Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Moe, Australia

In Victoria‘s Gippsland region, Moe is part of a series of connected communities within the industrial Latrobe Valley.

This creates a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape, where industrial cooling towers and open-cut coal mines soon transition into pastoral dairy farms and patches of remaining bushland.

Museums and attractions in the vicinity of Moe highlight the early days of European settlement and the significance of immigration to the development of Gippsland. Additionally, the historical industrial railways have been transformed into rail trails for leisurely walks amidst nature.

The southern foothills of the Great Dividing Range are situated just north of Moe, allowing for excursions to the Gold Rush town of Walhalla, which was once one of Australia’s wealthiest locations and now stands as a ghost town.

1. Old Gippstown – Gippsland’s Heritage Park

Moe’s primary attraction is a cherished outdoor museum showcasing Gippsland’s European settlement history.

Over forty heritage buildings populate this enchanting three-hectare site, dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century.

These structures have been relocated to Moe from across the region, with notable examples including Moe’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church (1889), a functioning waterwheel from Buxton, Sunny Creek School (1920s), Meeniyan National Bank (1899), and the Narracan General Store (1889).

Complementing these architectural treasures are impressive collections, including Australia’s largest publicly owned fleet of horse-drawn carriages, alongside antique furniture, books, documents, tools, military artifacts, machinery, and various pieces of unique memorabilia that bring history to life.

2. Moe-Yallourn Rail Trail

Traveling east from Bennett Street in the center of Moe, one can find an eight-kilometre trail following a former railway line.

Established in the 1950s, this branch connected to the main line at Moe, serving the Yallourn Power Station, its open-cut mine, and a briquette factory.

Ceasing operations in the 1980s, the route is now gravel-covered, providing an inviting path into the countryside.

Along the journey, one will traverse the Moe Botanic Gardens and tranquil creek flats while enjoying views of the Haunted Hills and Lake Narracan.

On warm days, a detour to the lake for a refreshing swim is an option, while the imposing cooling towers and smokestacks of the Yallourn Power Station stand in the east.

3. Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve

A unique aspect of Moe is the presence of a large area of remnant vegetation, one of the last of its kind in the Latrobe Valley.

Located just a few minutes south of the central business district, visitors can wander through native eucalyptus forests, along fern-lined creeks, and over wetland areas traversed by boardwalks.

Observation platforms allow for wildlife viewing, and informative maps and signs detail the reserve’s plant and animal species.

Orchids bloom year-round, while a wealth of wildflowers emerges in spring.

The landscape is moderately hilly, providing numerous opportunities for exploration through the smaller trails that branch from the main path.

4. Narracan Falls

Narracan Creek originates approximately 20 kilometers south-west of Moe, meandering through undulating agricultural land until it reaches the Latrobe River, just north of the town.

For a delightful outing, one can make the 15-minute journey south of Moe to visit this charming waterfall.

Standing about five meters tall, Narracan Falls is nestled among mature trees and surrounded by fields populated with sheep and cattle.

A brief, 50-meter trail leads from the parking area, and visitors may bring a picnic to enjoy this serene location.

5. Lake Narracan

The northern border of Moe is defined by a reservoir on the Latrobe River, constructed in the early 1960s to provide cooling water to local power stations.

Since Lake Narracan does not supply domestic water, it serves as a hub for various outdoor activities, especially during the summer months.

Permitted activities include motorized water sports such as jet skiing, powerboating, and water skiing, along with sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

A campground is located on the southern shore, adjacent to the Moe Golf Club, which boasts several holes overlooking the water.

The caravan park features a swimming area with a small sandy beach and a jetty, along with a grassy hill where visitors can relax under the gum trees.

6. Moe Botanical Gardens

This charming local park is situated on the east side of the CBD and connects to the Moe-Yallourn Rail Trail.

Within the gardens, one can find a diverse array of native and exotic trees, lush lawns, Narracan Creek, and winding paths, all enhanced by picnic tables, a barbecue shelter, and restroom facilities.

Additionally, the gardens feature an impressive railway-themed playground, making it a perfect destination for families. The playground includes a nest swing, flying fox, a water play area on the creek bed, a sand pit, and a locomotive for climbing.

7. Apex Park

For generations, families in Moe have frequented this park located near the town’s racecourse.

Apex Park offers nearly everything one could desire for a pleasant hour or two and serves as a venue for community outdoor events, including the Moe Community Carnival and Fireworks Display.

The park features tall, mature trees, spacious grassy areas for games, electric barbecues, a dog run, ample seating, restroom facilities, and a shelter.

For children, a large, inclusive playground is available, complete with a liberty swing and a nature play space that features a treehouse and wooden animal carvings.

8. Morwell Centenary Rose Garden

A garden of international renown is just a short distance away in Morwell.

