Monday, February 15, 2016

Noojee Trestle Bridge

A very short drive from town, or a nice flat walk/ride along 2km Rail Trail, is the Noojee Trestle Bridge.
Noojee Rail Trail Noojee Trestle Bridge
The historical bridge served the local area from the early 1900's until the railway line closed in the 50's.
Noojee Trestle Bridge
Bushfires have blazed their way through the area a number of times and the bridge was destroyed and rebuilt.
Noojee Trestle Bridge
The massive expanse is 102m long and 20m high and is worth a visit for the treetop views and fresh mountain air.
Noojee Trestle Bridge
A short steep track up one side and down the other allows access to the bridge from the car park. We drove on this occasion, but I'll definitely do the Rail Trail next time.
 Noojee Trestle Bridge

Noojee Trestle Bridge
Where:Mt Baw Baw Tourist Rd
When:Daily
Why: history, scenery
How Much: FREE
Nearby:Noojee Town, Tooronga Falls

Noojee Town

Noojee - "place of rest". 
And what a beautiful place to rest. 
We arrived mid morning and stopped at the park next to the Latrobe River. The horseshoe bend of the river provided a great grassy expanse to stretch our legs and dip our toes in the cool waters.
Latrobe River, Noojee
There was just us and a family of ducks at the time of our visit, but apparently this is a great place for trout fishing.
Latrobe River, Noojee
Noojee is also a Timber Town and the rumble of an occasional log truck across the bridge was pretty much the only sound we heard, apart from the orchestra of birdsongs.
Log truck, NoojeeDown the road, the Noojee Heritage Centre is located at the former Railway Station and a  1950's steam train sits proudly outside. I didn't have time to visit the centre itself, but I did get the chance to wander around the perimeter and read some of the information boards located alongside the track, which tell the history of the area.
The Centre is open weekends and public holidays.
Noojee Historic CentreLunchtime arrived and we headed to the  Noojee Toolshed for a very tasty burger of epic proportions. (I think it was around $22)
Noojee Toolshed
The former chook shed has a great photographic display of Noojee throughout the years...
Noojee Toolshed

...and lots of old timber industry artifacts adorn the walls of the rustic old building.
Noojee Toolshed
What: Noojee 
Where:Loch Valley Rd
When:daily
Why: scenery, history
How Much: FREE to walk around town - the burger is not.
Nearby:Tooronga Falls, Trestle Bridge

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Steavenson Falls, Marysville

We stopped in Marysville on the way home from Alexandra, tummies rumbling and legs wanting a walk, so we hit the bakery for lunch, wandered the Main St, and rummaged through the Op-Shop. 
It was great to see the town so busy; carloads of people, groups of motorcyclists and a few treadlies, as well. 
MarysvilleI'd never been before here prior to the tragic 2009 bushfires that devastated this gorgeous town, but I have been 3 or 4 times since, and each time the place feels bigger and busier and like more and more tourists are rediscovering its beauty.
MarysvilleThis visit, we decided to see Steavenson Falls, just 3km out of town. From the Falls carpark, it was a short 700m walk along an even path to the waterfall. The sound of the cascading water and bird calls could be heard along the way
Steavenson Falls, Marysville
The lush regrowth was thick and green, but you could still see the bare treetops along the crest of the hill and a few charred stumps here and there.
Steavenson Falls, Marysville 
The 84m falls were opened to the public in 1866 and have been wooing visitors ever since. A spectacular sight, in a picturesque setting.
 Steavenson Falls, Marysville 

Stairways around the falls lead further up the hill to another viewing platform, or are an alternative path on the return to the carpark.
Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Wildlowers with vibrant purple and orange colours popped out of the greenery...
Wildflowers, Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Wildflowers, Steavenson Falls, Marysville
...and the tall trees touched the sky.
Steavenson Falls, Marysville
Floodlights are installed by the 84m falls and are turned on from dusk until midnight. I definitely have to make a return trip to see that.
Steavenson Falls, Marysville
What: Steavenson Falls
Where:Falls Rd, Marysville
When:Daily
Why: waterfall
How Much: FREE
Nearby: Lake Mountain Alpine Resort