www.ExplorOz.com
Your browser does not support the site menu
Click Here
to load alternative navigation.
Latest News
Road Conditions
Updated 4/07/2008
WA South Coast
Kimberley
Western Deserts
Red Centre
Top End
Outback Qld
Road Conditions
All News...
Site Updates...
Search by Topic
Buying a Camper Trailer
4WDriving
Accessories
Accommodation
Activities
Boating
Campers & Trailers
Camping
Caravanning
Communications
Cooking
Driving Skills
Electrics
Fishing
Itineraries & Planning
Membership
Motorhomes
Navigation
Permits
PlotSwap
Recovery Gear
Servicing
Survival
Technical
Things To Do
Topics
Tours
Trek Notes
Trips with Kids
Tyres
Vehicle Choices
Visit Australia
Newsletters
Your Name
Email Address
Past Newsletters
Full Index
157
158
159
Current Users
Members
5
Customers
0
Visitors
4
Anon
255
Total
264
List...
Not Logged on
Click Image to Enlarge
Drouin to Woods Point
Difficulty:
Suitable for:
This is a great day/weekend trip close to Melbourne that is both easy and interesting. Suitable for small 4WDs but worthwhile for experienced offroaders too with plenty to see and do for all the family.
Start
Drouin
Finish
Woods Point
Distance
122.71 km
Minimum Days
1
Average Speed
47.25 km/hr
Driving Time
2 hr 35 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team Updated: 12 Jun 2008
Advertisement
Description
History
Interactive Route Map
Driving Directions
Things to See & Do
Trek Feedback
Preparation
Related Pages
Camp Sites & Accomodation
Recommended Reading
Environment
In this Trek Note
Description
This delightful trip starts in Drouin, 100km south-east of Melbourne at the centre of a dairying, grazing and timber region in West Gippsland. Initially you'll follow a bitumen road to Warragul, Nerrim and Noojee before dirt road to Loch Valley, winding through the Goulburn State Forest and continuing further north on gravel roads through the tiny settlements of Matlock, and finally into historic Woods Point.
The trip is relatively easy and could be handled by small 4WDs and soft-roaders. The section through the Goulburn State Forest is used by logging trucks so particular care must be taken to keep alert for oncoming vehicles.
Interactive Route Map
Drouin
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.8584ºE 38.1366ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Warragul
Distance:
9.78km
Average Speed:
43.06km/h
Warragul
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9312ºE 38.1591ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Brandy Creek
Distance:
7.37km
Average Speed:
56.35km/h
Brandy Creek
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 145.9230ºE 38.1001ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Rokeby
Distance:
3.28km
Average Speed:
55.73km/h
Rokeby
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 145.9291ºE 38.0741ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Neerim South
Distance:
8.82km
Average Speed:
56.15km/h
Neerim South
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9545ºE 38.0168ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Neerim
Distance:
6.49km
Average Speed:
53.53km/h
Neerim
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9545ºE 37.9629ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Neerim Junction
Distance:
3.89km
Average Speed:
51.22km/h
Neerim Junction
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 145.9618ºE 37.9294ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Piedmont
Distance:
4.13km
Average Speed:
56.95km/h
Piedmont
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 145.9565ºE 37.8956ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Noojee Trestle Bridge
Distance:
2.8km
Average Speed:
48.65km/h
Noojee Trestle Bridge
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9842ºE 37.9003ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mount Baw Baw Rd & Loch Valley Rd
Distance:
1.8km
Average Speed:
54.98km/h
Mount Baw Baw Rd & Loch Valley Rd
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9978ºE 37.8932ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Noojee
Distance:
0.11km
Average Speed:
39.84km/h
Noojee
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9982ºE 37.8924ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Hayman Corner
Distance:
7.83km
Average Speed:
56.2km/h
Hayman Corner
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 145.9965ºE 37.8294ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
Distance:
1.11km
Average Speed:
42.13km/h
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
The Poplars is approx 10kms from Noojee. It is a good place to hide from the much bigger and more popular Toorongo Falls 10kms to the other side of Noojee. The campsites are approx 30-40metres from the generally quiet roadside.
