcards. Led by Messmates Dining, one of Baw Baw Shire's three hatted restaurants, the offering included produce from:

• Five Tales Farm
• Alpine Trout Farm
• Maffra Cheese Company
• Ashridge Truffles
• Messmates own farm produce

Council is continuing to advocate for funding for a second stage of upgrades and construction of the trail from Neerim South to Noojee. For more information, visit Rokeby to Noojee Trail website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com