Drouin to Woods Point

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesDrouin
FinishWoods Point
DifficultyDifficulty 1/5
Suitable ForAWD Motorbike 
Distance122.16 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed56.14 km/hr
Travel Time2 hrs 10 mins
Page Updated: 21 Oct 2021

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.Woods Point is full of wonderful buildings to explore, walks to old mine sites, memorabilia etc. A good place to stop overnight.

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.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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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.

TrekID: 117

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
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 Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 17 litres4cyl 20 litres4cyl 24 litres
6cyl 19 litres6cyl 22 litres6cyl 22 litres
8cyl 19 litres8cyl 20 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) 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 9.35km SW
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C25.125.222.618.815.312.712.013.415.318.020.722.5
Mean Min. °C11.311.19.77.45.73.93.03.75.26.88.59.8
Mean Rain mm67.661.371.683.080.6102.3103.9108.5126.2111.1103.595.5
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Drouin to Warragul
Driving: 7.55 km
Heading: 112°
Avg Speed: 59.01 km/hr
EST Time: 07:40
  • Drive southeast on Princes Way/C102. for: 0.04 km time: 00:07
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit, ontofor: 4.41 km time: 03:43
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit, ontofor: 2.43 km time: 02:23
  • Turn left onto Witton Street. for: 0.44 km time: 00:50
  • Turn right onto Albert Street. for: 0.22 km time: 00:38
Warragul to Brandy Creek
Driving: 7.36 km
Heading: 354°
Avg Speed: 59.56 km/hr
EST Time: 07:24
  • Drive west on Albert Street. for: 0.11 km time: 00:19
  • Turn right onto Victoria Street/C425. for: 0.89 km time: 01:11
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit, onto Brandy Creek Road for: 6.24 km time: 05:39
  • Enter Brandy Creek Road and take the 3rd exit onto Old Sale Road. for: 0.12 km time: 00:17
Brandy Creek to Rokeby
Driving: 3.4 km
Heading: 11°
Avg Speed: 58.34 km/hr
EST Time: 03:29
  • Drive west on Old Sale Road. for: 0.07 km time: 00:10
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 3rd exit, onto Brandy Creek Road for: 3.32 km time: 03:20
Rokeby to Neerim South
Driving: 8.96 km
Heading: 19°
Avg Speed: 60.23 km/hr
EST Time: 08:55
  • Drive northeast on Brandy Creek Road/C425. Continue on C425. for: 8.87 km time: 08:35
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 3rd exit, onto Main Neerim Road for: 0.09 km time: 00:21
Neerim South to Neerim
Driving: 6.69 km
Heading: 360°
Avg Speed: 66 km/hr
EST Time: 06:04
  • Drive southwest on Main Neerim Road/C425/C426. for: 0.07 km time: 00:09
  • Make a right U-turn to stay on Main Neerim Road/C425/C426. for: 0.12 km time: 00:29
  • Enter the roundabout and take the 1st exit, onto Main Neerim Road for: 6.47 km time: 05:16
  • Turn right onto Settlement Road. for: 0.03 km time: 00:11
Neerim to Neerim Junction
Driving: 4.01 km
Heading: 10°
Avg Speed: 61.12 km/hr
EST Time: 03:56
  • Drive west on Settlement Road. for: 0.03 km time: 00:05
  • Turn right onto Main Neerim Road/C425/C426. for: 3.93 km time: 03:33
  • Turn right onto Court Road. for: 0.02 km time: 00:08
  • Turn right onto Main Neerim Road. for: 0.03 km time: 00:10
Neerim Junction to Noojee Trestle Bridge
Driving: 6.86 km
Heading: 31°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 07:45
  • Drive north on Main Neerim Road. for: 0.03 km time: 00:03
  • Turn left onto Court Road. for: 0.02 km time: 00:04
  • Turn right onto Main Neerim Road/C425/C426. Continue on C426. for: 6.45 km time: 05:08
  • Turn right. for: 0.36 km time: 02:30
Noojee Trestle Bridge to Mount Baw Baw Rd & Loch Valley Rd
Driving: 1.83 km
Heading: 56°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 02:04
  • Drive north. for: 0.36 km time: 00:56
  • Turn right onto Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road/C426. for: 1.47 km time: 01:08
