News Nature: Truffles & Trails in 2 Days
Fresh forest air and crunchy trails underfoot between decadent truffle feasts (or a truffle toastie in hand).
If your idea of balance is earning your long lunch with a waterfall walk or rewarding a rainforest ramble with shaved truffle on absolutely everything, this two-day itinerary serves up the best of both worlds. Think misty rail trails, fern-filled gullies, hidden creeks and indulgent dining experiences that make muddy boots feel entirely justified.
Day 1: Rail Trails & Waterfall Wanders
Start your adventure by hopping on the Rokeby to Neerim Rail Trail. This scenic ride winds through rolling countryside and lush forest pockets, with plenty of fresh-air moments to justify your first truffle stop of the day.
If cycling isn’t your thing, swap the bike ride for a stroll through the magical Glen Nayook Rainforest Walk. This lush forest trail is packed with giant tree ferns, towering mountain ash and an underground creek system that disappears beneath the forest floor before re-emerging downstream. It’s cool, quiet and wonderfully prehistoric.
Indulge in lunch at Neerim South and settle in at Neeri Nuff Wine Bar or Cafe 3831 for a truffle special gracing their menus. Time your journey with a truffle hunt at Ashridge Truffle Farm as you pass the Apex Lookout area just north of Neerim South.
Once lunch has settled, lace up for a more active afternoon at Toorongo Falls Reserve. Just outside Noojee, this walking circuit leads through cool temperate rainforest to not one but two cascading waterfalls. The main falls tumble dramatically into a fern-lined gorge, while nearby Amphitheatre Falls offer another spectacular stop along the track. Winter mist only adds to the atmosphere.
As evening rolls in, settle into one of the festival’s participating dining venues for a truffle-inspired dinner. Check out Toolshed Bar, Noojee Hotel or Neeri Nuff for venues serving dinner, or check out the Noojee Truffle Festival program to book into one of the special dinners. Expect rich flavours, local produce and enough indulgence to make tomorrow’s active pursuits feel very necessary.
Day 2: Trestle Bridges & Truffle Toasties
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Noojee Trestle Bridge. The historic timber bridge is one of Gippsland’s most impressive landmarks towering above the forest floor. From here, you can wander through towering mountain ash forest for 3km along the Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail, an easy walk for all fitness levels, ending at the Noojee Heritage Centre precinct.
Each weekend throughout the Noojee Truffle Festival, the Noojee Heritage Precinct comes alive with a pop-up Truffle Station (10am – 2pm) with festival maps, truffle sales and truffle ambassadors. Stop by the café for a coffee, or a bite to eat. Grabbing a truffle toastie here is mandatory. Consider it trail fuel.
On Sundays, expect truffle dog appearances, live music, kids’ face painting and heritage displays, all surrounded by the historic charm of Noojee.
Head to one of Noojee’s participating venues for lunch: Red Duck Cafe, Toolshed Bar or Noojee Hotel and feel free to add the extra shaved truffle. You’ve got another walk planned.
Round out your itinerary with the Loch Valley Tramway Walk near Noojee. Following the route of an old timber tramway, this peaceful trail winds beside the Latrobe River through towering forest and mossy surrounds, offering a glimpse into the region’s timber history along the way.
Published on under: General News