Features:
Position: 145.9931ºE 37.8204ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Toorongo Rd, Yarra Ranges NP
Distance:
18.5km
Average Speed:
32.86km/h
Toorongo Rd, Yarra Ranges NP
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1197ºE 37.7856ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Toorongo
Distance:
0.4km
Average Speed:
50.15km/h
Toorongo
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1228ºE 37.7874ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Myrrhee
Distance:
3.73km
Average Speed:
35.52km/h
Myrrhee
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1441ºE 37.7712ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Nine Mile Rd & Thomson Valley Rd
Distance:
2.82km
Average Speed:
38.49km/h
Nine Mile Rd & Thomson Valley Rd
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1612ºE 37.7523ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Nine Mile Rd & Park Rd
Distance:
2.8km
Average Speed:
44.43km/h
Nine Mile Rd & Park Rd
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1600ºE 37.7354ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Nine Mile Rd & Mt Gregory Track
Distance:
6.48km
Average Speed:
39.74km/h
Nine Mile Rd & Mt Gregory Track
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1422ºE 37.6926ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
The Triangle
Distance:
5.74km
Average Speed:
36.95km/h
The Triangle
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 146.1298ºE 37.6471ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
The Oaks
Distance:
2.14km
Average Speed:
59.69km/h
The Oaks
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 146.1402ºE 37.6327ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Saint Clair
Distance:
3.86km
Average Speed:
51.84km/h
Saint Clair
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 146.1660ºE 37.6169ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
McAdams Gap
Distance:
6.12km
Average Speed:
48.71km/h
McAdams Gap
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.1735ºE 37.5880ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Matlock
Distance:
5.46km
Average Speed:
47.53km/h
Matlock
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features: Place Name
Position: 146.2131ºE 37.5999ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
C511 and Walhalla Rd
Distance:
0.39km
Average Speed:
49.64km/h
C511 and Walhalla Rd
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.2164ºE 37.6020ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Matlock Hill
Distance:
0.57km
Average Speed:
35.83km/h
Matlock Hill
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.2237ºE 37.6031ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Woods Point
Distance:
6.28km
Average Speed:
42.24km/h
Woods Point
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 146.2512ºE 37.5703ºS (GDA 94)
Route Control
Pause
1
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Zoom Map
Get Waypoints
iMapPlot™ by
I.T. Beyond Pty Ltd.
Things to See & Do
McAdams Gap
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
The Poplars is approx 10kms from Noojee. It is a good place to hide from the much bigger and more popular Toorongo Falls 10kms to the other side of Noojee. The campsites are approx 30-40metres from the generally quiet roadside. The other side of the campsite is bordered by a shallow, clean creek.
Noojee Trestle Bridge
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Noojee
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Toorongo
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Myrrhee
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Matlock Hill
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
McAdams Gap
Noojee
Myrrhee
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
Toorongo
Matlock Hill
Noojee Trestle Bridge
The Victorian Heritage-listed Noojee Trestle Bridge is one of the only remaining historic timber trestle bridges in
Victoria
and is easily accessible along a very short side-road off the Yarra Junction - Noojee Rd. A 2.5km Rail-Trail can be followed by foot, horse, or bike from the bridge back to Noojee if you feel inclined. For more info, read the History section.
Woods Point is full of wonderful buildings to explore, walks to old mine sites, memorabillia etc. A good place to stop overnight. For more info, read the History section.
Preparation
Weather conditions in mountain areas can change rapidly so it is wise to anticipate rain when packing clothing and
camping
gear. An axe would be useful - some campsites will have large logs supplied but may need splitting before they can be used. Low range 4WD will not be required so fuel consumption should not concern you, although depending on where you are heading after reaching Woods Point, you may need to consider your range. Woods Point cannot always be relied upon to fill your tanks.
Due to the historical significance of Woods Point, it would be worth planning to spend some time in the township, including an overnight camp. Although information on the history is available in town, it would be worthwhile to do some pre-trip reading and planning before arriving - perhaps making arrangements to visit certain historic/mine sites on the outskirts of the township and following walk trails of interest or even booking
accommodation
in one of the historic buildings.
Fuel Supplies & Usage
Drouin
,
Warragul
,
Neerim South
,
Noojee
,
Woods Point
Diesel
4cyl 17 litres
ULP
4cyl 20 litres
LPG
4cyl 25 litres
6cyl 19 litres
6cyl 22 litres
6cyl 22 litres
8cyl 21 litres
8cyl 20 litres
Usage is averaged from
TrekFuel
(* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.