Mount Baw Baw Rd & Loch Valley Rd to Noojee
Driving: 0.1 km
Heading: 22°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 00:06
  • Drive east on Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road/C426. for: 0.02 km time: 00:01
  • Turn left onto Henty Street. for: 0.09 km time: 00:06
Noojee to Hayman Corner
Driving: 7.88 km
Heading: 359°
Avg Speed: 73.14 km/hr
EST Time: 06:27
  • Drive northeast on Henty Street. for: 0.08 km time: 00:12
  • Turn left onto Loch Valley Road/C418. for: 7.8 km time: 06:16
Hayman Corner to Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites
Driving: 1.12 km
Heading: 343°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 01:16
  • Drive north on Loch Valley Road/C418. Continue on Loch Valley Road. for: 0.94 km time: 00:46
  • Turn left. for: 0.18 km time: 00:31
Poplars Reserve (Loch Valley) Campsites to Toorongo Rd, Yarra Ranges NP
Driving: 19.59 km
Heading: 71°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 22:10
  • Drive south. for: 0.18 km time: 00:21
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Loch Valley Road for: 0.17 km time: 00:09
  • Turn left onto Toorongo Road. for: 19.24 km time: 21:41
Toorongo Rd, Yarra Ranges NP to Toorongo
Driving: 0.33 km
Heading: 127°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 00:22
  • Drive east on Toorongo Road. for: 0.33 km time: 00:23
Toorongo to Myrrhee
Driving: 4.09 km
Heading: 46°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 04:37
  • Drive southeast on Toorongo Road. for: 1.55 km time: 01:46
  • Bear left to stay on Toorongo Road. for: 2.54 km time: 02:52
Myrrhee to Nine Mile Rd & Thomson Valley Rd
Driving: 3.12 km
Heading: 36°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 03:31
  • Drive east on Toorongo Road. for: 1.51 km time: 01:43
  • Bear left onto Nine Mile Road. for: 1.61 km time: 01:49
Nine Mile Rd & Thomson Valley Rd to Nine Mile Rd & Park Rd
Driving: 2.1 km
Heading: 357°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 02:22
  • Drive north on Nine Mile Road. for: 0.56 km time: 00:38
  • Bear left to stay on Nine Mile Road. for: 1.54 km time: 01:45
Nine Mile Rd & Park Rd to Nine Mile Rd & Mt Gregory Track
Driving: 6.5 km
Heading: 342°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 07:21
  • Drive north on Nine Mile Road. for: 6.5 km time: 07:21
Nine Mile Rd & Mt Gregory Track to The Triangle
Driving: 5.71 km
Heading: 348°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 06:27
  • Drive north on Nine Mile Road. for: 5.63 km time: 06:26
  • Turn right at the end of the road, onto Warburton-Woods Point Road for: 0.09 km time: 00:03
The Triangle to The Oaks
Driving: 2.16 km
Heading: 30°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 02:26
  • Drive north on Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. for: 2.16 km time: 02:27
The Oaks to Saint Clair
Driving: 3.9 km
Heading: 52°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 04:24
  • Drive north on Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. for: 3.9 km time: 04:25
Saint Clair to McAdams Gap
Driving: 6.13 km
Heading: 12°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 06:56
  • Drive north on Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. for: 6.13 km time: 06:57
McAdams Gap to Matlock
Driving: 5.65 km
Heading: 111°
Avg Speed: 57.98 km/hr
EST Time: 05:50
  • Drive northeast on Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. for: 5.65 km time: 05:51
Matlock to C511 and Walhalla Rd
Driving: 0.36 km
Heading: 129°
Avg Speed: 56.97 km/hr
EST Time: 00:22
  • Drive east on Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. for: 0.36 km time: 00:23
C511 and Walhalla Rd to Woods Point
Driving: 6.76 km
Heading: 43°
Avg Speed: 53 km/hr
EST Time: 07:39
  • Drive east on Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. for: 0.01 km time: 00:00
  • Bear left onto Warburton-Woods Point Road/C511. Continue on C511. for: 6.75 km time: 07:34
  • Make a sharp left onto Hurley Street. for: 0.01 km time: 00:05
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

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