Noojee
NOOJEE
Get Back to Nature
REDISCOVER THE GREAT OUTDOORS AMONGST THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF THE BAW BAW REGION’S ROLLING HILLS AND UNSPOILED BUSHLAND
Lush Bush & Towering Tree Ferns
FROM A STRUGGLING PUB IN A LITTLE KNOWN TOWN TO AN IMMENSELY SUCCESSFUL TOURIST DESTINATION, SIMON AND ROSIE DUCK HAVE TRANSFORMED THE HISTORIC NOOJEE HOTEL INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL.
A quaint weatherboard hotel in the picturesque town of Noojee, the Noojee Hotel first opened its doors to locals – primarily those working the thriving timber industry – in 1925. It soon became the heart and soul of the town, becoming a hub for the community when bushfires twice ripped through the area, destroying every building but the pub.
When Simon Duck bought the site ten years ago, the once noble hotel had fallen into a steady decline. On the brink of bankruptcy and barely catering for a slow weekend trade, things had been looking bleak. Luckily for the pub, and for the town, Simon and his wife Rosie came ready to shake things up. “We knew it had plenty of potential,” Simon says. “It’s close to some pretty highly populated areas, especially the southeastern suburbs. We thought we could lean on the beautiful surrounds and make it a destination.”
It started with throwing open the doors every day of the week, while Simon says they “cleaned the heck out of it, bought a lot of furniture,” working hard to create a space that was comfortable and welcoming. The result is a cosy, charmingly rustic venue with a roaring open fire for the colder months, a vast undercover deck overlooking the Latrobe River for those warm weather days, and an eye-catching array of decor from deer antlers to historical artefacts. Of course, simply revamping the place wasn’t enough to bring in new patronage. Simon, who had previously managed and owned various pubs, and Rosie, who had been working at the Noojee Hotel when the pair met, threw themselves into marketing the restaurant, starting with a bit of rebranding. It was the Ducks who came up with the moniker ‘Nooj Pub’. They also began producing bumper stickers, and estimate that over the last ten years they have given away some 40,000. The gambit paid off: many visitors to the area are pulled in after their curiosity is piqued by seeing the mysterious Nooj Pub bumper stickers on cars across the state.
In addition to bumper stickers and merchandise spanning from flannies and hoodies to hats and stubby holders, Simon and Rosie raised interest with a range of special events. Parma nights, pizza nights, pool events and live bands are just some of the ways the pair have brought people in over the years, and there’s always something fresh on the horizon.
ADVERTISEMENT
eat & drink
DOING IT FOR THE KIDS.
Noojee Pub has been hosting fundraising events for children’s charity Variety for over five years, raising around $50,000\ of life-changing money every year for children experiencing disadvantage, disability or illness.
Rosie spearheads the fundraising efforts, which include a meat raffle held each weekend, as well as a huge Family Fun Day
held annually around March. The event includes jumping castle and rides, food stalls and activities, and a duck race that sees 300 numbered ducks sent floating down the Yarra River. This year they managed to raise $13,000 on the Fun Day alone. Participating in Variety’s Brats Bash road trip event over the last couple of years, the family have raised a further $27,000.
Rosie says the best thing about supporting Variety is being able to provide those all-important funds to children in need. Recently she was part of a group who presented a $23,000 cheque to a Warrmambool boy for a service dog.
For information about the vital work of Variety, visit fundraise.variety.org.au
What keeps people coming back is the amazing atmosphere Simon and Rosie have worked to create. Simon explains, “The only rule that we’ve stuck to in 10 years is everyone is allowed to come and have a good time. One person’s good time shouldn’t affect another person’s good time.”
Nooj Pub prides itself on being a welcoming, family friendly space for young and old to enjoy. In fact, come along on a weekend and you might see Simon and Rosie’s cheeky toddler bossing about the wait staff, or 17-year-old chef’s apprentice Macca whipping up delicious meals.
On the menu are pub faves like parmas (in a range of styles), burgers, pizza and fish and chips, all cooked to perfection from fresh, quality produce. From appetisers to mains, there is also a range of dishes featuring delicious smoked trout sourced from the nearby Alpine Trout Farm.
ADVERTISEMENT
ALPINE TROUT FARM NOOJEE
Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or brand new to the sport, there’s fun for the whole family at the Alpine Trout Farm. Bring your gameface and the farm will supply rod, bait, net and bucket free of charge. Cook your catch at the on-site barbecue or take it home for later. Lucked out? You can also buy fresh or smoked trout, as well as smoked salmon, caviar, dips and drinks from the store.
Open to the public on weekends, school holidays and public holidays from 10:30am – 4pm. Call 03 5628 9584 for enquiries or visit alpinetroutfarm.com.au
TOORONGO FALLS RESERVE
Tucked away amongst the lush rainforest is the mesmerising Toorongo Falls. A 750m track winds uphill to the viewing platform, where you can watch the water cascade over tiered rocky outcrops. Take in the nearby Amphitheatre Falls with the 2.2km circuit walking trail.
A delight to the senses, the gallery can be found at 5 Falls Rd, Fish Creek.
NOOJEE HERITAGE CENTRE
Noojee Railway Station is a replica of the original station that opened in 1919, and features a 1950s J Class Locomotive as one of its exhibits. The Noojee Heritage Centre can be found in one of the station buildings, where knowledgeable volunteers are happy to guide you through the rich history of the area.
The Centre is located just beyond the Nooj Pub on on School Road and is open 12pm – 4pm on weekends and most public holidays; during the winter months from May – August, the Centre opens on Sundays only.
Visit noojeerailwaystationprecinct.com for more information.
NOOJEE TRESTLE BRIDGE RAIL TRAIL
Best accessed from the Noojee Heritage Centre car park, where you’ll also find toilets and picnic tables, the Trestle Bridge is an iconic piece of Noojee’s rail history. The first part of the walk is quite flat, before developing a gentle incline that provides views across the township. You’ll find the Trestle Bridge about 3km from the car park. Destroyed in the 1939 bushfires, it was rebuilt that year, and has since been restored twice. Enjoy picturesque scenery and fresh country air as you stroll.
Go to visitgippsland.com.au and search ‘Noojee Trestle Bridge’ for more.
TOORONGO RIVER CHALETS
Nestled amongst a serene bushscape, Toorongo River Chalets offers spacious and modern self-contained chalets, accommodating up to six guests each. Encompassing a vast 100 acres of land, guests can enjoy scenic walks, fishing, and wildlife watching. Staff are known for their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.
105 Toorongo Valley Road, Noojee | riverchalets.com.au
LITTLE RED DUCK CAFE
Little Red Duck is a popular cafe that serves delicious cafe food throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Customers can enjoy a range of menu items, such as frittatas, steak sandwiches, bagels, pies, muffins and slices. Gluten-free options are available. Patrons enjoy top service and a relaxing and cosy atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind with friends or family.
1 Bennet St, Noojee | (03) 5628 9613
TOOLSHED BAR, BISTRO AND CABINS
Toolshed Noojee offers a unique dining and accommodation experience in a picturesque bushland setting. The Toolshed Bistro serves delicious pub-style meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, while the Toolshed Bar offers a range of beers, wines and cocktails. Stay in one of their four cosy cabins and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. Check out their website for menus and upcoming events. Don’t miss this hidden gem in Noojee!
38 Loch Valley Rd, Noojee | toolshednoojee.com.au
411 Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road, Noojeet Noojeehotel.com.au Drop in as part of a day trip,
or plan for a warming winter meal on the way back from Mount Baw Baw
Group bookings are essential and can be made by calling (03) 5628 9514