Rail bridge puts historic town of Orbost back on track
The historic timber town of Orbost, surrounded by dense Australian bushland, was forced to postpone its much-anticipated Australian wood design competition due to bushfires but there’s still plenty to do and see.
Everyone from history buffs to Instagram fans will enjoy what’s on offer in the historic timber town of Orbost.
River and lake-front camping grounds, walking and cycling tracks and picnic spots abound in the region, but there is also a plethora of upmarket accommodation options on offer.
The longest timber rail bridge in Victoria is just outside Orbost and is visible from the Princes Highway.
The spectacular wooden trestle viaduct was part of the railway line across the Snowy River floodplain and is a popular photo backdrop.
Despite its wide appeal, visitation to the Orbost region had dropped more than 90 per cent in the wake of the recent fires and traders were suffering, Melissa Dooley from the town’s Slab Hut Visitor Information Centre said.
“It’s hard for the local businesses to keep going without tourists,” she said. “They are banking on tourist numbers really picking up at Easter, so they can get through the winter.”
The historic timber town, surrounded by dense bushland, was forced to postpone its much-anticipated wood design competition because of bushfires. But a permanent display of some of the country’s finest woodwork remains on show at the Orbost Exhibition Centre for tourists to enjoy.
The selection of polished wood pieces, sculptures and art is just one thing to admire in the Snowy River village, famous for its fresh country air and natural beauty.
Many of the locally made arts and crafts at the Exhibition Centre are for sale.
While some roads in the area are still closed, Ms Dooley said there are many walking and driving routes open and safe to travel.
A short drive from coastal Lakes Entrance, beautiful Marlo and the quiet, pristine waters of Cape Conran, Orbost is a gateway to both the bush and beach, she said.
The town itself could be explored in just a couple of hours on hired bikes or via a gentle, self-guided walking tour.
At the Orbost indoor market, custom has been slow for weeks now.
Robert Gaudion oversees the sale of homemade goods ranging from hand-knitted babies’ jumpers to soaps, preserves, jams and tea cosies.
He’s praying that once the smoke clears and the fire threat in the area is completely gone, business will boom once more.
Originally published as Rail bridge puts historic town of Orbost back on track
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