Noojee Bushland Reserve Walks and Trestle Bridge Hikes

Noojee Bushland Reserve is a scenic forest reserve in West Gippsland, Victoria, located near the small town of Noojee, about 100 kilometres east of Melbourne. Set within the forested hills of the Central Highlands, the reserve is a popular destination for people looking for relaxing walks, longer bushwalks, and short hikes that combine natural beauty with a strong sense of local history. The area attracts walkers, cyclists, and photographers, and it is a well known stop for those exploring the network of trails throughout the region.

The reserve is best known for the Noojee Trestle Bridge, the tallest surviving timber trestle railway bridge of its kind in Victoria. Rising about 21 metres above the valley floor and stretching 102 metres in length, the bridge is an impressive reminder of the region’s timber and rail heritage. It was originally built in 1919 as part of the railway line that once connected Noojee with Warragul. After being destroyed in the 1939 bushfires, the bridge was rebuilt later that same year and has since undergone careful restoration to preserve its historic character. Today it stands as one of the most recognisable landmarks in West Gippsland.

The surrounding forest is dominated by tall mountain ash and dense stands of tree ferns, creating a cool, shaded environment that is particularly pleasant for bushwalks during the warmer months. This landscape reflects the region’s long connection with the timber industry. During the early twentieth century more than 300 small timber mills operated throughout the district, supplying wood to Victoria’s growing towns and cities. The township of Noojee itself has a strong timber heritage and was rebuilt after devastating fires in both 1926 and 1939. It remains one of the few places in Victoria where a working sawmill still operates.

Several well established trails pass through the reserve, offering visitors a variety of short walks and longer hikes. One of the most popular is the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail. This 3 kilometre one way route begins near the Noojee Heritage Centre on School Road and follows the gentle gradient of the former railway line toward the bridge. The gradual incline makes it suitable for walkers, cyclists, and families, while the elevated sections provide wide views over the township and surrounding forest before arriving at the bridge itself.

Another enjoyable option is the Loch Valley Tramway Walk, a shorter trail that includes a pedestrian swing bridge crossing the Loch River. This track offers a pleasant introduction to the forest environment and is a good choice for those wanting a relaxed outing close to town. Together, these routes form part of the broader network of walks, bushwalks, and hikes in the region, with many visitors using the reserve as a starting point for exploring other nearby trails.

Noojee Bushland Reserve also provides access to several notable attractions in the surrounding area. A short drive leads to Toorongo Falls Reserve, where a well known loop track links the impressive Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls. Another popular destination is the Ada Tree, one of the largest trees in Victoria and a remarkable example of the towering mountain ash forests that once covered much of the Central Highlands. These nearby locations expand the range of hikes and all trails available to visitors exploring West Gippsland.

Access within the reserve is straightforward. Visitors can view the Noojee Trestle Bridge from the gravel car park at its base, which offers a clear view of the structure rising above the valley. Walking across the top of the bridge requires climbing a steep set of stairs that lead up to the old railway alignment, but the effort is rewarded with an impressive perspective of the bridge and surrounding forest.

Facilities are located nearby at the Noojee Heritage Centre, situated within a replica railway station precinct. Here visitors will find parking, toilets, picnic tables, and historical displays that tell the story of the district’s railway and timber past. The site also features a restored 1950s J class steam locomotive, which adds another interesting stop for those exploring the area.

The forest around the reserve supports a variety of local wildlife. Walkers moving quietly along the trails often hear the distinctive calls of lyrebirds and may encounter wombats, echidnas, or wallabies among the mountain ash and grey gums. These sightings are one of the many reasons why walks and bushwalks in this part of Victoria remain popular with people seeking both history and nature along the trail.

Want to find the best trails in Noojee Bushland Reserve for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.