WALK, RUN OR RIDE THEM THIS WINTER

Rokeby Flora and Fauna Trail

This shorter, 1 km trail traverses through the Rokeby Flora and Fauna Reserve. You can find the entrance on the left side of Brandy Creek Road, past the Rokeby Hall.

Easing into the trail, you are led down the hill, through a small section of pine trees. Take some deep breaths in and notice the fresh pine scent as you walk. Pine trees are an introduced species and were planted by the early settlers for their ornamental value in landscaping.

Shortly into the walk, if you take a right turn, you will end up in a peaceful, secluded spot next to the flowing Tarago River. There’s a picnic table where you can sit and take it all in. It’s also a fishing spot.

If you explore the short trails alongside the river, you may be lucky enough to find the hidden Bower Bird’s nest. Distinctive and unique, the nest sits on the ground and is made of two short parallel walls of twigs and straw, which create a narrow corridor. Surrounding it is a collection of random small blue items that the elusive Satin Bower Bird has collected to impress and attract a female.

Words By Megan Woolfe | Photos By Doug Pell

Step back to the railway days…

On a momentous day in 1890, people in the small mining settlement in Red Jacket Creek (close to Rokeby) would have been elated that the newly constructed 10-mile rail track to Warragul was finally opened.

Imagine the excitement on the faces of men, women and children as they watched the first mighty steam train power along the narrow track. The loud puffs and hissing reverberating through the bush would alert people at the next station that it would arrive soon.

Construction of the track continued for another year to extend the line all the way to Neerim South. In the meantime, passengers would step off at Rokeby Station and get a horse drawn carriage to Neerim.

You’ll notice that there are sections where the track drops and other parts where the trail has been cut out of hills, with steep inclines on either side. This was dug by hand and with explosives. Imagine how tough and exhausting it would have been for the construction workers, spending long days digging and shovelling dirt and gravel.

Timber, potatoes, milk and gravel were some of the goods transported by train. In the 1950s, road transport started to replace the steam trains. The railway maintenance costs were so high that it was no longer viable and the rail line was officially closed in 1958.

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