Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail

The Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail, in West Gippsland, Victoria, is a short but spectacular 3 km one-way cycling and walking trail connecting the historic Noojee Railway Station precinct with the Noojee Trestle Bridge. Around 100 km east of Melbourne, the trail follows the former Warragul–Noojee railway through towering mountain ash forest and fern-filled bushland. The generally smooth fine-gravel surface and gentle railway gradient make it suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, families and recreational riders, with a return ride of around 6 km. The highlight is the magnificent Noojee Trestle Bridge, a heritage-listed timber railway bridge measuring 102 metres long and 21 metres high. It is the last surviving major trestle from the original railway and the tallest surviving timber trestle bridge of its kind in Victoria. Riders can cross the bridge itself, while tracks leading beneath it provide a completely different perspective of the enormous timber structure towering above the forest. The railway reached Noojee in 1919, primarily providing access to the region’s enormous timber reserves. Seven trestle bridges were required to negotiate the challenging terrain, but bushfires repeatedly damaged the railway. The surviving No. 7 bridge was destroyed during the 1939 Black Friday bushfires and rebuilt later that same year. The railway eventually closed during the 1950s. At the Noojee end, the Noojee Heritage Centre preserves this history with a restored J-class steam locomotive, railway wagons, replica station and historical displays. Although short, the trail can be combined with other cycling around Noojee, Neerim South and Rokeby. The nearby Rokeby to Neerim Railside Trail follows another section of the same historic Warragul–Noojee railway, and plans remain to eventually connect the two trail networks. RTS Tip: Start at the Noojee Heritage Centre, where you’ll find parking, toilets and picnic facilities, and ride towards the trestle for the best overall experience. Take your time crossing the bridge and consider walking your bike if it’s busy or you’re uncomfortable with heights. The maintained trail continues for roughly another kilometre beyond the bridge before narrowing and ending near private land, so don’t follow the old railway formation beyond the recognised trail.