Best Time To Visit
Year round, although summer is the ideal time.
Closest Climatic Station
Noojee (Slivar)
Distance from Trek Mid Point 8.37km SW
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean Max. °C
24.8
25.3
22.5
18.7
15.2
12.6
12.0
13.4
15.3
17.8
20.4
22.4
Mean Min. °C
11.2
10.9
9.6
7.3
5.6
4.0
2.9
3.6
5.1
6.7
8.2
9.6
Mean Rain mm
70.9
57.1
70.5
87.6
81.4
103.8
103.8
108.6
126.3
118.2
98.6
93.0
Best time to travel
Ok time to travel
Travel NOT recommended
Services & Supplies
The following locations have various services and supplies:
Drouin
,
Warragul
,
Neerim South
,
Noojee
,
Woods Point
Camp Sites & Accomodation
Woods Point
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
The Poplars is approx 10kms from Noojee. It is a good place to hide from the much bigger and more popular Toorongo Falls 10kms to the other side of Noojee. The campsites are approx 30-40metres from the generally quiet roadside. The other side of the campsite is bordered by a shallow, clean creek.
Drouin
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Warragul
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Neerim South
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Neerim
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Noojee
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Toorongo
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Woods Point
Warragul
Noojee
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
Neerim South
Toorongo
Drouin
Neerim
Free campsites are located at The Poplars Reserve - a delightful area alongside a running creek, beneath large trees, plenty of firewood, and basic toilet facilities.
A small free camp/picnic site is located at the Triangle, at the junction of Nine Mile Road and the C511.
Around Woods Point there are 2 good campsites - JH Scott Reserve just 2km west and Comet Flat to the east. A fee of $2 per vehicle/night is payable at the General Store.
Accommodation
is also available at the pub.
Environment
Birds are prolific through this trek, particularly Eastern Rosellas in the state forest. Wombats and wallabies are the main marsupials seen during the day and Mountain & Alpine Ash are the most notable of the large trees. The trek follows the edge of Radiata Pine Plantation and with ferns in the understory, makes a delightful driving environment.
History
This trek is full of historical significance so we do suggest you take the time to read up a little, especially about Woods Point.
At the beginning of your trip however, you'll pass the turnoff to the Victorian Heritage-listed Noojee Trestle Bridge. It's definately speccy to see, but it is also significant for being one of the only remaining historic timber trestle bridges in
Victoria
. Being so easily accessible just off the Noojee Road, its definatley worth a look-in. The Noojee to Nayook section of the broad gauge line to Warragul opened in 1919. There was a terminus at Noojee, to which large amounts of timber were transported from mills scattered through the forest by means of a network of timber tramlines, heading to the West and to the North. The bridge originally carried the weight of N class steam locomotives and was eventually taken out of service in 1954 when the line was closed. When the line was being dismantled, the Buln Buln Shire Council purchased the bridge from the Victorian Railways for one pound ($2) so it would be preserved for the future.
Further along this trek you skirt the Yarra Ranges and enter the Goulburn SF. The dense forests of the area were not particularly favoured by Aboriginal people, and were a barrier to European settlement. Europeans first settled in the 1860s to access Woods Point goldfields and soon the area was recognised as a valuable source of timber.
At the end of the trek you'll reach historic Woods Point, which today only exists for passing tourism, but in former years was a gold-mining township. Gold was official discovered here in mid 1861 by William Gooley. Not long later, the Morning Star reef was found and a storekeeper by the name of Wood set up business on the largest point of the spur. The town was built around it, and so the site became known as Woods Point. Within a few years it had a post office, a police court, a hospital, a school, three churches, three banks, two newspapers, three breweries and numerous shops and hotels. Woods Point went eventually went into decline however the Morning Star continued to operate until December 1927. Much of Woods Point as you see it today is the new town built in 1940, after much of it was destroyed in Black Friday fires of 1939. Today the permanent population is about 30.
