Once a bustling timber town, now a tranquil tourist destination. Welcome to Noojee. Its name possibly derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “a place of rest”. Let’s step back in time to uncover the layers of Noojee’s past.
Gold was found here in the 1860s. But it was timber that truly shaped Noojee. The town grew significantly after 1919. This was when the railway connected it to Warragul. The railway’s primary purpose was to transport timber.
Imagine the scene. The sound of axes. The rumble of trains. The busy workers. The railway required seven trestle bridges. These bridges were essential for navigating the terrain.
However, Noojee faced immense hardship. Bushfires ravaged the town in 1926. Almost everything was destroyed. Then history repeated itself in 1939 during the Black Friday fires. Again, much of Noojee was reduced to ashes.
Amidst the devastation, one building stood firm. It was the Noojee Hotel. The hotel became a vital community hub. It even served as a temporary school. This was after the original schoolhouse burned down.
The railway played a significant role until its last official use in 1954. Locals traveled to Warragul by train. They went to see Queen Elizabeth II on her first Australian visit.
Today, Noojee is a popular stopover. It’s a place for those heading to Mount Baw Baw’s snowfields. But Noojee itself has much to offer.
Just west of town, you can find the historic Trestle Bridge. Built in 1919, it’s one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The Buln Buln Shire Council bought it for just $2. It is now protected. Take a walk along the former railway line.
For nature lovers, there’s the Loch Valley Tramway Walk. This easy 5 km walk follows the Latrobe River. You can wander through rainforest and Mountain Ash forests. Cross a suspension bridge. Enjoy the views.
Consider a visit to Toorongo Falls Reserve. A pleasant bushwalk will take you to Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls.
Take a moment to appreciate Noojee’s resilience. It rose from the ashes of devastating fires. It transformed from a timber town to a tourist haven. Noojee offers a blend of history and natural beauty.