Bruthen

Bruthen is a small rural village situated 24 kilometres north-east of Bairnsdale on the Great Alpine Road which continues on across the Great Diving Range to Mount Hotham, Bright and Wangaratta. Bruthen features an attractive commercial centre, consisting of a number of speciality shops, a general store circa 1860 and the historic post office circa 1890. Shady gardens with a rotunda and picnic areas are situated beside the town’s main street.

Oozing country charm and historical character, this village which is perched above Tambo River Flats, is a perfect place from which to set off on the Food and Wine Trail. Once a rest stop for weary fortune hunters heading to East Gippsland’s gold diggings, the village of Bruthen is set at the fork in the road between the High Country, Gippsland Lakes and the Hinterland. Just 24 kilometres from Bairnsdale on the Great Alpine Road, Bruthen oozes country charm and historical character. Stock up on supplies and walk or cycle out of town – many of the region’s easy bushwalks start here. The East Gippsland Rail Trail which passes through town on its way between Bairnsdale and Orbost following the route of the old railway, is a popular trail with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The Tambo River is located just to the south of town and it makes its journey into the Gippsland Lakes system via Swan Reach, entering Lake King north of the fishing village of Metung.The Fairy Dell Flora Reserve is located west of Bruthen, accessed via Eleven Mile Road. This thick forested park features picnic areas and walking tracks through the temperate rainforest. During February of each year, the Annual Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival brings an amazing line-up of serious Blues musicians, a family-friendly atmosphere, a colourful market and plenty of kids activities which is a signature event for the town of Bruthen.