Nicholson: River Crossing, Rail Trail and Wine

In Nicholson, a striking trail bridge, a riverside area with several facilities, and a winery offering tastings come together. This makes the town an appealing destination for trips that combine activity by the water, nature and a culinary visit. When choosing a holiday rental, you can start by considering whether you want to focus your stay on the Rail Trail, time by the river or a wine tasting.

A river crossing on the East Gippsland Rail Trail

The East Gippsland Rail Trail runs from Bairnsdale to Nicholson on a sealed surface and crosses the river here via a spectacular bridge. Nicholson is the trail’s river crossing; the bridge is dedicated to walking and cycling. This section therefore combines a clearly defined route with a striking crossing over the river. If you enjoy walking or cycling, you can make the trail the focus of a day out. The bridge provides a distinctive landmark along the route, while the sealed surface describes the character of this section of the trail.

Time by the water and facilities in Nicholson

Nicholson River Reserve has toilets, a shelter, an electric barbecue, a boat ramp, a fishing platform and a jetty. The facilities range from practical amenities to specific ways to enjoy the water. You can plan your visit to the reserve around whether you’re interested in fishing, boating or spending time at the shelter.

In Nicholson, a path also runs along the riverbank beneath the road bridge to barbecue facilities in the Nicholson Wharf area. The path and the facilities at the wharf provide another point of reference for spending time by the river. This makes it easy to distinguish between different interests: the Rail Trail is for walking or cycling and crossing the river, while the reserve and wharf offer facilities by the water.

Revegetation and waterbirds

On the western riverbank, on both sides of Nicholson’s former railway bridge, a project is underway to restore a remnant of rainforest. There is an information board, as well as a picnic bench and a memorial bench. The board and the two benches highlight different aspects of the place: information, somewhere to picnic and a place for remembrance.

On the approach to town lies the Bosses Swamp wetland. It is often a habitat for spoonbills, swans and other waterbirds. The two nature attractions therefore have different focuses: the riverside project is about restoring a remnant of rainforest, while Bosses Swamp is a wetland and its birdlife. On a shared outing, the information board and the named bird species offer different starting points for conversations about nature.

Wine tasting and an annual fishing event

Nicholson River Winery was established in 1978 and is run by Juliet and Ken Eckersley. Wine tastings are available at the cellar door, which is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Opening hours may change, so call before your visit.

For anglers, the Twin Rivers Bream Classic is also a seasonal point of interest. Held annually in July, the event puts Nicholson, Swan Reach and Johnsonville on anglers’ radar. If you’d like to plan your trip around the event, check the specific dates. Wine tasting and the fishing event offer two different ways to plan: a visit on the stated opening days or a trip timed around the July event.

Plan your stay around your interests

The Rail Trail is a good fit for a stay focused on walking or cycling; the reserve, riverside path and wharf offer other ways to enjoy the water. Nature lovers can explore the revegetation project and Bosses Swamp as distinct attractions. If you’re planning a wine tasting or the Twin Rivers Bream Classic, also take the opening hours or specific event dates into account. This way, you can choose accommodation that suits the experiences that matter to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Smiths Gully, Bulleen, Musk, Hamilton, Cape Otway, Eagle Point, Geelong, Kerang.

For the main travel overview: Victoria.