June 2004 Toorongo Falls Reserve FS0043 Katherine Hill - Noojee ISSN 1440-2262 Introduction Walking tracks The Toorongo Falls Reserve is situated 100 kms east of 1. Toorongo Falls Melbourne, north of the town of Noojee in Gippsland. The Skill Level: Basic Fitness Level: Average reserve encompasses a number of waterfalls and provides 1.5 km return (1 hour) opportunities for walking, picnicking and camping. A beautiful walk through tall wet forest to an observation platform provides great close-up views of Toorongo Falls. Getting There 2. Toorongo Falls via Amphitheatre Falls From Melbourne, head east along the Princes Freeway Skill Level: Basic Fitness Level: Average turning left at the Drouin exit towards Noojee. Or take the 2.2 km return (1 hour 20 mins) Warburton Hwy to Yarra Junction, turning onto the Yarra This loop walk takes in the Amphitheatre Falls, the Junction-Noojee Road for a more scenic trip through the picturesque riverine environment along the Toorongo ranges. From the Noojee township, head east for 4 kms, River and the Toorongo Falls. then left onto the Toorongo Falls Road which terminates at the Reserve. Camping The Toorongo Falls Camping Area provides bush camping Flora and Fauna sites near the Toorongo River. They are available on a The Toorongo Falls Scenic Reserve comprises of mostly first-come first-served basis and no bookings are required, wet forest types with the most common over-storey and but early arrival may be advisable during peak periods. mid-storey species being Mountain Grey Gum, Mountain Ash, Manna Gum, Blackwood & Austral Mulberry. Freshwater is available from the river but we recommend A variety of ferns thrive in the damp conditions including you boil any water for drinking. Firewood is not supplied the Necklace Fern, Soft Tree Fern, & the Long Fork-fern. on site - firewood can be obtained from the Noojee The reserve supports a range of native animals, including General Store. Use only established fireplaces, do not light the Common & Mountain Brush Tailed Possum, Ring fires on a ‘Day of Total Fire Ban’ and please take your Tailed Possum, Sugar Glider, and a variety of bats. Red rubbish home with you. Bellied Black Snakes are relatively common during warmer periods. If you come across one, keep your For More Information distance and remember they are fully protected and are an The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) essential part of the forest ecosystem. is responsible for managing Victoria's State Forest. For Many bird species have been recorded throughout the further information contact DSE's Customer Service forest and native freshwater fish including the River Centre on 136 186. Blackfish are to be found in the river. Visit DSE’s website History http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/forestry The area was originally the border region between two Aboriginal tribes; The Wurundjeri to the west who were The Toorongo Falls Reserve is managed primarily for the part of the Kulin Nation and the Brayakoloong to the east protection of the environment and provision of recreation. who mainly lived on the river flats of the Latrobe Valley Other areas of the State Forest are managed for a wider and were part of the Kurnai Nation. Evidence of range of uses including timber production, catchment Aboriginal occupation can still be found today throughout protection, recreation and conservation. If you are the area with the recording of many cultural heritage sites. interested in how State Forests are managed, the current Gippsland Management Plan can be viewed on the Picnic sites Department’s website. Picnic tables and toilet facilities are available at the http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/forestry Toorongo Falls Day Visitor Area. then select “Publications”. © State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment Page 1 Toorongo Falls Reserve FS0043 Amphitheatre Falls l Healesville l TOORONGO Warburton FALLS l H RESERVE Powelltown l Noojee Erical l Neerim PRINCES South l Moe Warragul l FWY River 400 Toorongo Toorongo River Falls Toorongo Little Toorongo Falls 400 Day Visitor Area 400 500 500 300 300 300 ROAD FALLS Toorongo Falls Reserve Contour interval 20 metres TOORONGO River 050100 To Toorongo Falls Recreational Noojee Camping Area Facilities METRES N Cartography by Spatial Vision 2004 Unsealed road Camping Lookout M/7868 Toorongo Walking track Carpark Information State forest Falls Picnic table Gate Fireplace Toilets MELBOURNE Bridge l H This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. © State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment.