Local Vic

Experience the charm of country life at Boolarra. Located in the Latrobe Valley region of Victoria, Boolarra is just 20 kms from Morwell and offers a refreshing escape.

As you wind through the Strzelecki Ranges, the landscape transforms from open farmland to dense forests draped in tree ferns and moss. The air becomes cooler, fresher, and you can’t help but roll down the windows to breathe it all in. This is Gippsland at its most pristine.

We usually visit the town during the yearly events and festivals where you can further experience the vibrant and friendly community spirit that the town is known for.

For nature lovers, Boolarra is your gateway to some of Gippsland’s most spectacular bushland. The town boasts beautiful landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. Autumn brings spectacular golden colors to the forests, while spring sees the hillsides burst with wildflowers. Winter can be misty and atmospheric, but also my favority time for cozy pub lunches. Summer’s are warm and ideal for exploring the trails. Whether you’re hiking, exploring the local trails, or simply enjoying the serene environment, Boolarra has something for everyone.

Things to see and do in and near Boolarra

Boolarra Railway Park:

Once a thriving railway station on the Mirboo North railway line, the park has been beautifully preserved. You can wander along the old platform, peek into the restored station building, and imagine the steam trains that once connected this remote community to the wider world. The park is perfect for a picnic, with sheltered tables and barbecue facilities surrounded by towering trees.

The Boolarra to Mirboo North Rail Trail is a gentle walk or bike ride that follows the old railway line through beautiful countryside. It’s well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels, making it perfect for families. You can find more information about the Boolarra to Mirboo North Rail Trail here: https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/do-and-see/outdoor-activities/cycling/grand-ridge-rail-trail.

Morwell River Falls Reserve:

A walking trail from the carpark leads you through a series of stunning cascades in the upper reaches of the Morwell River, nestled within an oasis of native bushland. This serene path offers picturesque views and a tranquil escape into nature, perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Lenght and Duration: It is a short walk that takes 15 minutes return and is suitable for seniors and children

Boolarra Folk Festival

The Boolarra Folk Festival is the towns most popular event. Held every year in March, the event gathers finest artists from Gippsland and beyond in the genres of world music, traditional folk, original, blues and bluegrass. Date: Saturday 1 March 2025

Local Flavors

When it come ot local produce and country hospitality, Boolarra doesn’t dissappoint. The town’s general store is a delightful throwback, stocking essentials alongside locally made jams, honey, and baked goods.

The Boolarra Community Hotel is a classic country pub where locals gather, and visitors are warmly welcomed. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty meal and hear stories about the area from those who know it best.

Boolarra is a lovely country town where life moves at a gentler pace, where neighbors know each other, and where the natural world is never more than a few steps away. This is what makes is extra special and a place worth experiencing.

The journey to Boolarra isn’t just about the destination; but an opportunity to discover the layers of Gippsland.

Making it a Day Trip: Melbourne to Boolarra:

Here’s how to make the most of your day trip:

Stop 1: Warragul & Drouin (1 hour from Melbourne):

As you enter Gippsland, these twin towns offer your first taste of country life. Stop at Warragul for excellent coffee at one of the main street cafés, or visit the West Gippsland Arts Centre if there’s an exhibition on.

Stop 2: Moe & Walhalla Detour (1.5 hours from Melbourne)

From Moe, you can consider a spectacular 45-minute detour north to Walhalla, one of Victoria’s most charming historic gold-mining towns. I love this tiny village, nestled in a steep-sided valley. Do you know Walhalla has just 16 permanent residents, so no ownder at times it feels frozen in the 1880s when it was one of Australia’s richest gold-mining centers.

Must-dos in Walhalla:

• Ride the Walhalla Goldfields Railway through the stunning Stringers Creek Gorge.
  Check times: If visiting Walhalla, check the railway and mine tour times in advance
• Tour the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine and go underground to see original workings
• Walk the Tramline Track for panoramic views over the one-street town
• Explore the historic cemetery on the hillside
• Pan for gold at Stringers Creek

The town is particularly magical in autumn when deciduous trees blaze with color. Allow 2-3 hours minimum if you detour here and trust us, it’s well worth it.

Stop 3: Morwell (15 minutes from Moe)

Continue to Morwell, where history and industry meet. Visit the Latrobe Regional Gallery, one of eastern Victoria’s largest public galleries, or stroll through the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden. The Gippsland Immigration Park honors the multicultural heritage of the region.

For something unique, drive the Power Drive Route to see the massive Loy Yang Power Station and open-cut coal mines. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heart of Gippsland that has powered Victoria for decades.

Stop 4: Traralgon (10 minutes from Morwell)

The largest city in the Latrobe Valley, Traralgon is the entertainment hub of Gippsland. Stop for lunch at one of the excellent cafés or pubs along Franklin Street.

Don’t miss the Waterhole Creek Cultural Trail featuring beautiful Aboriginal art by local artist Ronald Edwards painted on concrete bridge supports—a powerful connection to the traditional Gunaikurnai custodians of this land.

Stop 5: Churchill (20 minutes from Morwell)

Just before Boolarra, the purpose-built town of Churchill offers several interesting stops. The town features “The Big Cigar,” a distinctive golden tower that’s become an iconic landmark (despite urban myths, it wasn’t designed to honor Winston Churchill’s cigar habit!). Lake Hyland provides a peaceful spot for a picnic, and Mathison Park has beautiful walking tracks, BBQ facilities, and a Koori Garden showcasing plants used by the Gunaikurnai people for thousands of years.

The final leg takes you through increasingly beautiful countryside as you climb into the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges. The landscape becomes greener, lusher, and more forested with every kilometer.

Planning Your Day Trip

Suggested Timeline:

• 8:00am: Depart Melbourne
• 9:00am: Coffee stop in Warragul
• 10:00am-1:00pm: Walhalla detour (if included)
• 1:30pm: Lunch in Traralgon or Morwell
• 2:30pm: Arrive Boolarra, explore the Railway Park and forests
• 4:30pm: Begin return journey
• 7:00pm: Back in Melbourne

Alternative Timeline (without Walhalla):

• 9:00am: Depart Melbourne
• 10:30am: Explore Morwell or Traralgon
• 12:00pm: Arrive Boolarra for lunch at the pub
• 12:30-4:30pm: Explore Boolarra, walk the Rail Trail, visit Railway Park
• 5:00pm: Begin return journey
• 7:00pm: Back in Melbourne

Tips for Your Day Trip

• Allow flexibility: Country roads can be winding; build in buffer time
• Fuel up: Fill your tank before leaving the highway as country fuel can be pricier most times and not many pumps around too.
• Pack layers: The Strzeleckis are cooler than Melbourne and the coast, even in summer
• Bring walking shoes: Many of the best experiences involve short walks

Distance & Location Guide to Boolarra

Morwell: 27.4 km via C456 and Yinnar Rd
Traralgon: 37.7 km via C456 and C476
Berwick: 1 hr 25 min via M1
Melbourne: 169 km via M1