Nowa Nowa
Nowa Nowa 22 kms east from Lakes Entrance is a timber town set in magnificent bushland. There is good fishing nearby, numerous forest drives, walks and picnic spots and the Buchan Caves are not that far away. Take the C608 if driving to the caves.
Most people would not know that gold was discovered on Mount Nowa Nowa in 1887 causing a rush to the area however, only small deposits were found. Iron Ore was also discovered around this time.
Nowa Nowa was originally a coach stop between Lakes Entrance and Orbost prior to the railway which began in 1912.
Nowa Nowa means “Place of Mingling Waters” in the Kurnai tongue. The Mingling Waters Café on the highway is a great place to enjoy home made food and good coffee and there is a purpose built Ramsdell Gallery attached to the premises which houses a fine collection of wood sculptures including the root system of a giant Messmate tree which was estimated to be 2 to 3 hundred years old and 66 metres tall. There is also a fascinating Gemstone Collection housed in the gallery. Artwork and paintings are for sale to the general public. Outside there is a 130 year old timber jinker with ironbark wheels which was pulled by bullocks bringing timber to the mills and an early steam engine.
The town has a general store, motel/hotel, caravan parks and galleries. The original hotel was built over 100 years ago but burnt down in the 60’s. The current hotel provides good food and a cold ale on a hot day or for that matter any day. If you want to know the lay of the land head to the “local” accommodation is available. |
