The scenic Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is just off the Princes Highway between Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance, four hours drive east of Melbourne.

At 276 metres long and 20 metres high, it is one of the largest standing bridges of its kind in Victoria.

This iconic and heritage-listed bridge was built in 1916 when the railway line from Melbourne to Bairnsdale was extended to Orbost.

Constructed using red ironbark and grey box timber, the bridge is a fine example of early engineering skills. It remained in regular service for over 60 years until it was damaged by bushfire in 1980, with the last train crossing in 1988.

Today, the Stony Creek Trestle Bridge is a popular stop along the East Gippsland Rail Trail, which stretches for almost 100km between Bairnsdale and Orbost. The bridge can be viewed from an elevated viewing platform or from the carpark at the base of the bridge where you will also find picnic tables and toilet facilities.

Visitors looking to extend their stay can enjoy a picnic or camp overnight at nearby Cosstick’s Weir, hit the trails at Nowa Nowa mountain bike park, or grab refreshments or accommodation at the nearby towns of Nowa Nowa, Bruthen or Lakes Entrance.