PAGE 92 | LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE NOWA NOWA Discover the then and now in Nowa Nowa Once a bustling timber town, Nowa Nowa is becoming popular among tourists who visit to enjoy its natural beauty, fascinating history, art studios and galleries. Set at the junction of freshwater Boggy Creek and the estuarine waters of Lake Tyers – and about a 15-minute drive from Lakes Entrance – Nowa Nowa is an ideal spot for sightseers, birdwatchers and history buffs, as well as cyclists passing through on the East Gippsland Rail Trail. It's also a hotspot for anglers chasing the large flathead and bream that reside in the local lakes and river systems. The community is also home to several artists, who open their studios and galleries to visitors. There are many signposted walks around Nowa Nowa, which offer plenty of opportunities to spot interesting birds and wildlife, while the 1.2km Sculpture Walk – along the shores of the Nowa Nowa Arm – gives you a chance to enjoy interesting sculptural installations, created by local artists. Stony Creek Trestle Bridge Accessed via the Colquhoun Forest Drive, the historic Stony Creek Trestle Bridge was built in 1916 when the existing rail line from Melbourne to Bairnsdale was extended to Orbost. This 97-kilometre Bairnsdale-to-Orbost extension, through rugged terrain, was reputed to have been the most difficult rail project undertaken in Victoria. Built mainly from massive hardwood logs, and in service for over 60 years, the bridge was damaged by bushfire in 1980, with the last train crossing in 1987. At 247 metres long and 20 metres high, it is the largest standing trestle bridge of its kind in Australia, and is now listed on the Register of Historic Sites. Due to its deteriorating condition, the bridge itself is now fenced off, however there are two viewing areas: one close to the top of the bridge height, the other at the base. Pack a picnic as this is an ideal place to relax and admire the bridge and the lush native forest that surrounds it. Nowa Nowa General Store The Nowa Nowa General Store is family owned and operated by siblings Jeremy and Kristen Huggins. The store has recently undergone renovations bringing some more food options and a dine in area. The renovation includes a timber feature wall - using some of the last timber to come out of the sawmill in Nowa Nowa, offering a sense of history. A great place to stop, it is a handy Australia Post outlet and the store offers everything from coffee, food, fuel, groceries, bait & tackle, giftware, crystals and much more. The team members at the store are a wealth of knowledge, offering friendly and welcoming service - everyone is treated like a local. Nowa Nowa General Store is located at 2081 Princes Hwy, Nowa Nowa, and is open weekdays from 7am-5.30pm, and on weekends from 8am-5pm. You can call the store on (03) 51557209 or find them on Facebook. The spectacular Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is the largest standing trestle bridge of its kind in Australia. Owners Jeremy and Kristen Huggins. 2081 Princes Highway Nowa Nowa 3887 (03) 5155 7209 OPEN 7 DAYS • Family owned & operated • Australia Post • Bait & Fishing Tackle • Alcohol • Giftware & Crystals • Fresh Produce & Groceries • Fuel • Swap ‘n’ Go gas bottles • Plants AND SO MUCH MORE! PB25067 NOWA NOWA General Store Call in for a coffee and a snack. Inside & outside dining.
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