Longitude: 148.618573 Latitude: -37.689411
Located on the northern flank of the Princes Highway, some 17 km east of the township of Orbost, the Murrungowar Rest Area is equipped with some sheltered seating, picnic tables, wood fired BBQ’s and public toilets – perfect for a rejuvenating break or an overnight stay.
The fifteen minute walking track meandering through the forest, offers the traveller an opportunity to stretch their legs, quietly take in the surroundings and absorb the fresh, clean smells of the Australian Bush.
For those with a bit of time to spare, the Murrungowar Forest Drive is a 34 km round trip that meanders its way through a zone of varied forest habitats – much of which has been harvested and is slowly regenerating; some areas of mature forests reserved for the natural fauna of the area; and, in the gully of Dyer Creek, an area of Warm Temperate Rain Forest which thrives in the moist protected gullies of Australia. Unlike Eucalypt Forests, Rain Forests occur due to the absence of fire. It is interesting to note that millions of years ago, Rain Forest was the dominant vegetation across most of Australia, however, now only remnants remain . . . Some 8.5 km into the drive, with a 300 m detour down the Jirrah Track, the site of the once thriving township of Murrungowar – with hotel, store, post office and school is revealed. The 1890’s saw hopeful pioneers infiltrate the area, with the promise of a railway extending from Orbost to their town. They cleared the land, created a township, commenced farming (mainly vegetables and cattle), however, the promised railway never eventuated, and, with such isolation, many of the farms were abandoned . . .
Helpful Hints:
– Some 17 km east from the Orbost Town Centre- obtain Directions here
– Medium Area
– Adjacent to Walking
– Points Of Interest nearby
– Things to Do nearby
– Locate your closest shopping:
– Take Away Food Outlets
– Convenience Stores
– Petrol Stations
– Groceries
