Lakes Coast Visitor Guide

PAGE 68 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE BRUTHEN A quaint, leafy and picturesque village by the river Bruthen – at the southern end of the Great Alpine Road – is a quaint, historic and leafy village that's well worth the stop. Perched above the Tambo River, where the mountains level out and meet the river flats, the village has ample parking for cars and caravans, as well as a lovely central green park, with First Nationsinspired art installations, beautifully-tended flowerbeds, a picnic rotunda and toilet facilities. It's worth dropping by the Bruthen Art and Information Centre at the eastern end of Main Street, for some friendly pointers, information and maps covering Bruthen and surrounding regions. The Centre also has a small gallery featuring a variety of work by talented local artisans. Next to the Centre you'll find the Bruthen Heritage Precinct, which features an old fettler's hut and a former police lockup that have displays of days gone by, including fascinating images and stories of the local Indigenous people, explorers, stock routes, bushrangers, gold diggers and railway workers. For motorbike tourers, Bruthen is an ideal place to stretch your legs before heading north up the Alpine Road, or continuing east to Orbost, Marlo and beyond. It's also a popular rest stop for cyclists enjoying the flat and easy East Gippsland Rail Trail, which passes through the town. Interesting shops and relaxing walks At Bruthen, you can walk to parks, cafés, a bakery, an op shop, secondhand/vintage collections, a honey shop, and a brewery, with smiling, helpful and friendly locals at every turn. One excellent way to take-in the town is on the Bruthen Town and River Walk, which traverses the main street and loops back to your starting point, past the serene and scenic Tambo River. Another lovely spot is the 1.4-kilometre Fairy Dell Walking Track, which is tucked into the Bruthen State Forest, just a 14-minute drive from town. Here you can walk among rainforest, moss covered logs, a creek, and giant tree ferns. The scenic loop is relatively easy with short sections of steps. To find out more about Bruthen and surrounds, go to either bruthendistrict.org.au or visitgippsland.com.au The Fairy Dell Walking Track near Bruthen. Photo: Visit Gippsland TAMBO RIVER TAMBO RIVER BRUTHEN BUCHAN RD BRU GREAT ALPINE RD GREAT ALPINE RD GREAT ALPINE RD SEEHUSEN AVE CHURCH ST STATION RD FAIRY DELL BAIRNSDALE TO BUCHAN TO ENSAY, SWIFT’S CREEK & OMEO TO Police bruthen3885 Welcome to Scan here for full detailed map Distance from Melbourne: 306km Population: 800 approx. Amenities: Historic post o ce, eateries, variety of accommodation options, specialty shop, fuel, and picturesque main street gardens.

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