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Gippsland winter itinerary featuring truffles, rainforest walks, rail trails, waterfalls and indulgent dining experiences

A two-day Gippsland itinerary blends truffle dining with rainforest walks, waterfalls, rail trails and heritage experiences across Noojee and surrounding forest landscapes.

By news@gippsland - 3rd May 2026 - Back to News

Fresh forest air and crunchy trails underfoot between decadent truffle feasts (or a truffle toastie in hand). If your idea of balance is earning your long lunch with a waterfall walk or rewarding a rainforest ramble with shaved truffle on absolutely everything, this two-day itinerary serves up the best of both worlds. Think misty rail trails, fern-filled gullies, hidden creeks and indulgent dining experiences that make muddy boots feel entirely justified.

On day 1, start with Rokeby-Neerim Rail Trail or Glen Nayook Walk, enjoy truffle dining, waterfalls, rainforest trails, and evening festival dinners in Noojee

Day 1: Waterfalls and rail trails

Start your adventure by hopping on the Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail. This scenic ride winds through rolling countryside and lush forest pockets, with plenty of fresh-air moments to justify your first truffle stop of the day.

If cycling isn’t your thing, swap the bike ride for a stroll through the magical Glen Nayook Rainforest Walk. This lush forest trail is packed with giant tree ferns, towering mountain ash and an underground creek system that disappears beneath the forest floor before re-emerging downstream. It’s cool, quiet and wonderfully prehistoric.

Indulge in lunch at Neerim South and settle in at Neeri Nuff Wine Bar or Cafe 3831 for a truffle special gracing their menus. Time your journey with a truffle hunt at Ashridge Truffle Farm as you pass the Apex Lookout area just north of Neerim South.

Falls and dinner

Once lunch has settled, lace up for a more active afternoon at Toorongo Falls Reserve. Just outside Noojee, this walking circuit leads through cool temperate rainforest to not one but two cascading waterfalls. The main falls tumble dramatically into a fern-lined gorge, while nearby Amphitheatre Falls offer another spectacular stop along the track. Winter mist only adds to the atmosphere.

As evening rolls in, settle into one of the festival’s participating dining venues for a truffle-inspired dinner. Check out Toolshed Bar, Noojee Hotel or Neeri Nuff for venues serving dinner, or check out the Noojee Truffle Festival program to book into one of the special dinners. Expect rich flavours, local produce and enough indulgence to make tomorrow’s active pursuits feel very necessary.

On day 2, start at Noojee Trestle Bridge, walk the Rail Trail, visit Truffle Station, enjoy food, events, dining and Loch Valley Tramway Walk

Day 2: Trestle bridges and truffles

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Noojee Trestle Bridge. The historic timber bridge is one of Gippsland’s most impressive landmarks towering above the forest floor. From here, you can wander through towering mountain ash forest for 3km along the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail, an easy walk for all fitness levels, ending at the Noojee Heritage Centre precinct.

Each weekend throughout the Noojee Truffle Festival, the Noojee Heritage Precinct comes alive with a pop-up Truffle Station (10am - 2pm) with festival maps, truffle sales and truffle ambassadors. Stop by the cafe for a coffee, or a bite to eat. Grabbing a truffle toastie here is mandatory. Consider it trail fuel.

On day 2, start at Noojee Trestle Bridge, walk the Rail Trail, visit Truffle Station, enjoy food, events, dining and Loch Valley Tramway Walk

Sunday Festival finale

On Sundays, expect truffle dog appearances, live music, kids’ face painting and heritage displays, all surrounded by the historic charm of Noojee. Head to one of Noojee’s participating venues for lunch: Red Duck Cafe, Toolshed Bar or Noojee Hotel and feel free to add the extra shaved truffle. You’ve got another walk planned.

Round out your itinerary with the Loch Valley Tramway Walk near Noojee. Following the route of an old timber tramway, this peaceful trail winds beside the Latrobe River through towering forest and mossy surrounds, offering a glimpse into the region’s timber history along the way.

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
  The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives.
• Coalition seeks crossbench support to scrap Labor’s forestry carbon credit method
  The Coalition is urging crossbench Senators to reject Labor’s Improved Native Forest Management carbon credit method, warning it overstates emissions savings, threatens forestry jobs and reduces timber supply.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• The Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a coastal escape with luxury tents, outdoor baths, ocean views, cosy cabins and nearby beaches, walking trails and wineries
  The Inverloch Glamping Co. offers a relaxing coastal retreat with luxury accommodation, outdoor baths, ocean views and easy access to beaches, scenic walks and local wineries.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.