This two-hectare space boasts over 3,500 roses, featuring both new hybrids and traditional varieties, meticulously arranged in well-maintained beds outlined by paving bricks.

Climbing roses adorn walls with splendid colors and fragrances, while meandering paths guide visitors through beds of rugosa, Austin, Delbard, floribunda, and hybrid tea roses.

On the garden’s south side, visitors can explore rose varieties cultivated in Australia and New Zealand, while the northern section features old and species roses within a quaint cottage garden.

9. Trafalgar Holden Museum

Located just ten minutes away in Trafalgar, a former butter factory from the 1930s has been transformed into a tribute to the iconic Australian automobile brand, Holden.

This establishment is the result of one enthusiast, Neil Joiner, who has amassed a significant collection that chronicles the history of Holden as a carmaker.

Noteworthy highlights include a 1963 EJ Holden, a 1965 Holden HD Premier, and a 1967 Holden HK, each with fewer than 21,000 kilometers on the odometer.

Accompanying these vehicles are an array of accessories and comprehensive information detailing the brand’s history, tracing back to its early beginnings as a saddlery in the mid-19th century.

10. Latrobe Regional Gallery

Morwell is home to one of the largest public galleries in eastern Victoria.

This facility features seven exhibition spaces and presents a vibrant program of shows featuring works across various media by regional and national touring artists.

The Latrobe Regional Gallery also maintains an outstanding collection of over 1,400 pieces, including Australian fine art from various periods, Australian sculpture displayed in the sculpture garden, Asian art, glass works, and art reflecting the history of the Gippsland region.

Furthermore, the gallery regularly organizes tours, talks, children’s activities, and workshops, and boasts a café as well as a gift shop offering interesting items created by local artists and craftspeople.

11. Moe Outdoor Pool

For families, the summers in Moe are significantly enhanced by this public outdoor pool, which is open from the end of November until the beginning of March.

This facility has undergone renovations in recent years and features an eight-lane 50-meter pool for lap swimming, along with a shallow pool with a beach entry for leisure and enjoyment.

Additionally, there is a diving pool and an interactive water play area for children.

The entire area is bordered by spacious grassy fields offering ample shade, complemented by an electric barbecue and a kiosk for refreshments.

12. Gippsland Immigration Park

This lovely location adjacent to Morwell Lake provides insight into the crucial role of immigration in Gippsland’s development.

The Gippsland Heritage Walk encircles the shoreline and leads visitors past the elegant Kernot Hall, featuring 72 information boards that explore the region’s history from multiple perspectives, including that of the Aboriginal Gunaikurnai people.

The park’s centerpiece is the Immigration Wall of Recognition, where granite panels pay homage to the achievements of local immigrant families.

These segments surround an inspiring statue that symbolizes a newly arrived migrant, bag in hand and shielding his eyes from the Australian sun.

13. Tyers Junction Rail Track

The former Tyers Valley Tramway, a narrow-gauge line built in the 1920s to transport timber from the slopes of Mount Baw Baw, is now accessible for hiking.

Although the line ceased operation in 1949, visitors can hike along the historic route up the Tyers Valley.

The trailhead is conveniently located on the Moe-Walhalla Road, and this unpaved path gracefully ascends the valley over a smooth gradient for 11 kilometers.

Along this adventurous route, hikers will encounter fern-filled valleys, rainforests, and cross over small creeks.

14. Walhalla

When visiting Moe, you’ll be in an ideal position to explore the southern end of the Great Dividing Range.

In close proximity lies the Gold Rush town of Walhalla, nestled within the wooded valley of Stringers Creek. By the latter half of the 19th century, this area had become one of Australia’s wealthiest, but as gold reserves dwindled, the population has decreased significantly, with only about 20 residents recorded in the last census.

Today, Walhalla exists as a tourist destination, allowing visitors to experience the historic Gold Rush era amid picturesque upland scenery that exhibits vibrant autumn colors.

A heritage walk through the town features over 30 interpretive signs, and one can also view the original gold mining sites at the Long Tunnel Extended Mine.

An essential experience is the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, which traverses the picturesque Stringers Creek gorge via remarkable trestle bridges, on a route that once connected Moe to Walhalla.

15. Traralgon Farmers’ Market

If your travels bring you to Latrobe City on the fourth Saturday of the month, consider visiting this award-winning market located a short distance to the east.

Organized by the local Lions Club and situated on the charming Kay Street, the farmers’ market offers a selection of fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, cheese, eggs, meats, jams, bread, olive oil, tea, pastries, condiments, and much more, directly from the growers and producers.

While attending the market, shoppers can enjoy live music, with activities for children such as face painting available.

Be sure to come with an appetite to savor the enticing food and beverages prepared onsite, ranging from pies to Chinese street food.