Warragul began as a construction camp for rail workers, and its
first building was a simple log store built by James Biram who
had the contract to collect mail, by packhorse, from Brandy Creek
post office.
Other shopkeepers from Brandy Creek followed his example —
when the first train arrived in March 1878, the stationmaster
appointed to take charge at Warragul found several shops already
established.
Warragul is today a dairying centre supplying much of Melbourne’s
milk. The town is by-passed by the contemporary Princes Freeway —
perhaps a blessing in disguise as it buffers the town’s heritage
from the contemporary rush of passing transport.
Queen Street retains an admirable accumulation of architecture
from the 19th century. Here elegant ornate facades and arched
windows of hotels, shops and banks line the broad footpaths.
The old police station, a beautiful old post office and Warragul’s
public hall have long gone. The Shire Hall built in 1893 now houses
the local historical society, Railway Park is set on a green belt,
and Warragul Station is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Warragul is surrounded by a patchwork of farmers’ fields, emerald
green hills and dales complete with tiny bucolic hamlets. Travelling
the web of back roads in the region, including the Old Sale Road,
is a scenic indulgence.
The Inland Parks
Mt Baw Baw National Park
A national park for all seasons
and many outdoor interests, with ski touring, bush walking, canoeing
on sections of the Thomson River, trout fishing, horseriding and 4WD.
Mt Worth State Park
Drive through the forests of the Grand Ridge Road, and stop
off at Mt Worth State Park, The ferns here are exquisite, including the rare
and regal Slender Tree Fern that is found only in the deepest shade of
certain fern gullies. Short walks include the 45 minute Giant's Circuit
Walk which follows an old tramline route to the Standing Giant,
a huge Mountain Ash estimated to be more than 300 years old.
Morwell National Park
In the northern foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, Morwell National Park is
small but significant for its orchids. Many species are found from
the timy bird orchids of autumn to the summer flowering hyacinth orchid,
the largest ground orchid in Victoria. The rare butterfly orchid also grows here.
Tarra-Bulga National Park
A little-known gem in the Strzelecki Ranges, Tarra-Bulga National Park possesses one of Victoria’s most beautiful fern gullies, where the fronds of huge tree ferns dip and sway in the valley below as you cross a narrow suspension bridge.
The Fern Gully Nature Walk enters this green underworld where the tree ferns and mountain ash form a canopy overhead, tiny ferns and moss cling to tree trunks and fingers of lichen form a green mist around branches.