Driving Directions
Time
Direction
Distance
Drouin to Warragul
9.78 km
E
112°
13 min
Warragul to Brandy Creek
7.37 km
N
354°
7 min
Brandy Creek to Rokeby
3.28 km
N
11°
3 min
Rokeby to Neerim South
8.82 km
N
19°
9 min
Neerim South to Neerim
6.49 km
N
360°
7 min
Neerim to Neerim Junction
3.89 km
N
10°
4 min
Neerim Junction to Piedmont
4.13 km
N
353°
4 min
Piedmont to Noojee Trestle Bridge
2.8 km
E
102°
3 min
Noojee Trestle Bridge to Mount Baw Baw Rd & Loch Valley Rd
1.8 km
NE
56°
1 min
Mount Baw Baw Rd & Loch Valley Rd to Noojee
0.11 km
N
22°
Noojee to Hayman Corner
7.83 km
N
359°
8 min
Hayman Corner to Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
1.11 km
N
343°
1 min
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites to Toorongo Rd, Yarra Ranges NP
18.5 km
E
71°
33 min
Toorongo Rd, Yarra Ranges NP to Toorongo
0.4 km
SE
127°
Toorongo to Myrrhee
3.73 km
NE
46°
6 min
Myrrhee to Nine Mile Rd & Thomson Valley Rd
2.82 km
NE
36°
4 min
Nine Mile Rd & Thomson Valley Rd to Nine Mile Rd & Park Rd
2.8 km
N
357°
3 min
Nine Mile Rd & Park Rd to Nine Mile Rd & Mt Gregory Track
6.48 km
N
342°
9 min
Nine Mile Rd & Mt Gregory Track to The Triangle
5.74 km
N
348°
9 min
The Triangle to The Oaks
2.14 km
NE
30°
2 min
The Oaks to Saint Clair
3.86 km
NE
52°
4 min
Saint Clair to McAdams Gap
6.12 km
N
12°
7 min
McAdams Gap to Matlock
5.46 km
E
111°
6 min
Matlock to C511 and Walhalla Rd
0.39 km
SE
129°
C511 and Walhalla Rd to Matlock Hill
0.57 km
E
101°
Matlock Hill to Woods Point
6.28 km
NE
34°
8 min
Drouin to Woods Point
122.71 km
2 hr 35 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.
Trek Feedback
If you wish to Send Feedback please
Logon Now
What Others have Posted
Related Pages
Trek Search
ExplorOz Trek Notes are detailed, factual reviews of destinations in Australia to which you can plan a self-drive camping trip. This page will enable you to access over 100 of these trek notes, using various search methods and at a glance you can see what treks we have in each area across Australia.
[Feature Story]
Croajingolong
This is generally an easy 4WD trek taking in the coastal country of Victoria's south-east from Cann River and Wingan Inlet to the beautiful town of Mallacoota.
Mount Stirling
This is a great little trek through the heart of the high country taking in Mount Stirling and the excellent diversions from the loop road that tracks around the mountain.
High Country - Corryong to Omeo
A great trek in the Vic High Country with a crossing of the Murray River. Travel through a range of fauna & altitudes. Views of Kosciusko abound from the summits of Mt’s. Pinnibar & Gibbo.
High Country - Woods Point to Porepunkah
This route enables you to travel directly from Woods Point to Wonnangatta Valley in 3 days, experiencing challenging 4WDing, ever-changing mountain scenery, historic cattlemans huts and peaceful rivers throughout the entire journey.
Vic High Country
This is a great trek through the Victorian High Country where you'll experience some of our most spectacular mountain areas. See high country huts, spectacular views and participate in challenging four-wheel driving.
Eildon Forests
This tour is through the high country to the north east of Melbourne and traverses the Tollangi - Black Range and Eildon - Big River state forests. It is definately 4WD and is rated "difficult".
Wilsons Promontory
One of Victoria's best loved National Parks, Wilsons Prom is a slice of heaven for the walker, nature and beach lover. Only 200kms from Melbourne its a great weekender or week long get away.
Trek Search
Wilsons Promontory
High Country - Woods Point to Porepunkah
Mount Stirling
Vic High Country
High Country - Corryong to Omeo
Croajingolong
Eildon Forests
Recommended Reading for Drouin to Woods Point
Greater Melbourne
A suburban map for the Greater Melbourne area which extends north to Yan Yean, south to Phillip Island, east to Healesville, and west to Werribee. It features all major and secondary roads and shows the national, state and metropolitan route numbers as well as present and future freeways.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Walhalla - Woods Point Adventure Map
This map covers from LaTrobe Valley to Licola and includes Baw Baw National Park, Thomson Reservoir, Lake Glenmaggie Licol, Heyfield, Warragul, Traralgon, Moe, Woods Point, Erice, Aberfeldy, Tyers, Lat Trobe, Thomson and Macalister Rivers. Ideal for 4WD, motor cycling, canoeing, touring & bush camping.
$10.95
[Add to Cart]
Yarra Valley - West Gippsland Adventure Map
This double sided map is ideal for motor bikes, 4WD and bush camping close to Melbourne.
$10.95
[Add to Cart]
Powelltown - Noojee Forest Activities Map
On one side of this map is the Powelltown - Noojee Forest Activities Map covering Ada Tree, Loch Valley, Spoin Kopje, Noojee Trestle Bridge, Seven Acre Rock, Toorongo Falls, Starlings Gap, Yarra & Noojee State Forests. On the other side of this map is the Powelltown - Warbuton Forest Activities Map.
$6.95
[Add to Cart]
Melbourne Mountain Country
This map from Hema Maps is a double-sided map; on the map face is the most detailed map ever produced of this area, all field checked using Hema’s real-time GPS mapping systems. The other side of the map includes information about the area. It also has a facilities list for the Parks and Reserves in the area.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Natmap Raster 2005: Premium - DVD
This new NATMAP Raster was released in April 2005. This is a 2 DVD set that contains all 1:250 000 scale NATMAP topographic maps covering Australia, published to December 2004.
$119.00
[Add to Cart]
Melbourne & Region Handy Map
Hema’s major city maps clearly highlight all freeways and major and minor roads. A complete overview of the city is provided by a fully-indexed suburban road map which includes an inset of the CBD. A regional map complements the street maps by showing all the through roads and regional centres in the surrounding area.
$6.95
[Add to Cart]
Melbourne & Region Handy Map - Deluxe Cover
Hema’s major city maps clearly highlight all freeways and major and minor roads. A complete overview of the city is provided by a fully-indexed suburban road map which includes an inset of the CBD. A regional map complements the street maps by showing all the through roads and regional centres in the surrounding area.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Melbourne Region
This map is an extended version of the Melbourne Handy Map. It contains only the regional map, but on the back is information on what to do in the region.
$8.95
[Add to Cart]
Greater Melbourne
Powelltown - Noojee Forest Activities Map
Melbourne & Region Handy Map
Walhalla - Woods Point Adventure Map
Melbourne Mountain Country
Melbourne & Region Handy Map - Deluxe Cover
Yarra Valley - West Gippsland Adventure Map
Natmap Raster 2005: Premium - DVD
Melbourne Region
New/Updated
Navy/White Racer Polo Shirt - TMTE $37.00
Mens Navy/White Polo Shirt - TMTE $31.95
Ladies Navy/White Polo Shirt - TMTE $31.95
Khaki Polo Shirt - TMTE $24.95
Navy Polo Shirt - TMTE $24.95
Garmin Colorado 300 $879.00
The Australian Guide to HF Radio $19.95
Basic Guide to Parks Reserves and Forests in VIC $19.95
Golden Quest Discovery Trail Guide Book $39.95
The Golden Pipeline Heritage Trail Guide $34.95
Pilbara and Coral Coast Explorer Card $20.00
Cape York Explorer Card $20.00
Spare Wheel Cover - Size 011 - 870mm
$34.95
$31.46
Hema Navigator $990.00
Murray River Access Map - Yellow $6.95
Fast Find
Shop Home Page
Discounted Items
Latest/Updated
All Items
Home
|
About Us
|
FAQ
|
Feedback
|
Site Stats
|
Membership
|
Advertising Campaigns
|
Site Updates
Forum
|
Blogs
|
Forum Archive
|
Trader
|
Shop
|
Treks
|
Places
|
Directory
|
Articles
|
Topics
RSS Feeds
|
Link to Us
|
Terms of Use
|
Corporate Membership
|
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 1999 - 2008,
I.T. Beyond Pty Ltd.
All rights reserved.