“Timber!” That shout once echoed through these hills. It marked the beginning of Mirboo North. This town in Victoria, Australia has a population of 2,263.
Mirboo North sits 155 kilometres east of Melbourne. It is within the South Gippsland Shire local government area. Our journey today explores its history. It reveals what makes Mirboo North so special.
The late 1870s saw timber getters arrive. They sought the Mountain Ash trees. A railway branch from Morwell reached Mirboo North in 1886. This railway helped the timber industry thrive. The last train ran in 1974. The railway’s construction required massive embankments. Numerous bridges were also required.
The Post Office history shows the town’s growth. “Mirboo” opened in 1879. “Tarwin” followed later that year. In 1881, “Mirboo North” was renamed from “Mirboo”.
Mirboo North made headlines in 2005. About 15 cm of snow fell. The snow stayed for days.
Today, Mirboo North lies on the Grand Ridge Road. This scenic route runs from Seaview to Carrajung. It crosses the Strzelecki Highway. This is between Leongatha and Morwell.
The town has two schools. Mirboo North Secondary College has around 450 students. Mirboo North Primary School also serves the community.
Sports thrive in Mirboo North. The Australian Rules football team competes in the Mid Gippsland Football League. The cricket team plays in the Latrobe Valley and District Cricket League. Mirboo North United Football Club plays soccer.
Golfers can enjoy the Mirboo North Golf Club. It is located on Galvins Road. A market occurs beside the main street. It runs on the last Saturday of each month. The market starts early and ends at lunchtime.
The Italian Festa attracts large crowds. Up to 25,000 people attend.
Mirboo North has produced notable people. Tim Forsyth won a silver medal in high jump at the 1992 Olympics. Belinda Snell plays professional basketball. She won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics. Sam the Koala was found in the forests of Mirboo North.
Mirboo North is surrounded by rolling hills and forests. It is an agricultural district. Mirboo North supplies much of the state’s brushed potato market.
The commercial centre is on the Ridgway. There are shops and historic buildings here. Murals depict scenes of the region’s past. Baromi Park offers lawns, gardens, and BBQ areas. It hosts the local country market.
A short drive along Old Thorpdale Road offers scenic views. Dickies Hill Reserve provides views to the south. The Mirboo Lily blooms here in late Spring.
The Lyrebird Forest Walk is north of Mirboo North. The Grand Ridge Road offers stunning views. It runs along the Strzelecki Range.
Mirboo North. It is a town of timber, trains, and today a scenic destination. As we leave Mirboo North, remember the timber getters. They first shaped this town. Remember the snow that stopped the presses. Think of the lilies. They bloom each spring.